Dried Squid & Big-Butt Ants - Movie Snacks From Around The World
Going to the movies isn’t just about seeing the latest blockbuster – it’s also about the snacks! While popcorn, candy, and soda are the usual go-tos in many countries, other places have taken movie snacking to the next level with some truly unique (and sometimes downright weird) offerings. Let’s take a world tour to see what moviegoers in different countries are munching on as they enjoy their films. Grab your popcorn (or, in this case, something a bit more unusual), and let’s dive in!
Japan: Dried Squid and Edamame
In Japan, movie theater snacks often reflect the country’s traditional tastes. One of the most surprising treats you’ll find at a Japanese cinema is dried squid. That’s right, while Americans might be tossing popcorn into their mouths, moviegoers in Japan are chewing on strips of salty, chewy squid! Packed with umami, this snack is a favorite for those looking for something savory and protein-packed to enjoy during a movie.
Another popular choice? Edamame. These steamed soybeans are lightly salted and served in their pods, offering a much healthier alternative to buttery popcorn. They’re great for snacking while keeping your hands busy during a suspenseful film.
South Korea: Fried Octopus
If you thought squid was out there, how about fried octopus? In South Korea, movie theaters offer “ojingeo twigim,” which is deep-fried octopus, as a savory, crunchy snack. It’s crispy on the outside with a chewy center—definitely not something you’d find at your average American theater! This snack pairs perfectly with a sweet drink to balance out the rich flavors.
South Korea’s snack game doesn’t stop at fried octopus. You can also grab buttered roasted chestnuts or sweet potato chips, giving you plenty of non-traditional options to munch on during the movie.
Finland: Salmiakki (Salted Licorice)
Salmiakki is a type of salted licorice popular in Finland and throughout other parts of Scandinavia. This snack is known for its intense, salty flavor, which can be a bit of a shock for those unfamiliar with it. Many Finns love the combination of salty and sweet, making salmiakki a favorite movie snack, despite its divisive reputation among non-locals.
If you’re ever in Finland and feeling adventurous, grab a bag of salmiakki before heading into the cinema. You may not love it, but you’ll definitely remember it!
India: Samosas and Vada Pav
India brings a spicy twist to movie snacks with offerings like samosas and vada pav. Forget popcorn—why not enjoy a deep-fried pastry filled with spiced potatoes or a soft bun sandwiching a spicy fried potato fritter? These snacks are common in Indian cinemas, offering moviegoers a hot and flavorful option during their film.
Pair these with a chai tea or masala soda, and you’ve got a full Indian street-food experience, right in the comfort of a cinema seat.
China: Dried Salted Plums
Chinese movie theaters often serve snacks that appeal to local tastes, and dried salted plums are one of the more popular choices. Known as “huamei,” these plums are salty, sweet, and sour all at once, creating a complex flavor that might be unfamiliar to many Western palates. The snack is small, easy to eat, and definitely adds a unique taste to your movie experience.
If you’re not into plums, you might also find spicy dried tofu or even seaweed chips on the menu!
Mexico: Tamales and Tostilocos
In Mexico, moviegoers enjoy some serious flavor with their films. Tamales, soft dough filled with meats, cheese, or chilies and wrapped in corn husks, are a popular cinema snack in many parts of the country. You can even find chicharrones (fried pork rinds) served with lime and hot sauce for those who want something crunchy and spicy.
One of the more eccentric snacks is Tostilocos. This wild creation starts with a bag of Tostitos (yes, the tortilla chips), which are then topped with a mix of jícama (a root vegetable), peanuts, cucumbers, and an array of sauces like chamoy and hot sauce. The result is a crunchy, tangy, spicy explosion of flavor.
Colombia: Hormigas Culonas (Big-Butt Ants)
Now, here’s a snack that might truly surprise you – hormigas culonas, or big-butt ants. In Colombia, these ants are toasted and served as a crunchy snack, and yes, they’re often eaten at the movies! Rich in protein, this snack has been a traditional delicacy for centuries, especially in the Santander region.
If you’re feeling adventurous during your next trip to Colombia, grab a handful of ants before heading into the cinema for a snack that’s both unique and nutritious.
Thailand: Grilled Cuttlefish
In Thailand, one of the most unusual cinema snacks you’ll find is grilled cuttlefish. The snack is chewy, savory, and packed with umami, giving you a seafood experience right in your cinema seat. The intense flavor and chewy texture make it a favorite for those who want something a little more daring than popcorn.
Another popular snack in Thailand is fried insects like grasshoppers or crickets, for those really looking to step outside their comfort zone.
A World of Unique Flavors
From dried squid in Japan to grilled cuttlefish in Thailand, movie snacks around the world offer an exciting array of flavors, textures, and, sometimes, surprises. While popcorn and candy dominate in many places, it’s clear that different cultures bring their own twists to the cinema snack experience.
So, the next time you’re traveling, why not try a local movie theater snack? You might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy a film!
