Discover Malmö’s Most Unusual Attraction: The Disgusting Food Museum
If you’re after a quirky, memorable experience in Malmö, this museum offers just that—an unusual look at some of the world’s most notorious foods. We’ve seen it ranked with a perfect 5-star rating and loved for its interactive, fun approach. It’s a place that excites those curious about bizarre cuisines and challenges even the bravest eaters.
What we appreciate most is how it combines education with entertainment—walking through, you’ll learn about the origins of foods like maggot cheese, haggis, or durian while getting a chance to smell, taste, and gauge just how “disgusting” they really are. The second highlight? The staff’s friendly, interactive attitude makes the experience even better, helping to create a lighthearted atmosphere.
One thing to keep in mind: it’s a fairly small space, more like a boutique museum, which means it can feel quite cozy or even a bit cramped if it’s busy. Also, the exhibits are mostly in English, so if you’re someone who benefits from multilingual info, that might be a consideration.
This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers, foodies with a sense of humor, or anyone interested in the oddities of global cuisine. It’s a fun, sometimes gross, but always memorable outing worth considering in your Malmö itinerary.
Key Points
- Unique and playful experience: Offers a look at 80 of the world’s most disgusting foods, blending learning and tasting.
- Advance booking recommended: Guarantees your spot and avoids disappointment, especially busy days.
- Interactive and engaging: Smelling, tasting, and learning about the foods makes it more than just a static exhibit.
- Small but well-curated: The museum’s boutique size lends an intimate feel, but it can also feel crowded.
- Good value: At around $23.66, you get a memorable experience that’s both fun and educational.
- Family-friendly: Suitable for both kids and adults, though some foods might be more suitable for older children.
Inside the Disgusting Food Museum: What to Expect
Walking into the Disgusting Food Museum, you’re immediately struck by its unconventional theme. This isn’t your typical art or history museum. Instead, it’s a curated collection of 80 foods that many consider repulsive, designed to challenge perceptions and spark curiosity. The price, roughly $24, might seem steep at first glance, but considering the interactive nature and the number of foods sampled, it’s pretty fair.
The Exhibits
The core of the museum is a series of displays showcasing foods from around the globe. Each item comes with a description of its origins and cultural significance, which adds valuable context. While the size of the museum is modest—more like a boutique experience—the curated selection packs a punch. You’ll encounter items like stinky cheeses, fermented foods, and some truly bizarre delicacies.
We loved the way the exhibits are designed to be interactive. The tasting bar offers opportunities to sample some foods, and some visitors even find themselves surprised by how edible some of these ‘disgusting’ foods can be. The smell aspect is just as prominent—imagine sniffing the world’s stinkiest cheese or pungent fermented products. For many, this sensory engagement is what makes the visit memorable.
Tasting and Smelling
This is where the museum really shines. If you’re up for it, you can taste a variety of these foods. Some are sweet, but with a twist—like candies made with unconventional ingredients or metallic-tasting sweets meant to mimic industrial cleaning chemicals. Smelling the foods is almost more intense; the pungency often lingers long after.
Based on reviews, many find the tasting experience enjoyable and surprisingly fun. One visitor said, “The smelling and tasting parts are really great. It is so intriguing to try all different disgusting smells and foods in one go.” Of course, that challenge isn’t for everyone, and it’s perfectly okay to just observe if your stomach is already turning.
Staff and Atmosphere
The staff receive praise for their interactive and friendly attitude. They seem genuinely engaged, which makes the experience more approachable and less intimidating. This friendly approach helps keep the atmosphere light, even when faced with some truly gross-looking or smelling items.
A review noted, “The staff are GREAT and very interactive! Would recommend to others!” This kind of enthusiasm helps turn what could be a repulsive experience into something fun and educational.
Is the Disgusting Food Museum Worth the Price?
At just under $24, this experience offers a unique value—you’re not just looking at pictures, but actively participating in tasting and smelling foods from around the world. For food lovers or those seeking a memorable story to tell, that’s money well spent. Plus, booking in advance ensures you won’t miss out during busy periods.
The size of the museum might be a drawback for some. It’s quite small, and if it’s crowded, it can feel cramped. However, the curated nature of the exhibits means you get a focused, quality experience without unnecessary filler.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Book tickets in advance: The museum is popular and tends to sell out, with bookings often made nine days ahead.
- Be prepared for sensory overload: The smells can be quite strong, and tasting is optional but encouraged.
- Bring your curiosity and humor: The experience is designed to be lighthearted, even if some of the foods are truly off-putting.
- Expect a quick visit: The tour lasts about 1 to 2 hours, making it a perfect afternoon activity.
- Consider your comfort level: If you have sensitivities to strong odors or certain foods, take that into account.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Visit?
This museum is best suited for those with a sense of adventure and humor—perfect for solo travelers, groups of friends, or curious couples. It’s also a good choice for families with older children who aren’t squeamish. If you’re interested in exploring food culture from a different perspective, or simply want a fun, unusual outing, this museum delivers.
While not a comprehensive culinary experience, it’s a conversation starter and a great way to break the ice. The interactive tasting, combined with the educational tidbits, makes it more than just a spectacle; it’s a playful exploration of what we eat and why.
Skip the Line: Disgusting Food Museum Entrance Ticket
“The smelling and tasting part are really great. It is so intriguing to try all different disgusting smell and food in one go”
FAQ
Do I need to book my tickets in advance?
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended because it guarantees your entry and helps avoid disappointment, especially during busy periods.
How long does the visit take?
The tour typically lasts about 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much you want to taste and explore.
Is the museum suitable for children?
It’s suitable for both kids and adults, but be mindful that some foods might be too strong or off-putting for sensitive younger children.
Can I taste all the foods?
Tasting is offered but optional. It’s encouraged for those curious about the flavors, but if you’re squeamish, you can simply observe.
Are the exhibits in multiple languages?
Most information is in English, but one review noted that not everything is translated into German. Check if language support is important for you.
What is the price?
The ticket costs about $23.66 per person, which is a fair price considering the interactive experience and educational content.
Is it accessible by public transportation?
Yes, the museum is located near public transit, making it easy to get there without a car.
Can I cancel my ticket?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before your scheduled visit. You get a full refund if you cancel in time.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes are perfect. Expect to get close to some pungent smells—so don’t wear your nicest shirt if you’re sensitive to odors.
Visiting the Disgusting Food Museum in Malmö offers an experience that’s as amusing as it is eye-opening. It’s a playful take on food culture that’s not only entertaining but also educational. Whether you’re in for the full tasting challenge or just curious to see what all the fuss is about, it makes for a memorable outing—one that will definitely get people talking long after you leave.
