10 Unusual Foods and How They’re Made: A Culinary Journey Around the World

4. Surströmming – Sweden’s Fermented Herring

Where: Sweden

How It’s Made: Fresh Baltic herring is salted and fermented in barrels for months, allowing lactic acid bacteria to break down the fish. The result is a notoriously pungent delicacy with an overwhelming odor. It is traditionally served outdoors with flatbread, potatoes, and onions to balance the strong flavors.