Ep 4. Madagascar

Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern is a travel and food show that takes viewers to the most unique culinary locations around the world. This season's fourth episode makes its way to Madagascar, an island nation off the coast of East Africa known for its tropical climate, diverse wildlife, and flavorful cuisine.

Andrew begins his journey in the capital city of Antananarivo where he learns about Madagascar's gastronomic history from a local chef. The cuisine of Madagascar is a fusion of African, Indian, and French influences and incorporates a variety of exotic meats and spices. Andrew wastes no time in trying out some of the local dishes and is immediately struck by the bold flavors and unique textures.

One of the highlights of the episode is Andrew's visit to a traditional Malagasy market, where he samples a variety of unique delicacies. One of the most popular foods in Madagascar is zebu, a type of cattle that is native to the island. Andrew tries zebu steak, which is often served with a side of pickled vegetables and rice, and discovers why the meat is so highly prized by locals. He also tries grilled pork, duck, and even crocodile meat.

The episode also showcases some of the lesser-known culinary delights of Madagascar. Andrew visits a farm where he tries fresh snails, a popular ingredient in many Malagasy dishes. He also samples tavy, a type of rice beer that is brewed using traditional methods and has a distinct sour flavor. Andrew scoffs at the idea of drinking rice beer at 9 in the morning but is quickly won over by its complex taste.

No visit to Madagascar would be complete without trying the island's most famous export: vanilla. Madagascar produces nearly 80% of the world's vanilla, and Andrew visits a local farm to see how the spice is cultivated and processed. He discovers that harvesting vanilla beans is a labor-intensive process, and is amazed by the incredible aroma of the freshly harvested beans.

Throughout the episode, Andrew meets locals who share their culinary traditions and customs with him. He learns about the importance of hospitality in Madagascar and the role that food plays in bringing communities together. He also experiences the warmth and generosity of the Malagasy people firsthand and is moved by their resilience in the face of economic and environmental challenges.

Overall, Bizarre Foods season 6 episode 4 is a fascinating exploration of Madagascar's vibrant food culture. Andrew's enthusiasm and curiosity shine through as he tries new dishes and learns about the history and traditions behind them. The episode is a feast for the senses and will leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for one of Africa's most fascinating nations.