Stinky Foods that Actually Taste Delicious

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Shrimp Paste

Shrimp paste is composed of fermented ground shrimp mixed with salt. It's an especially popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisines, but it's less revered for the super strong smell it releases when cooking or even just on its own. It comes in different varieties, sometimes dry and firm or moist and more sauce-like. Although the extremely salty taste and foul odor can be overwhelming to sensitive palates, it is one of the most versatile cooking ingredients when you want to whip up an exotic dish. Those who swear by it also often enjoy the paste as a dip with fresh mango.