Here Are The 10 Most Expensive Luxury Foods In The World

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Kobe beef is a unique variety of meat that comes from Wagyu cattle. To earn the Kobe label, the cattle must be born, raised, and processed specifically in Hyogo Prefecture in western Japan. 

Their diet contributes to the beef's higher fat content and signature tenderness. For the meat to be classified as Kobe, it must achieve top marks in both marbling and overall quality. Only 3,000 to 4,000 Kobe cattle are brought to market annually.

In Malaysia, Kobe beef is considered a premium delicacy and is priced accordingly. An authentic Japanese A5 Kobe beef can cost around RM450 to RM500 for a 100g portion, depending on the specific cut and preparation. 

There are less than 10 certified cattle imported into Malaysia annually, making it an exclusive offering.

White truffles, also known as Alba truffles, are among the most expensive truffles worldwide. Typically, they are shaved over dishes such as pasta, risotto, or eggs to enhance their richness.

Primarily found in the Piedmont region of Italy, as well as parts of Croatia and Slovenia, their high price is largely due to their unique growing process. White truffles require a symbiotic relationship with tree roots, where the fungus aids the tree in absorbing water and minerals, while the tree provides sugars to the truffle. 

This complex relationship is difficult to replicate artificially, meaning most truffles are foraged rather than cultivated. Their reliance on forest animals for spore dispersal also contributes to their rarity.

Because of these factors, white truffles command steep prices. Internationally, a single ounce of white truffles can cost upwards of USD250 (RM1,028). 

In Malaysia, white truffles can fetch prices of up to RM6,000 per kilo at high-end restaurants or specialty food markets​.

Beluga caviar is harvested from the beluga sturgeon. However, their popularity has had severe consequences for sturgeon populations, as excessive fishing has pushed the species to the brink of extinction, leading to its classification as critically endangered.

The overfishing of beluga sturgeon has driven caviar prices to skyrocket. For instance, beluga caviar can command prices exceeding USD5,000 (RM20,800) per kilogram internationally. 

In the United States, beluga caviar is banned due to concerns over the species' survival.

Saffron, derived from the dried stigmas of the saffron crocus, is a highly prized spice known for its floral, honey-like, slightly bitter flavour. It's used in cuisines from Iran, Morocco, India, and more.

Saffron's costliness stems from its difficult harvesting process, as each flower produces just three strands, which must be handpicked. As of 2023, saffron sells for USD10 (RM41) to USD20 (RM83) per gram, with prices in Malaysia reaching over RM200 per gram. 

Cheaper alternatives are likely counterfeits, lacking the distinct taste of authentic saffron.

Matsutake mushrooms are among the most coveted and expensive mushrooms globally, particularly valued in Japanese cuisine for their strong, earthy aroma and firm texture. They are primarily found in Japan, but also in parts of China, Korea, and the Pacific Northwest of the United States.

These mushrooms cannot be cultivated reliably and are foraged from the roots of red pine trees. Unfortunately, a type of roundworm harming these trees has drastically reduced harvests over the last 70 years, causing prices to soar to around USD1,000 (RM4,150) per pound. Given their rarity, they deserve to be the highlight of any dish.

In Malaysia, Matsutake mushrooms can be quite expensive, often costing around RM100 to RM300 per kilogram. In some cases, Matsutake mushrooms harvested from Japan can exceed RM500 per kilogram, depending on the harvest.

Kopi luwak is produced from beans that have been eaten and excreted by Asian palm civets, small mammals native to Indonesia. The beans ferment in the civet's digestive tract before being collected from droppings, washed, and roasted, yielding a coffee with a rich, smooth flavour and hints of chocolate and caramel.

This coffee ranks among the most expensive in the world. In Malaysia, kopi luwak is available at various cafes and specialty coffee shops, with prices ranging from approximately RM155 to RM205 for 100 grams.

However, ethical concerns exist regarding some producers who keep civets in poor conditions for mass production, which can negatively impact their health. It is important to source kopi luwak from ethical suppliers to ensure the civets' wellbeing.

Iberico ham is a renowned cured ham produced in Spain and Portugal, celebrated for its complex, nutty flavour. It is typically served in thin slices, allowing its rich taste to shine through.

This meat comes from the Iberian pig, a breed noted for its unique flavour and texture. These pigs are free to roam and thrive on a diet rich in acorns, which contributes to the ham's distinctive taste. The meat is then salted, dried, and aged for up to three years, a process that adds to its exceptional quality.

Due to the lengthy production time, Iberico ham can be quite costly, with a single leg weighing between 13 to 17 pounds priced anywhere from USD500 (RM2,082) to USD4,500 (RM18,740). 

In Malaysia, you can find Iberico ham at upscale restaurants and gourmet shops, where prices may range from RM450 to RM1,200 per kilogram, depending on the quality and origin of the ham.

Densuke watermelon, also referred to as black watermelon, is exclusively cultivated on the island of Hokkaido in northern Japan. Recognised for its distinctive black rind and crisp red flesh, it boasts exceptional sweetness, with flavours often compared to hints of strawberry or honeydew melon.

These melons thrive in the volcanic soil of Hokkaido, which is abundant in minerals and nutrients. They require a cool climate and ample water for optimal growth. Densuke watermelons are meticulously hand-picked at peak ripeness, then washed and packaged for shipment.

With only around 10,000 melons produced each year, their rarity contributes significantly to their high price of approximately USD250 (RM1,040).

Bluefin tuna is a key ingredient in sushi and sashimi in Japan. It is known for its rich, buttery flavour, and tender texture. Unfortunately, this has led to significant overfishing in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, rendering bluefin tuna an endangered species. 

The combination of its popularity and fishing limitations contributes to the high cost of bluefin tuna. For instance, a 212kg bluefin tuna fetched an astonishing USD273,000 (RM1.1 million) at auction in Tokyo in January 2023, amounting to roughly USD1,287 (RM5,360) per kilogram. 

In sushi restaurants, individual pieces of bluefin tuna can range from USD10 (RM41) to USD80 (RM333).

Ruby Roman grapes are a rare and exclusive variety cultivated solely in Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture. Renowned for their round shape, deep red colour, and thick skin, these grapes can weigh up to 20 grams each and possess a sweet, rich flavour.

Farmers carefully cultivate Ruby Roman grapes, limiting the yield per vine to ensure exceptional quality. Once fully ripe, they are hand-picked and packed for distribution. 

Prices vary based on quality, with "superior" bunches costing between RM375 and RM580, "special superior" bunches ranging from RM750 to RM1,875, and the rarest "premium" bunches fetching up to RM4,200.