Q 01/05

Which Swedish canned fermented herring is said to have one of the world's most putrid food smells when opened?

A) Surströmming

B) Rakfisk

C) Lutefisk

D) Gravlax

Answer · why

A) Surströmming

The name means 'sour herring'; fermentation continues in the can, and the fish has been part of Swedish cooking since at least the 16th century.

Q 02/05

Which Southeast Asian 'king of fruits' is banned in many public places for its notorious odor?

A) Jackfruit

B) Durian

C) Mangosteen

D) Lychee

Answer · why

B) Durian

Durian is widely recognized for its unique and extremely pungent aroma, which some describe as a mix of sulfur, sewage, and rotten onions, while other...

Q 03/05

What is the Chinese preserved delicacy with a dark gelatinous white and greenish-black yolk commonly called?

A) Century Egg

B) Tea Egg

C) Balut

D) Salted Duck Egg

Answer · why

A) Century Egg

Century eggs, or Pidan, are preserved duck, chicken, or quail eggs. They are cured in a mixture that includes clay, ash, salt, quicklime, and rice hul...

Q 04/05

Which washed-rind cheese owes its 'sweaty feet' smell to Brevibacterium linens?

A) Brie

B) Gouda

C) Feta

D) Limburger

Answer · why

D) Limburger

The bacterium is what makes the cheese so pungent, and its rind is sometimes rinsed or removed to tone the smell down; the classic way to eat it is in...

Q 05/05

What Icelandic national dish is made from Greenland shark that has been fermented and hung to dry for months, leaving a strong ammonia smell?

A) Kjotsúpa

B) Skyr

C) Hákarl

D) Pylsur

Answer · why

C) Hákarl

Fresh Greenland shark is toxic, and the months of curing are what make it edible; the smell is often compared to cleaning products, and it is served a...