
A delicacy is a rare food item that is considered highly desirable, sophisticated, or peculiarly distinctive within a given culture or region. A delicacy may have an unusual flavor or be expensive compared to everyday foods.
Delicacies vary across countries, customs, and ages. Some delicacies are confined to a certain culture, such as
fugu in
Japan
Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean off the northeast coast of the Asia, Asian mainland, it is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea ...
and ant larvae (
escamoles) in
Mexico
Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a country in North America. It is the northernmost country in Latin America, and borders the United States to the north, and Guatemala and Belize to the southeast; while having maritime boundar ...
, or may refer to specific local products, such as
porcino,
venison or
anchovy.
Culture plays a role in determining what is considered a delicacy. The long-standing tradition and practice of insect consumption represented in
Oaxaca, Mexico has occurred for centuries.
The availability of foods or particular
ingredients may determine the types of delicacies associated with different cultures.
See also
*
Acquired taste
*
Chinmi – Includes a list of Japanese delicacies
*
Delicatessen
A delicatessen or deli is a grocery that sells a selection of fine, exotic, or foreign prepared foods. Delicatessens originated in Germany (contemporary spelling: ) during the 18th century and spread to the United States in the mid-19th centur ...
*
Specialty foods
References
{{Lists of prepared foods
Cuisine