Would You Eat Insects?

Book English Sessions

For many people, this question is one that seems obvious as they already consume insects as part of their regular diet. Silkworms, cicadas and locusts are eaten in parts of China. In Thailand you can sample crickets, grasshoppers, silkworms and bamboo worms. While in Australia’s northern territory, crickets, honey ants and various grubs are eaten.

Image credit: Aditya Kulkami, Unsplash

Different insects are also regularly eaten in Ghana, Mexico, Peru and Indonesia.

For some, though, the thought of eating insects might be strange. Nowadays, however, it is increasingly viewed as a healthy and sustainable alternative to more traditional forms of protein. Plus, it is more widely available than you may know.

Let’s take a look at some places you can give insect-protein meals a try.

France: Inoveat

Here you can choose to try their seven-course offering or buy something from their grab-and-go option.

According to the menu on their website, insect dishes include pan-fried crickets, crunchy insect bits and steamed sourdough made with mealworms.

They do also have other non-insect options.

UK: The Bug Farm and Grub Kitchen

This restaurant is in Pembrokeshire, Wales and their menu includes some unique, edible insect dishes. Meals to try out include the Gourmet Bug Burger, VEXo Bolognese and their famous cricket cookies. Actually, we think the cookies look quite scrumptious.

Aside from their signature bug burger, they also serve a wide range of other options. So, if you’re not yet ready to be adventurous with eating something new, you can always defer to a regular toasted cheese and tomato.

US: Toloache

While their cuisine is traditional Mexican and not specifically focused on insect meals, you can try out a grasshopper taco at this establishment in NYC. They have two branches; one in the Theater District and the other in the Upper East Side.

The grasshopper tacos reportedly come filled with grasshopper, cilantro, jalapeños, and salsa verde.

Cook at home

If you decide to try cook some yourself at home, you can easily buy the ingredients online. Retailers offering insect-based protein flour and insect snacking options are available in the UK and some will ship internationally.

When it comes to finding recipes, you can check out Time Magazine, Horizon Edible Insects, Eat Crawlers or the Natural History Museum of Utah who have a recipe for Crunch Cricket Granola. They all have recipes online. Who knows? Maybe it will be the inspiration for a new favourite meal.

And remember, eating is a gastronomic adventure!

Vocabulary

Sustainable

(adjective)

Meaning: Able to maintain something at a certain rate or level.

Example: Sustainable farming is important.

Adventurous

(adjective)

Meaning: Willing to try new things.

Example: He was adventurous enough to try the bug burger.

Gastronomic

(adjective)

Meaning: Relating to preparing and eating good food.

Example: Trying out new foods can be a gastronomic delight.

Scrumptious

(adjective)

Meaning: Food that tastes delicious.

Example: The scones with jam and clotted cream are scrumptious.

Establishment

(noun)

Meaning: A company or organisation.

Example: You can visit the Toloache establishment in NYC.

Discussion

Tell me about a time you tried an unfamiliar food. What was your experience?

If you were to decide between trying a savoury insect dish or a snack, like a cricket biscuit, which would you go for and why?

Do you think eating insects will become a normal part of daily life in more countries over the next decade? Why or why not?

If you opened a restaurant, would you include some exotic foods and if so, which ones?

Why do you think humans have such a strong reaction to eating or not eating certain foods?

Should school students be taught to cook? Is this still a valuable skill in our modern society?