South African Chef Mario Barnard may have felt uneasy when trying his first crunchy and spicy insects in Thailand, but it gave him the idea to start experimenting on some easier-to-digest eco-friendly options back in his hometown.
In July, he opened the first restaurant in South Africa offering insect-only meals, Cape Town’s Insect Experience, offering gourmet meals and ice cream made with insect powder. For the more adventurous customers he offers bowls of insects with different choices of worms.
“It’s good for the environment and it’s the food of the future,” said Barnard, who is looking to expand with his partners at local startup Gourmet Grubb into creating bug beer, biscuits and dog food.
Insects are a lot more eco-friendly than other foods as they require much less land and water. Scientists have found them to be a cheap, sustainable alternative high in protein, fibre and minerals.
