Funky food names

The Brits have ‘spotted dick’ and ‘toad in a hole’. The Germans have ‘cold dogs’ and ‘lost eggs’. our columnist uncovers unusually named dishes in her host country.

CELEBRITY chef Anthony Bourdain once said: “Your body is not a temple, it’s an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.”

By that token, I dare say that some of the gastronomic offerings of my host country are strictly for the gutsiest of gourmands.

Although my BMI and love handles might suggest otherwise, I realise that I can be a pingelig (pronounced: “ping-a-lich”, meaning fussy) eater when served certain types of food.

Make no mistake. I can – and do – occasionally whack a wellprepared veal schnitzel with fried potatoes. However, I’ve yet to try the famed Hessian “hand cheese with music” – a type of strong, sour milk cheese served with a dressing of vinegar and raw onions, the latter of which causes the umm…. “rumbling music” thereafter.

Recently, I came across an article that listed more German dishes with peculiar, and sometimes downright frightful names. After reading through the list, I might try some but to others I’ll only say, “Nein danke!”

Leading the pack is Tote Oma or Dead Grandma. If the name itself raises your eyebrows, the sight of the dish will widen your eyes. It’s basically fried blood sausage. While this sounds harmless enough, it