Thailand is considered by many a paradise for food lovers along with its wonderful beaches, scenery, and nightlife. There is one thing that many visitors to Thailand will encounter sellers selling insects to eat at markets. For many Westerners, it is strange to see people eating insects. So, is it safe to eat insects in Thailand?
Yes, it is relatively safe to eat insects in Thailand. Most insects and bugs to be eaten in Thailand are fried or dried and salted making them safe to eat. For some locals, insects are a nice snack and there are even considered a nice protein snack.
In this post, we will go through whether it is safe to eat insects in Thailand. Let’s get started!
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Is It Safe To Eat Insects In Thailand?
Yes, it is relatively safe to eat insects in Thailand. Insects and bugs in Thailand are prepared to be eaten as they are fried or dried and salted making them safe to eat.
For some locals, insects are a nice snack even can even be considered a nice snack.
What Insects Can You Eat In Thailand?
You will find insects to eat mainly in the markets around Thailand where they offer plenty of insects to eat. The popular types of insects you can eat are as follows.
- Silkworms.
- Crickets.
- Water beetles.
- Grasshoppers.
- Water bugs.
- Bamboo worms.
- Cockroaches.
- Spiders.
Where Can I Eat Insects In Thailand?
There are a number of places where you will have the chance to eat insects. These are as follows.
- On Khaosan Road in Bangkok, there are stalls that sell insects to eat. A little touristy.
- Phuket has markets and stalls, particularly near Bangla Road.
- Markets all over Thailand will sell insects to eat.
Why Do People Eat Insects In Thailand?
The local Thai people, particularly those from northern Thailand, always ate insects but today it more affordable snack. Insects that are eaten are silkworms, beetles, crickets, ants, and so on. But it is not part of their daily food intake. Insects are a good source of protein.
The scorpions are more so for tourists and have become a bit of a tourist attraction or thing to do.
Is It Safe To Eat Raw Insects?
No, it is not safe to eat raw insects. The main problem with eating raw insects is that they carry bacteria and parasites. The insect to be eaten should be prepared properly but washing and frying the insect to help make it safe.
You also have to remember that there are insects that are poisonous and cooking them does not kill the toxins or poison.
It is worth noting that most raw insects are safer than raw mammal meat, assuming the insect is recently alive or is alive. So getting nonpoisonous insects from the field and eating them probably won’t hurt you but not the safest thing to do.
Is It Dangerous For Humans To Eat Insects Alive?
Non-toxic bugs and edible bugs are considered good sources of protein and contain no fat. In a lot of countries, insects are part of a staple diet. If the insects are alive when you put them into your mouth, they will die fairly quickly once you start chewing.
And on the off chance that they are still wriggling as they go down the hatch, the acid in your stomach will kill them instantly.
Why Do People Find Eating Bugs Disgusting?
Simply, it comes down to cultural norms, particularly in Western countries. People are disgusted by eating insects but it is more the thought of eating an insect.
USEFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES
Book Accommodation
Booking.com has a large range of properties from hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and resorts where you will find the best deals. Airbnb and Hostelworld also have a good range of places to stay at good prices.
Booking Flight
Skyscanner is a flight search comparison website that searches millions of flights all at once. Ultimately it is the best flight comparison website online at the moment.
Booking Transportation & Things To Do
Rome2rio and 12Go are useful to plan how to get anywhere by searching train, bus, car, and ferry routes. Especially useful in countries like Vietnam or Thailand. While Klook is great for exploring things to do in each place.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is cheap and more than likely you will never need to use it but you will have peace of mind if something does happen, you are covered in case of an emergency. World Nomads have great customer service and competitive prices.
Check out our resource page for the best companies to use when you travel.
Wrapping Up
Finally, it is relatively safe to eat insects in Thailand. Most insects and bugs in Thailand are fried or dried and salted making them safe to eat. For some locals, insects are a nice snack as they are even considered a nice snack.
And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this guide on whether it is safe to eat insects in Thailand has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.
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