[Photo/xinhuanet.com]

It is unlikely that most travelers are familiar with this unusual food, monkey-head mushroom, also known as Hericium erinaceus or houtougu. Nonetheless, this has not stopped this particular delicacy from being listed as one of China's most famous. It is not simply the taste, that this particular dish is renowned for but also its healing properties. This fungus is said to have curative benefits for those suffering from gastroenteritis.