Weird Chinese Food › Insects & Bugs
Fried Bamboo Worms
竹虫 · zhúchóng
Bravery rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️·· Brave
What does fried bamboo worms taste like?
Probably the most beginner-friendly bug. Deep-fried bamboo worms are light and crisp like a puffed snack or a french-fry tip, with a mild, buttery, slightly sweet taste. Nothing gooey inside once they're fried properly.
Footage: Aqiang Eats China on YouTube
Where to eat it in China
A seasonal speciality of Yunnan, especially Xishuangbanna and Dai-minority restaurants, and insect stalls in Kunming. Also eaten in northern Thailand and Myanmar.
How much does it cost?
Typical range: one of the pricier insects, often sold by weight in restaurants — expect a small plate to cost noticeably more than grasshoppers.
⚠️ Safety tips
Shellfish-allergy warning applies to all insects. Make sure they are fried until fully crisp.
🎥 Watch us eat it
Insect stall with bamboo worms in Kunming, Yunnan (starts at 25:45)
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FAQ
Are bamboo worms actually worms?
No — they're the larvae of a moth that lives inside bamboo stems.
Which insect should a first-timer try?
Bamboo worms: mild taste, no strong smell, and a crunchy texture.