Ridiculously Expensive Foods You Should Try at Least Once
The world is full of culinary wonders. While it’s tempting to stay inside of your comfort zone, it’s important to occasionally break free and taste something different. But many of the most delicious foods in the world also happen to be the most expensive.
Still, it’s important to treat yourself from time to time. And what better way is there to enjoy life than by investing in one of these lavish and high-priced dishes or ingredients?
Coffin Bay King Oysters – $100
The only thing that should hold you back from dining on these delicious sea critters is an allergy to shellfish. Otherwise, you might want to consider taking a weekend off to make a foodie trip to Australia. The king oysters found in the south-central Coffin Bay are huge, succulent and intensely flavorful.
If you’d like to make a day or an evening of it, you can even join one of the many Coffin Bay oyster tours and dine on some of the freshest, tastiest seafood in the world. Oh, and wine is often included.
Juuni Ban Hot Dog – $169
For those of you out there who crave elevated, gourmet comfort food, look no further than the Juuni Ban hot dog. You’ll have to travel to Seattle to get your hands on this, the world’s most expensive hot dog creation. But chances are, it’ll be more than worth it.
The Juuni Ban boasts a brioche bun, smoked cheese bratwurst, foie gras, Japanese beef, caviar, black truffle, teriyaki grilled onions, maitake mushrooms and a zig-zag topping of Japanese mayonnaise. But, a word of warning: You’ll need to alert the chefs two weeks in advance if you want one of these dogs.
“Quintessential” Grilled Cheese Sandwich – $214
There’s almost no other dish that warms the heart, the soul and the stomach like a great grilled cheese. New York restaurant Serendipity 3 is home to a super-expensive — and super-delicious — grilled cheese sandwich.
The bread isn’t your typical sandwich bread. It’s a champagne bread made from vintage Dom Perignon and edible flakes of 24-karat gold. It’s filled with exquisitely rare Caciocavallo Podolico cheese and brushed with butter, white truffle oil and a few extra gold flakes for good measure. This dish even comes with an elegant lobster-tomato bisque.
Balsamic Vinegar of Modena – $250
For some, it may be hard to understand how a bottle of vinegar could fetch hundreds of dollars for only a few ounces. But for balsamic vinegar lovers around the world, the cost of quality is well worth the extra expenditure.
Balsamic vinegar of Modena, also known as aceto balsamico tradizionale di Modena or Balsamic de Modena, is one of the highest-quality vinegars in the world. A single 100-milliliter container can easily cost $250 or more. That means that you’ll likely be very stingy when making your salad dressings!
Wagyu Beef – $300
Meat lovers are sure to salivate over and savor a plate of Wagyu beef. Made from Japanese cattle, Wagyu beef is unbelievably tender, buttery and soft — it seriously melts in your mouth. While you may be tempted to order a cooked plate of this juicy, marbled meat, resist that urge.
Many gourmet chefs serve Wagyu beef completely raw so that diners can experience the full depth of flavor and texture of the meat. Unless your healthcare provider or physician has recommended otherwise, it’s far better to try this stuff uncooked, like carpaccio.
La Bonnotte Potatoes – $300
Potatoes are often associated with humble stews. Sadly, they sometimes don’t get much attention from gourmet chefs. But La Bonnotte potatoes are not only the most expensive potatoes in the world at $300 per pound — world-class chefs also love them.
These French root vegetables are grown on an island in the Bay of Biscay. Because they grow in sandy soil and are fertilized with kelp and seaweed, they’re naturally salty and have a unique, oceanic flavor. They go well with nearly any meal and don’t require additional seasoning. Basically, they’re perfect.
Hacienda la Esmeralda Special Geisha Coffee – $400
For $400 (or more, depending on whether you want your beans pre-roasted or not), you can enjoy just shy of 4 pounds of one of the world’s most expensive coffees. Hacienda la Esmeralda coffee beans are grown in Panama. The soil that they grow in has been producing coffee since the 19th century.
The beans are grown at high altitudes. This elevation allows them to develop a distinct flavor that’s difficult to find in other blends. In total, Hacienda la Esmeralda has produced over 400 sub-varieties of one-of-a-kind, delicious coffee.
Swedish Moose Cheese – $400
Pretty much every mammal that produces milk can, with some human intervention, produce cheese. And when you live in a cold climate with very few animals or types of vegetation around, you tend to get creative with the things that you do have available. Perhaps that’s how Swedish moose cheese came to exist.
The creamy, custard-like cheese is said to be one of the most distinctive and unusual dairy creations in the world. Whether that’s a good or a bad thing is up to you to decide! Swedish moose cheese costs about $100 per ounce.
Steveston Pizza C6 – $640
Pizza is one of the most beloved foods in the whole world, so it only makes sense that skilled and innovative chefs have created some gourmet, decadent and downright expensive pies. One of these is Steveston Pizza’s C6.
This masterpiece of cuisine is made of lobster ratatouille, tiger prawns, smoked steelhead, Russian Osetra caviar and white truffles. You’ll have to shell out more than half a grand to get a taste of this pizza. But if you love seafood, pizza and feeling like royalty for a day, it’s worth the investment.
Matsutake Mushrooms – $1,000
Sometimes, the most expensive foods are single ingredients, not masterfully balanced dishes. This is possibly the case with Matsutake mushrooms, which can cost between $1,000 and $2,000 per pound. This prized fungus has a uniquely fruity and slightly spicy odor that’s rare among mushrooms.
These mushrooms only grow beneath red pine trees, which have become scarce in recent years due to pest infestations. It’s likely that the price of these mushrooms will only grow with time, so it might be better to snatch up a few of these sooner rather than later.
Golden Opulence Sundae – $1,000
Remember Serendipity 3, that restaurant in New York that serves an amazing grilled cheese sandwich? Well, it also serves the world’s most expensive ice cream sundae. Called the Golden Opulence Sundae, this dish will set you back a whopping $1,000.
However, when you consider the dessert’s ingredients and presentation, the price begins to make sense. Madagascar vanilla beans, imported Turkish chocolate, Tahitian vanilla ice cream and a lot of gold leaf combine to form this regal treat. Parisian candied fruit, a sparkling crystal goblet and a golden spoon complete the look and make this the most indulgent sundae ever.
Iberico de Bellota Ham – $ 1,200+
If your mouth isn’t watering yet, wait until you hear about Iberico de Bellota ham. This remarkable meat is unlike anything else in the world. It comes from Iberian pigs that eat only fallen acorns and grass. This feeding structure results in a delicate ham with a distinctively sweet, nutty flavor and a soft, velvety texture.
However, it might be best to reserve this meat for special occasions. A 6-pound hunk costs about $1,200. While 6 pounds might sound like a lot of ham, you might surprise yourself with how quickly your Iberico de Bellota disappears!
Pule Cheese – $1,700
Pule cheese is one of the most expensive cheeses on the planet. It’s made from a combination of Balkan donkey milk and goat milk. This results in a creamy, crumbly, soft cheese that’s rich with flavor. It’s a must-try for any cheese-lover.
But to experience the pleasure and culinary bliss of Pule cheese, you’ll need at least $1,700 in your bank account. This stuff is so unique and so delicious that it sells very fast, so you’ll need to prepare for the right batch as you build your cheese fund.
Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata – $2,000
Alright, so this dish doesn’t cost a zillion dollars. But you could buy about 2,000 dollar-menu items for the price of just one Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata. This breakfast dish is a must-have for any seafood-lover, affluent New Yorker or traveling foodie. Perched upon a bed of Yukon gold potatoes, this egg-based meal contains just about everything.
Ten ounces of Sevruga caviar and a sprig of chives adorn the top of the frittata. Inside the eggy loaf are one whole lobster (diced, of course), lobster sauce and a swirl of cream. Get yours at Norma’s at the Parker Meridien hotel in New York
Berco’s Billion Dollar Popcorn – $2,500
Once again, this dish doesn’t cost nearly as much as its name suggests. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t jaw-droppingly expensive! Anyone who has ever complained about movie theater concession stand prices might want to skip this treat.
Berco’s Billion Dollar Popcorn is the most expensive popcorn snack. In fact, it’s so pricey, you can buy a single kernel online for about $5. A full tub, on the other hand, will cost you about $2,500. Each kernel is lovingly covered in real gold leaf. It’s probably the closest you can come to eating handfuls of gold.
24K Pizza – $2,700
Industry Kitchen in New York is home to yet another pricey pizza. However, this one has a very distinct look and set of ingredients that help it to stand out from other gourmet pizzas. The $2,700 price tag also marks it as something new, different and glamorous.
The dough gets its black color from squid ink, and edible flowers bring a pop of color to the shimmering 24-karat gold leaf top. It also contains creamy Stilton cheese, truffles, Osetra caviar and small pieces of foie gras. It’s like four gourmet dishes in one.
Saffron – $3,000
In terms of spices, saffron is king. A single pound of the colorful, aromatic herb can cost $3,000 or more. Popular in Indian dishes and cuisine, saffron produces a yellow hue that is easily recognizable. With a sweet, honey-like floral scent, there’s nothing quite like saffron.
Saffron is also purported to be a powerful antioxidant. Consuming this spice may help you lose weight, fight mood disorders or depression and even reduce the severity of PMS symptoms. However, you’ll need to be prepared to use it in moderation, or you could end up in some spicy debt.
Blonde d’Aquitaine Steak – $3,200
Blonde d’Aquitaine steak might be red just like any other beef, but it comes from pale, blonde-colored cows in the southwest region of France. A hybrid of three local breeds of cattle, this meat is notable for its aging process, which can take up to 15 years to complete.
The resulting product is marbled yet low-fat and tender yet crisp. It’s an impossible thing to recreate, and French cattle owners are very proud of this fact. Perhaps that’s why a single cut of this steak can easily cost over $3,000.
Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla – $4,000
Pure Madagascar bourbon vanilla is both rare and expensive. Nearly all of the world’s vanilla comes from the tiny island of Madagascar. But most consumer foods and flavorings labeled “vanilla” contain artificial stuff. While there are many imitators, nothing can compare to the genuine, honest-to-goodness Madagascar bourbon vanilla.
Since the 19th century, vanilla plantations have flourished in Madagascar. Vanilla thieves have prospered as well, as prices for real vanilla beans continue to increase. The demand for natural and organic ingredients is the main cause of vanilla’s high price, but the flavor is also incredibly rich and complex.
Bluefin Tuna – $4,000
Tuna is one of the most popular types of fish in the world, and tuna-lovers should try a piece of delicate bluefin tuna at least once in their lives. This species of tuna is one of the largest in the world, resulting in firmer, thicker meat that’s capable of producing stronger, more complex flavors.
This fish has become so popular in recent years that it’s on the verge of becoming endangered, which makes it one of the most controversial gourmet foods. A whole bluefin can cost between $4,000 and $3,000,000.
FleurBurger 5000 – $5,000
The FleurBurger 5000 is aptly named — that’s not just a random number. With a price of $5,000, the FleurBurger 5000 is one of the most expensive burgers in the world. You can find this mouth-watering entree at Fleur in Las Vegas, inside the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.
You certainly get what you pay for with this dish, as it features not one but two patties. The lower hunk of meat is juicy Wagyu beef, and the upper layer is foie gras. Truffle shavings adorn the burger, and the meal comes with a bottle of 1995 Chateau Petrus from Bordeaux.
Densuke Watermelon – $6,100
Japan sure does produce some of the most exciting fruits and vegetables in the world. The island nation became famous around the world years ago for its cube-shaped watermelons, and since that time, Japanese farmers seem to have been focusing more on color than shape.
The Densuke watermelon is jet-black on the outside but bright red and juicy on the inside. It’s a goth melon. But just like people with gruff exteriors and kind hearts, this fruit is not nearly as intimidating as it looks. The scariest thing about this melon is the price.
Almas Caviar – $9,800+
In recent years, Almas caviar has become famous as the world’s most exquisite and most expensive caviar. That’s saying something, considering that caviar is well-known as one of the most absurdly pricey foods on the planet. This caviar has a rich, golden color and featherlight texture that both set it apart.
These qualities, in addition to its increasing rarity, help to make it one of the most desirable types of caviar in existence. A single, small jar or tin of Almas caviar can cost nearly $10,000 and must be eaten with an ivory or whalebone spoon to prevent flavor contamination.
Fortress Stilt Fisherman Indulgence – $14,500
The food isn’t what makes this dish so expensive. The 80-carat aquamarine gemstone sitting on the plate is what inflates the price of this dessert — but there’s also a high degree of craftsmanship to consider. The Fortress Stilt Fisherman Indulgence has other intriguing elements, too.
There’s a handmade chocolate fisherman on a long chocolate stilt, handmade glass cutlery and a Baileys Irish Cream Italian cassata layered with mango and pomegranate compote and topped with champagne sauce and gold leaf. And don’t forget the sparkling jewel. Heads up — the gem isn’t edible.
Grand Velas Tacos – $25,000
If you ever find yourself at the Grand Velas Los Cabos in Mexico, and you have $25,000 to spare, you might consider trying the Grand Velas Tacos. Made with Beluga caviar, prized Kobe beef, truffles, edible flowers and a gold flake tortilla, this entree is bound to be unforgettable.
While you’re there, you could also try a shot of the world’s most expensive Tequila, Ley.925 Pasión Azteca Ultra Premium Añejo. Of course, that’s only if you have an additional $150,000+ to throw around. You can tell people that you had a wild time in Mexico!
Frrrozen Haute Chocolate Ice Cream – $25,000
The most expensive ice cream treat in the world is the Frrrozen Haute Chocolate Ice Cream from — you guessed it — Serendipity 3. If you thought the sundae was drool-worthy, then you won’t believe the presentation and composition of this frozen dessert.
Served inside of a diamond-encrusted crystal goblet and paired with a solid-gold spoon, you’ll want to make this ice cream last forever. With a combination of 28 different types of cocoa, this might be the most chocolatey dessert ever created, despite the additional whipped cream, gold flakes and truffle shavings.
Yubari King Melon – $27,000
The Yubari King melon may just be the most expensive singular ingredient in the world besides truffles. It is a Japanese cantaloupe that grows in a small city near Sapporo. It’s not a natural creation, but rather a purposeful hybrid between the Earl’s Favourite and Burpee’s “Spicy” Cantaloupe. Consequently, it’s pretty unique.
The sweet, juicy melon flesh has a tinge of spicy heat to it, and chefs and curious foodies from around the world pay quite a lot of money just to get their hands on a few of these fruits.
Da-Hong Pao Tea – $28,000
Some people are coffee drinkers, while others prefer tea. If you’re one of the latter, you might want to consider saving for a taste of Da-Hong Pao tea, the world’s most expensive cup of leaves. This tea isn’t worth its weight in gold — it’s worth more than gold.
In 2002, someone paid $28,000 for only 20 grams of the stuff. Da-Hong Pao is loved for its strong, mineral-rich flavor and smooth texture. It grows in a mountainous region of China and has existed for several centuries as a “tea fit for an emperor.”
Dalmore 64 Trinitas – $160,000
While this item might not technically be a food, it still deserves a spot on this list. Dalmore 64 Trinitas is one of the world’s most expensive beverages. A single bottle will likely set you back about $160,000. No worries; you can sell all of your assets and belongings, right?
This Scotch whiskey has been aged for 64 years. The quality is such that only three bottles were ever produced. That makes this one of the priciest and rarest bottles of whiskey ever made. If you’ve got the right connections, you might get to experience a sip someday.
Pierchic Pizza – $180,000
If you guessed that pizza would end up being the most expensive food in the world, then hats off to you! The Pierchic Pizza is the most insanely priced pie in the history of humankind at $180,000 and can only be found at the restaurant Pierchic in Dubai.
With enough prior notice — and enough money to buy a house — you can dine on the Italian white Alba truffles, Perigordian black truffles, red saffron from Kashmir, imported French foie gras, champagne-soaked Almas and beluga caviars, Matsutake mushrooms and edible gold leaves.
