Weird Chinese Food › Insects & Bugs
Fried Grasshoppers
炸蚂蚱 · zhá màzha
Bravery rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️·· Brave
What does fried grasshoppers taste like?
Crunchy, salty and a bit grassy, a little like a crisp fried shrimp. The legs can be scratchy, so some people pull them off. Usually seasoned with chili, salt and cumin.
Where to eat it in China
Insect stalls in Yunnan, and a countryside snack in parts of Shandong and Hebei. Also sold at some night markets in bigger cities.
How much does it cost?
Typical range: a cheap snack — usually a few dozen yuan or less for a skewer or small bag.
⚠️ Safety tips
Shellfish-allergy warning applies. Insects should be fully cooked to kill parasites; don't eat raw ones.
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FAQ
Do grasshoppers taste good?
Most people say they taste like whatever seasoning is on them — crunchy, salty and a little grassy.