People Are Paying RM18 For Egg Tarts Topped With Giant Water Beetles
A restaurant in Guangdong has gone viral for selling egg tarts topped with crispy diving beetles. Would you try it?
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A restaurant in China is taking culinary risks to a whole new level by topping egg tarts with insects
A local eatery in Shunde, Guangdong, recently introduced a "water roach egg tart", featuring a giant, crispy insect perched atop the pastry.
Priced at 28 yuan (RM18) for three, the unusual treat quickly became a viral sensation on Chinese social media, according to South China Morning Post.
Despite its unappetising appearance, restaurant owner Pan clarified that the "water roach" is actually an edible diving beetle
He explained that preparing the bugs requires meticulous work, starting with a deodorising process before frying them at a carefully controlled temperature.
The wings are left intact for visual flair, creating a sweet and savoury bite that Pan described as "a layer of crispy potato crisp on top of an egg tart".
The aquatic beetle is highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine for its purported ability to nourish the skin and kidneys.
It is also believed to improve blood circulation, resolve blood stasis, and strengthen muscles and bones.
Pan claimed that he sells about 20 sets a day, with curious foodies travelling from Guangzhou and Hong Kong to try them
Unsurprisingly, the Internet had mixed feelings, with some locals also feeling nauseated by the sight.
"I can't even stand looking at it, let alone eating it," one social media user commented.
Guangdong is notorious for its giant flying cockroaches, adding to the online hysteria surrounding the dish.
Undeterred by the squeamish reviews, Pan plans to continue creating innovative dishes with dietary therapy effects for his adventurous customers.
