You might want to sit down for this. Chinese people…are…eat cockroaches…no not just eat them, but they can pay money in order to acquire these little critters. I know what you’re thinking, ‘Oh my gosh that is absolutely revolting.’ You’re right! It is. So why on Earth would anyone pay money simply so they could consume roaches? It’s a fair question with a pretty crazy answer. Cockroaches are a delicacy in China. Known as “crispy fried grasshoppers”, they’re used in traditional medicine and eaten to improve blood circulation and reduce fever. In the city of Zhanjiang, cockroaches are fried with leek or carrots and sugar, placed over herbs and served with Chinese beer. Cockroaches are an all-time favorite dish in many countries. I, for one, am not a big fan of these insects. They’re found on the streets, inside my kitchen and all around my home. I’ve seen them crawling on walls and even in tubs that people fill with water. I just can’t stand them! I very much concur with this brief yet interesting article on Bug Bites that suggests “A good housewife must keep her premises free from cockroaches” and “A dirty house or apartment is a sign of poor sanitation or slovenly habits.” Chinese people are just as grossed out by certain foods as the rest of us. Need proof? Look no further than their “exotic” delicacies, which include things like stewed cockroaches and silkworm pupae. And the people there eat a lot of weird stuff, from sausages made from lizards (yes, lizards) to silkworm larvae boiled in tea.

Chinese Eat Cockroaches

Introduction

It’s a myth that Chinese people eat fried cockroaches for breakfast. It’s even a myth that they eat them at all. For one thing, it would be illegal. Plus, cockroaches can spread diseases and make people sick (they’re not super healthy to consume). Still, there are some things you might want to know about cockroach cuisine if you’re planning on going to China in the near future.

Is it a myth?

It is a myth.

People in China don’t eat cockroaches. They think the thought of eating an insect is disgusting and they try not to even think about it. The story about Chinese people eating cockroaches started when someone was joking around with their friends, but then it got published as a fact on the internet.

People don’t eat cockroaches

Cockroaches are not a popular food in China.

Cockroaches are not a traditional food in China.

Cockroaches are not a common food in China.

But they taste good

You may be wondering if cockroaches are a delicacy in China. They are not.

Cockroaches are commonly eaten as food, but usually only for medicinal purposes or to cleanse the body (not unlike how some people eat worms). They are typically boiled and seasoned with salt, vinegar, soy sauce or chili pepper before being eaten whole. Cockroaches can also be dried into a powder form and consumed as an energy booster!

If you’re still hungry after reading this article on how to live like a Chinese person, then check out my other articles on eating insects around the world: How To Eat Grasshoppers Like A Mexican… And Other Edible Bugs Around The World

Chinese people do not eat cockroaches

Chinese people do not eat cockroaches.

In China, it is generally considered that eating insects is a sign of poverty and desperation. In fact, there are no Chinese restaurants that serve cockroaches on their menu. The idea of eating cockroaches does not even occur to most Chinese people. However, there are certain regions in China where people do eat them for medicinal purposes or as part of traditional cuisines like yum cha (Chinese brunch). If you want to find out more about those places and their cultures, feel free to ask a local when you visit!

Conclusion

There you have it, a healthy snack!