# Why is it that the so called exotic food seems worse than the standard dishes
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-that-the-so-called-exotic-food-seems-worse-than-the-standard-dishes/768185
**Category:** Cafe Society
**Created:** [October 10, 2016, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-that-the-so-called-exotic-food-seems-worse-than-the-standard-dishes/768185 "2016-10-10T21:16:00Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@ssgenius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ssgenius)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2016, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-that-the-so-called-exotic-food-seems-worse-than-the-standard-dishes/768185/1 "2016-10-10T21:16:00Z")
Got invited to a big presentation/seminar by a well known person. (Probably about 400+ in attendance)
There was some appetizers and food and it was stuff that was considered very exotic
(Specialty cheeses, fancy meats, mini sandwiches with some stuff in them that I had never heard of, etc)
Also weird stuff like some fried pickles, mini shrimp and other things that I had never heard of.
Most of the food served there was very unappetizing compared to some good Italian, BBQ, or good Chinese food. (Even McDonalds would have been better)
Not only that, the portions were absolutely tiny (more of a snack than anything else)
I realize that they were only appetizers but they just tasted awful (to me) compared to almost anything else
It was not only me as I didn’t see many other people having very much either.
Any reason for such unappealing appetizers?
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### Author:  [@Cartoonacy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartoonacy)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2016, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-that-the-so-called-exotic-food-seems-worse-than-the-standard-dishes/768185/2 "2016-10-10T21:25:45Z")
> [@ssgenius](#):
>
> There was some appetizers and food and it was stuff that was considered very exotic (Specialty cheeses, fancy meats, mini sandwiches with some stuff in them that I had never heard of, etc)
>
> Also weird stuff like some fried pickles, mini shrimp and other things that I had never heard of.
I don’t know about the things and stuff that you never heard of was (Maybe caponata? Pesto? Chevre?), but all the rest of it sounds pretty standard and far from exotic to me – not to mention pretty tasty.
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### Author:  [@Nawth\_Chucka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nawth_Chucka)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2016, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-that-the-so-called-exotic-food-seems-worse-than-the-standard-dishes/768185/3 "2016-10-10T21:57:31Z")
Confirmation bias would be my guess.
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### Author:  [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2016, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-that-the-so-called-exotic-food-seems-worse-than-the-standard-dishes/768185/4 "2016-10-10T22:36:59Z")
The idea of “standard” vs. “exotic” dishes is pretty much an artificial distinction that doesn’t really mean anything. You appear to be saying that you’re accustomed to certain foods and you’re not an adventurous eater so you don’t like new things that strike you as unusual or with unexpected taste or texture. Thus answering your own question.
I have no idea exactly what was being served and maybe it was awful, but I get the impression from the general tone of your post that you wouldn’t like anything that deviated too much from everyday mass American fare. There’s some really wonderful authentic food in the world and IMHO it might be worth your while to learn more about it and how to appreciate it.
For instance if you had asked me many years ago what I thought about eating raw fish, I’d say to hell with it, fish is supposed to be cooked. Today I am a huge fan of really good sushi, and the way it’s prepared and presented at the best sushi bars is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s become one of life’s pleasures for me.
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### Author:  [@Canadjun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Canadjun)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2016, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-that-the-so-called-exotic-food-seems-worse-than-the-standard-dishes/768185/5 "2016-10-10T22:39:16Z")
There is no arguing taste (_de gustibus non est disputandum_ if you are into Latin).
Just because you don’t like it doesn’t mean other people won’t. The small quantities were almost certainly to save $; the point of the presentation/seminar was unlikely to provide dinner for the attendees.
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### Author:  [@ssgenius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ssgenius)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2016, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-that-the-so-called-exotic-food-seems-worse-than-the-standard-dishes/768185/6 "2016-10-10T22:40:22Z")
Could be confirmation bias, but none of these appetizers appealed to me at all.
It could be that it was different than what I am used to.
Thanks
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### Author:  [@ssgenius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ssgenius)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2016, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-that-the-so-called-exotic-food-seems-worse-than-the-standard-dishes/768185/7 "2016-10-10T22:48:52Z")
And yes, I have tried some of these exotic foods that you have mentioned and I did go in there with an open mind and they just did not appeal to me. It could also be some food allergies as well.
Thanks
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### Author:  [@Nawth\_Chucka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nawth_Chucka)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2016, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-that-the-so-called-exotic-food-seems-worse-than-the-standard-dishes/768185/8 "2016-10-10T22:53:58Z")
> [@ssgenius](#):
>
> And yes, I have tried some of these exotic foods that you have mentioned and I did go in there with an open mind and they just did not appeal to me. It could also be some food allergies as well.
>
> Thanks
What foods are you allergic to?
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### Author:  [@ssgenius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ssgenius)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2016, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-that-the-so-called-exotic-food-seems-worse-than-the-standard-dishes/768185/9 "2016-10-10T23:00:23Z")
> [@wolfpup](#):
>
> The idea of “standard” vs. “exotic” dishes is pretty much an artificial distinction that doesn’t really mean anything. You appear to be saying that you’re accustomed to certain foods and you’re not an adventurous eater so you don’t like new things that strike you as unusual or with unexpected taste or texture. Thus answering your own question.
>
> I have no idea exactly what was being served and maybe it was awful, but I get the impression from the general tone of your post that you wouldn’t like anything that deviated too much from everyday mass American fare. There’s some really wonderful authentic food in the world and IMHO it might be worth your while to learn more about it and how to appreciate it.
>
> For instance if you had asked me many years ago what I thought about eating raw fish, I’d say to hell with it, fish is supposed to be cooked. Today I am a huge fan of really good sushi, and the way it’s prepared and presented at the best sushi bars is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s become one of life’s pleasures for me.
It wasn’t awful, but I had higher expectations. Yes, I have tried Sushi and to me, it was okay but not outstanding.
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### Author:  [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2016, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-that-the-so-called-exotic-food-seems-worse-than-the-standard-dishes/768185/10 "2016-10-10T23:06:53Z")
Perhaps you are used to the very strong flavors that “standard” food have nowadays. More “exotic” food tend to be prepared to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients, rather than overpowering it with spices and sauces. Sushi is a great example - just subtle flavoring in the rice, and a tiny dab of soy sauce.
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### Author:  [@ssgenius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ssgenius)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2016, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-that-the-so-called-exotic-food-seems-worse-than-the-standard-dishes/768185/11 "2016-10-10T23:08:12Z")
> [@Nawth\_Chucka](#):
>
> What foods are you allergic to?
Tomatoes, Onions, Liver that I know of. I do have allergies to most grasses and dog and cat hair so that may also apply to some of these appetizers. (The grasses, nit the dog and cat hair)
That is also why I usually stick to the foods I am familiar with.
Thanks
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### Author:  [@ssgenius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ssgenius)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2016, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-that-the-so-called-exotic-food-seems-worse-than-the-standard-dishes/768185/12 "2016-10-10T23:12:12Z")
> [@scr4](#):
>
> Perhaps you are used to the very strong flavors that “standard” food have nowadays. More “exotic” food tend to be prepared to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients, rather than overpowering it with spices and sauces. Sushi is a great example - just subtle flavoring in the rice, and a tiny dab of soy sauce.
Could be. It seems like more and more foods overdo these spices. Yes, just adding a little subtle flavor to the rice does really help. (But there was nothing like that at this place)
Thanks
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### Author:  [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2016, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-that-the-so-called-exotic-food-seems-worse-than-the-standard-dishes/768185/13 "2016-10-10T23:14:28Z")
Personally, it takes awhile for my taste buds to get used to novel food (I think that’s the word you are looking for). Some people can eat a new dish and immediately form an opinion about it. But for me, I usually find myself in an uncomfortable zone where I don’t hate what I’m eating, but I am not really enjoying it either. It’s only until long after the meal is over where I start to appreciate all the flavors and textures.
The first time I had sushi, I was like “meh”. After the meal was over, I grabbed a pizza and tried to put the memory behind me. But what do you know, a couple of days later I started having cravings for it. I was warned this would happen, but I was still surprised.
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### Author:  [@ssgenius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ssgenius)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2016, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-that-the-so-called-exotic-food-seems-worse-than-the-standard-dishes/768185/14 "2016-10-10T23:17:49Z")
> [@Cartoonacy](#):
>
> I don’t know about the things and stuff that you never heard of was (Maybe caponata? Pesto? Chevre?), but all the rest of it sounds pretty standard and far from exotic to me – not to mention pretty tasty.
It looks like some of those appetizers were there as well but I didn’t try them. Never heard of them previously
Thanks
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### Author:  [@ssgenius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ssgenius)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2016, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-that-the-so-called-exotic-food-seems-worse-than-the-standard-dishes/768185/15 "2016-10-10T23:21:39Z")
> [@monstro](#):
>
> Personally, it takes awhile for my taste buds to get used to novel food (I think that’s the word you are looking for). Some people can eat a new dish and immediately form an opinion about it. But for me, I usually find myself in an uncomfortable zone where I don’t hate what I’m eating, but I am not really enjoying it either. It’s only until long after the meal is over where I start to appreciate all the flavors and textures.
>
> The first time I had sushi, I was like “meh”. After the meal was over, I grabbed a pizza and tried to put the memory behind me. But what do you know, a couple of days later I started having cravings for it. I was warned this would happen, but I was still surprised.
Good point and I have had that experience previously (This was with some great Indian food I had a few times
However, not after these appetizers on this occasion
Thanks
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### Author:  [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)
#### Post date: [October 10, 2016, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-that-the-so-called-exotic-food-seems-worse-than-the-standard-dishes/768185/16 "2016-10-10T23:38:47Z")
Forget confirmation bias. What the OP ran in to was the realities of catering. Which means bland it down and serve only what will remain remotely edible for an extended period of time.
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### Author:  [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)
#### Post date: [October 11, 2016, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-that-the-so-called-exotic-food-seems-worse-than-the-standard-dishes/768185/17 "2016-10-11T00:18:33Z")
Thread relocated from IMHO to Cafe Society.
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### Author:  [@ssgenius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ssgenius)
#### Post date: [October 11, 2016, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-that-the-so-called-exotic-food-seems-worse-than-the-standard-dishes/768185/18 "2016-10-11T01:06:48Z")
Thanks for the answers. Good input
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### Author:  [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)
#### Post date: [October 11, 2016, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-that-the-so-called-exotic-food-seems-worse-than-the-standard-dishes/768185/19 "2016-10-11T01:15:37Z")
> [@ssgenius](#):
>
> Tomatoes, Onions, Liver that I know of. I do have allergies to most grasses and dog and cat hair so that may also apply to some of these appetizers.
Hmmmph. When I was the CEO of Ukulele Like’s Fine Exotic Catering, our dog and cat hair canapés were among our most popular appetizers.
Years ago in my square job in a mighty Manhattan skyscraper, the President of the publishing company was extremely fond of Pigs in Blankets (little tiny frankfurters in puff pastry) offered alongside a bowl of yellow mustard. They showed up at every office cocktail party and author reception.
All us callow sophisticates snickered at him, behind his back AND right in his face. But we ate the hell out of those little hot dogs. They WERE good.
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### Author:  [@Ponch8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponch8)
#### Post date: [October 11, 2016, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-that-the-so-called-exotic-food-seems-worse-than-the-standard-dishes/768185/20 "2016-10-11T01:18:46Z")
> [@silenus](#):
>
> Forget confirmation bias. What the OP ran in to was the realities of catering. Which means bland it down and serve only what will remain remotely edible for an extended period of time.
Yeah, I was thinking maybe it was just a really shitty caterer, since the OP says that other people weren’t eating much either.
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