Weird Chinese Food › Insects & Bugs
Silkworm Pupae
蚕蛹 · cányǒng
Bravery rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️· Very brave
What does silkworm pupae taste like?
A thin, chewy shell that pops to release a soft, creamy, slightly earthy centre. Fans compare it to a nutty egg yolk; critics say it smells like wet soil. Stir-fried with chili and salt it becomes much easier.
Where to eat it in China
A home-style dish in Northeast China (Liaoning, Jilin) and silk-producing regions such as Zhejiang and Jiangsu; also sold at night-market insect stalls. In Korea the same food is called beondegi.
How much does it cost?
Usually an inexpensive stall snack; more as a restaurant dish. Ask before ordering.
⚠️ Safety tips
High in protein but a known allergen — people allergic to shellfish or to silkworm should avoid it. Eat it hot and well cooked; stale pupae spoil quickly.
🎥 Watch us eat it
Silkworm pupae on an insect stall in Kunming, Yunnan (starts at 25:45)
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FAQ
What does silkworm pupae taste like?
Creamy inside, chewy outside, with an earthy, nutty flavour.
Is it the same as Korean beondegi?
Yes, it's the same insect; the Korean version is usually boiled or steamed and sold in cups.