By Diksha Modi,News18

Copyright news18

Food habits across the globe often vary in ways that surprise outsiders. While meat, beef, eggs and seafood are commonly consumed, there exist culinary practices that even staunch non-vegetarians may find difficult to digest. Among them is the preparation of snakes, which are considered a delicacy in some regions, and even ants, whose chutneys are savoured in certain tribal belts. But what has now caught the attention of millions is a dish made from one of the most despised household pests – cockroaches.
A viral video circulating on Instagram shows cockroaches being deep-fried in a pan of hot oil. In the clip, the insects can be seen bubbling in the oil while a man stirs them with chopsticks, much like a vegetable curry being sautéed. The crackling sound of oil blends with background music, giving the impression of a routine kitchen scene, though the main ingredient leaves viewers shocked.
The video, shared on the account @sports.jx.china, has already amassed more than 1.09 crore views. While many reacted with disgust, equating cockroaches with filth and stench, others pointed out that in several parts of the world, cockroaches are not only consumed but also valued for their supposed nutritional and medicinal benefits. “Cockroach ki sabzi”, as netizens are now calling it, is said to be prepared in multiple ways – shallow-fried with spices, boiled in water, or tempered with oil and herbs.
Watch the viral video:

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A post shared by 中国江西 (@sports.jx.china)

Traditionally, cockroaches are considered unhygienic creatures associated with sewage, drains and spoiled food. Their very presence in homes often sparks attempts at eradication through sprays, traps and other pest-control measures. “People hate it,” one viewer wrote in the comments section, highlighting how the insect’s reputation as a carrier of disease overshadows any thought of it being edible.
However, experts note that the cockroaches bred for consumption are not the same as the ones crawling in kitchens and bathrooms. These farmed cockroaches are raised under controlled conditions and prepared in a manner similar to other edible insects. In some cultures, they are consumed for their protein-rich content, and in traditional medicine, they are believed to have therapeutic properties.