50 Times People Committed Heinous Crimes Because Of Their Food Choices (New Pics)

There’s a method behind the madness when it comes to unusual food combinations. But ultimately, it’s all about finding the middle ground, according to Stephen Chavez, senior instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles. 

“Things taste better when there’s balance, and certain tastes tend to complement each other,” said Chavez, whose guilty pleasure includes shellfish and vanilla.

Cultural influences may also play a role, according to Chef Stephen. As he pointed out, Southeast Asian cuisine, for one, offers a unique combination of sweet, spicy, sour, and salty flavors. 

Filipino cuisine is an excellent example, wherein certain dishes combine the savory and umami-rich soy sauce with the tangy and tarty flavors of calamansi, a tropical citrus fruit similar to a lime that is native to the country.

You may not have heard of the pickle juice-whiskey combo, but it’s another weird pairing that has become popular among those with unique tastes. And according to sensory scientist and Rutgers University nutrition professor Paul Breslin, it actually makes sense. 

"Salt is a very good suppressor of bitter tastes," he told Bon Appétit.

Some people take an analytical approach to food, like gastronomic scientist and Foodparing AI co-founder Bernard Lahousse. In a 2017 interview, he explained his methods that utilize the combination of taste and smell. 

“It is estimated that 20% of a tasting experience comes from taste, whereas 80% comes from the smell or the aroma,” Lahousse explained.

One of the seemingly strange yet curiosity-inducing dishes that Lahousse and his team came up with is sweet potato ice cream with orange and lemongrass flan. Let that sink in for a second. And if you’re bold enough to give it a try, here is the full recipe and procedure. 

We’d also like to hear from you, dear readers. Are you a fan of strange food combinations? Have you tried anything that is comparable to the photos on this list? Share your thoughts in the comments!