In Space, No One Can Hear You Burp

"alien" (CC BY 2.0) by blondinrikard

Okay, so the actual strapline for Alien may have been “In space no one can hear you scream” but as a film that’s as famous for one extraordinary dinner scene as it is for the eponymous H.R. Giger-designed alien, it seems like a plausible alternative.

In fact, as you’d expect from the fantastical worlds that we’re shown on screen and in print in sci-fi, the meals that are served up are no less extraordinary, not to mention needing an exceptionally strong stomach to put up with them.

So if you want to eat like an extra-terrestrial here are a few ideas to start you off.

Akrennian Beetle Sashimi

When the world’s been completely destroyed, as it has been in Titan A.E., it’s not surprising that food’s in short supply so you have to take what you’re given. Even the biggest fans of Japanese cuisine may draw the line at this menu option, however. And the worst thing of all? There isn’t even any ketchup in this post-apocalyptic world.

Pizza The Hutt

However we humans enjoy our pizzas, whether heavily loaded with cheese, with a range of flavoursome toppings, deep-pan or thin and crispy, it's pretty unlikely that you'd go for the version of the dish featured in 1987 space satire Spaceballs. In what starts out as a pun-tastic poke at one of Star Wars’ least-loved characters this walking, talking pizza is soon being tucked into by his assistant Vinnie. The result certainly isn’t pretty.

Klingon Cuisine

 
"sttng_klingon" (CC BY-ND 2.0) by Kingfox

 

There’s a whole menu that you’d do well to avoid from the Klingon cookbook in Star Trek. They’re a war-like and aggressive people and this is reflected in their tastes. For example, there’s the attractively-named “gagh” or slimy tongue balls which probably taste as good as they sound, and there’s nothing they like more than to wash it all down with a brimming goblet of blood wine.

Kep-Mok Blood Ticks

For those of you who just can’t get enough of intergalactic creepy crawlies, or even Klingon blood wine, then might we recommend the Kep-Mok Blood Ticks as featured in Galaxy Quest? These crunchy little morsels may not look too appealing but they’re certain to be packed with iron and other vital minerals.

Vegan Rhino Cutlet

Our last two selections both feature in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and it’s not surprising that there are even more dishes that feature in its equally famous sequel. Vegan Rhino Cutlet, as the name suggests, isn’t really made from rhino but it is - as Arthur Dent has no hesitation in pointing out - just an “evil-smelling meat”.

The Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster

To cleanse your palate after that, then may we suggest a round or two of Pan-Galactic Gargle Blasters? It was invented by the President of the Galaxy and includes a number of ingredients including Mega Gin, Hypermint, and the tooth of an Algolan Suntiger. It’s a heady combination that certainly packs quite a punch so maybe now's the time to park the spaceship for the night and book an intergalactic taxi home instead.