Sago worm, Larvae of Rhynchophorus Ferrugineus, is considered a delicacy in much of Southeast Asia. “Sago Delight”,or “Fried Sago Worms” are considered a speciality in Malaysia, although versions of this dish can be found in many Southeast Asian countries and Papua New Guinea, where it is regarded as a delicacy.
These wriggly creepy-crawlies are considered a delicacy among many native tribes in Sabah and Sarawak such as the Melanaus and Dayaks. Sago grubs have been described as creamy tasting when raw, and like bacon or meat when cooked.
They are often prepared with sago flour. In New Guinea, sago worms are roasted on a spit to celebrate special occasions. They are eaten either raw or roasted, and are regarded
as a special high-nutrient meal among most Sarawak tribes such as the Melanau and the Dayak. The Asmat, Korowai and Kombai peoples of southern New Guinea also hold the larva in high regard as a food source.
While you probably won’t find it on the menu in every eatery in East Malaysia, you can find them being sold in weekly markets. The larvae are either roasted, stir-fried
or eaten raw.
As terrifying as it might sound for some, there are actually some tourist attractions, such as the Monsopiad Cultural Village, which includes eating the larvae as part of
its tourism programme.
Apparently, the larvae have a creamy texture when eaten raw and are actually not as bad as it may sound. There is increasing consumption of exotic food in Malaysia. Animals such as insects, worms and wild life animals also form part of the staple food of
the local population. This practice may lead to more incidence of food allergy and anaphylaxis.
About 100 worms can be harvested from a fallen tree at any one time. Fallen sago palms are even cut open a little to entice female sago weevils to nest there.
The worm is a popular delicacy in East Malaysia and can be either either raw
or cooked (fried, boiled or sauteed). It takes a strong stomach to enjoy this fatty and creamy creature. But as long as you can channel Timon and Pumba from The Lion King, g
rub-eating will be a piece of cake. Slimy yet satisfying!
