There is a popular saying that goes, "the Chinese would eat everything with its back facing the skies"
I am not sure the extent of the truth in this, but I have seen my fair share of the bizarre things people around the world (not only the Chinese) would put into their mouths; things that I shudder when the mere mention of them passed my lips.
I guess there is just so much more out there that people would just taste or gulp it down; be it for adventure or to satisfy hunger, and what I have seen so far is just a glimpse.
China is reputed for being one of the most adventurous lot when it comes to exotic eats, and though I have yet to really venture into the places which offer such insights, I do really believe that they are indeed, open to anything that they can put into their mouths.
I am not about to discuss the legality; let alone the ethics and morality of it all.
My visit to the capital of China offered that tiny window into that reputation of the daring eats among the locals.
It was not out of my expectations when I did my research on this famous street, but still, when I came to see it live before my eyes, it was rather a challenge to both the gut and heart.
Thankfully, it was just a glimpse; a tiny window into that whole array of the exotic tastes.
Wangfujing (王府井) Street in Beijing is one famous street in the capital that everyone will mention; for it is not confined to only the street food mentioned but the entire district is a popular commercial area with shopping and retail outlets drawing crowds from tourists and locals.
The whole area is inaccessible by private cars to allow pedestrians to walk freely around, enjoying the many offerings from the shops, malls, and streets within the district.
The buzz in the area, stemming from the commercialization is not a thing of today; and has been the phenomenon since the reign of the Qing Dynasty.
Residences of the royal families; of princes and also the aristocrats were built in this area following the discovery of a well filled with water that tasted sweet.
It is for this reason that the street was named as such; directly translated as the 'Prince Mansion's Well' - Wangfujing(王府井).
Wangfujing Food Street is the one which will draw attention; with stalls lined up and the aroma from the food fills the air while eager voices of the sellers calls out to potential patrons.
It is not a long street; rather I was quite surprised to find that it was quite a brief walk through the food street, but it was more than enough to see what they have to offer on the exotic plate.
From scorpions to seahorses, starfish and fat worms, there is not everything but already enough to send my gut into a state of frenzy and for me to call for the protection act.
Some of the creatures mentioned are even still wriggling (I have captured them in videos which I will upload soon on my page and Youtube).
While I am sure there are many edible delicacies (depends on individuals' definition of edible), I would advise caution when it comes to dealing with these street vendors, as also emphasized by the Chinese local government.
Tips
Ask for the prices and clarify the item you are about to purchase.
Bargain if you want, and walk away if you find it is too unreasonable.
You do not have to settle for everything they ask for, you are still entitled to your own consumer rights.
I am not sure about the freshness of the items either; but some of the food are prepared on the spot, such as the spring rolls, beef balls and soup.
It is entirely one's own discretion on buying or sampling the food from the street, and the same applies everywhere in the world too, I am sure.
It is an interesting sight too, though peculiar for me, but it was indeed an eye opener as I take in the glimpse of the bizarre food on display; which I believe is just the tip of the iceberg.
I could not say the same for my gut though.
It is indeed not for the weak hearted, nor stomach.
I may have lost my appetite then, I will pass, thank you very much.
More photos from Wangfujing Food Street
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