Brian Nagele
Hey foodies and humor enthusiasts! Today I’m excited to discuss one of my favorite topics: funny food names.
While there’s no shortage of food items out there that will make you chuckle or scratch your head in confusion by their name, some of them are actually quite tasty!
In this article, I’ll share my top funny food names, discuss some of the most bizarre examples, share some of the origin stories of the names, and also explain why I like these foods despite their silly names!
So, grab a snack (preferably one with a hilarious name), and keep reading!
Bangers and Mash
Bangers and Mash is a well-loved British dish of sausages and mashed potatoes that people often serve with gravy on top.
The name comes from the sausages, which were historically made with a high-water content and would “bang” or explode when cooked.
I love to enjoy this hearty meal on a cold winter night, paired with a pint of amber ale.
Bubble and Squeak
Bubble and Squeak is another traditional British dish made from leftover vegetables – potatoes, parsnips, carrots, etc. – typically from a Sunday roast.
The name comes from the sound that the vegetables make as they fry in a pan.
The end result has a crispy texture and savory taste, and I like to enjoy it as a breakfast dish, served with a perfect poached egg on top.
Spotted Dick
Another British item on the list of funny food names is Spotted Dick, a British dessert made of suet pastry and dried fruit, often served with custard.
The “spotted” part of the name comes from the dried fruit, which looks like spots in the pastry.
Despite its questionable name, it has a sweet taste, perfect for a comforting dessert on a chilly or rainy evening.
Clootie Dumpling
Clootie Dumpling is a traditional Scottish dessert made from suet, flour, dried fruit, and spices, which is then boiled in a “cloot” or rag cloth.
It has a deliciously rich and fruity taste, making it perfect for festive occasions like Christmas or Burns Night.
I love to enjoy it with a generous dollop of creamy vanilla ice cream and a bit of whisky on the side!
Rocky Mountain Oysters
Rocky Mountain Oysters, or Prairie Oysters, are a Western American “delicacy.”
Despite their name, they’re not oysters but are made from bull testicles that have been peeled, breaded, and deep-fried.
While not for everyone, they have a savory and meaty taste.
I prefer to enjoy them at a rodeo or cowboy-themed event, paired with a cold beer and some spicy dipping sauce.
Spam
We think of annoying emails when we think of spam, but another kind of spam has been around since the 1930s.
This canned meat product is made from chopped pork and ham, and while it may not sound appetizing, it has a salty and savory taste.
It’s delicious when thinly sliced on a sandwich or fried up for breakfast with eggs.
Sweetbreads
Sweetbreads are organ meat from the thymus gland and pancreas of a calf or lamb.
This dish’s name is funny because it’s so misleading, as it’s not sweet, nor is it bread!
It has a creamy texture and can be prepared in various ways, such as sautéed, grilled, or fried.
It’s not my favorite dish, but it makes for a nice lunch paired with a light salad.
The Imam Fainted
The Imam Fainted, also known as Imam Bayildi, is a traditional Turkish dish made from eggplant stuffed with onions, garlic, and tomatoes, then braised in olive oil.
The name comes from the story that the imam fainted with pleasure after tasting the dish.
I enjoy it as a fully veg main course with some crusty bread on the side.
Witchetty Grub
Witchetty Grubs are the larvae of several species of moth found in Australia.
They’re a traditional Indigenous Australian food with a nutty, buttery taste with a soft, creamy texture.
I have never tried them, but I would be open to trying them in a traditional dish, such as roasted or smoked over a fire.
Blood Sausage
Blood Sausage, or black pudding, is a type of sausage made by cooking animal blood with a filler such as oatmeal or barley.
It has a rich, iron flavor and slightly grainy texture, making it a delightful addition to a full English breakfast paired with eggs, bacon, and mushrooms.
Golden Gaytime
Golden Gaytime is an iconic Australian ice cream with a toffee and vanilla ice cream center coated in chocolate and biscuit crumbs.
It has a creamy and crunchy texture and a deliciously sweet taste, so I love eating Golden Gaytime on a hot summer day at the beach or as a nostalgic treat any time of the year.
Pu Pu Platter
Finding “pu pu” funny might be elementary humor, but it’s hard to resist smirking when ordering this classic American-Chinese appetizer platter.
The Pu Pu Platter typically includes a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables cooked over an open flame and served on a sizzling hot plate.
I love to share a Pu Pu Platter with friends and family at a Chinese restaurant as a fun and delicious way to start a meal.
Limping Susan
Limpin’ Susan is a Creole dish that typically consists of a combination of meats, such as sausage and chicken, mixed with okra, tomatoes, and spices.
The origin of the name is unclear, but it is believed to be a reference to the dish’s limp appearance due to the cooked okra or as the “girlfriend” to another dish called “Hoppin’ Johns.”
Either way, I enjoy Limpin’ Susan as a hearty and flavorful main dish with rice or cornbread.
