Squish bugs, squash 'em, yell at them, spray Raid like a maniac--but surely don't eat them. I must admit that after seeing a recent article about bugs being the new protein-packed cuisine--not to mention seeing photos of deep-fried scorpions, worm salads and chicken stuffed waterbugs, my stomach turned over. And over. But calling myself adventurous, I volunteered to see what all the fuss was about--and regretted it the minute I saw the scorpions atop a mini shrimp toast on my table.
Determined not to chicken out, I dipped the cake in the sweet and sour sauce and downed it--each bite made me wonder where the nearest hospital was, in case I needed a quick stomach pump. The scorpion appetizer was followed by Taiwanese crickets (never mind that they were browned and assuming the dead-bug position) which were stir-fried in garlic and chile peppers and had a french fry-like consistency. After the last cricket and scorpions were crunched and washed down by many chugs of Thai iced tea, I sat, waiting for the food to spontaneously come up. It didn't, but I wasn't full either.
The manager told us that crickets are their most popular insect dish. All in all, I had one thing to say about the whole experience--I could have had a turkey burger.
