During his voyages, the pioneering naturalist frequently encountered unfamiliar creatures and two particular animals caught his attention.
According to Darwin, armadillo resembled and tasted like duck, and he considered puma to be "the best meat ever tasted."
The first President of the United States was fond of a peculiar condiment that appears strange to us nowadays, but was quite common in colonial America.
The condiment, consisting of mushrooms, anchovies, and horseradish, gained popularity with 18th-century soldiers.
The famous actor and filmmaker from the silent film era had a fondness for stews, especially those made with a distinctive animal part.
Chaplin found stewed tripe the most delicious, while he also enjoyed lamb stew and curry. It's better than eating a boot, at least.
Helen Keller, an author and political activist, achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first deaf-blind individual to obtain a bachelor of arts degree in the United States. Interestingly, she held a fondness for a quintessentially American staple.
According to reports, Keller's secretary didn't keep hot dogs around Keller because she wouldn't eat anything else if given the option.
The well-known British Prime Minister had a liking for a delicacy that has now been banned in several locations.
He enjoyed the delicious broth so much that he carried it with him while traveling. However, turtle soup has become prohibited in several locations due to the threatened or endangered status of numerous turtle species.
The king of England in the 12th century dined on peculiar, jawless creatures.
According to reports, the king passed away from feasting on too many lampreys one evening, against medical advice.
The King of England, renowned for his numerous divorces, was equally famous for his fondness for food. He delighted in a range of dishes, from traditional English fare to the tantalizing flavors of distant lands.
Some of his preferred dishes included barbecued beaver tails, swan, whale, and peacock, though he also enjoyed chickens, pigs, and cows.
The renowned filmmaker despised eggs. He once revealed, "I'm frightened of eggs, worse than frightened; they revolt me." Nevertheless, he did consume them as a component of his preferred dish.
Hitchcock had a fondness for pies, enjoying them in various forms. However, his personal preference was a wheat crust pie filled with ham, eggs, salt, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and milk.
The ruler during the Middle Ages was known for being difficult to work with. However, a way to establish rapport with him was through food, as he was renowned for his fondness of sweets.
The Holy Roman Emperor loved to eat candied violets whenever possible.
Mozart, a renowned composer of the classical period, had a fondness for food and drink. His wife defended his indulgence by stating that his "undisciplined and excessive eating and drinking" were permissible as he did not suffer from other internal health issues.
Mozart had a preference for liver dumplings, fried in butter, and accompanied by a generous portion of sauerkraut.
The Egyptian ruler gained renown for her unique dinner parties, featuring tasty cuisine drenched in extra-virgin olive oil, light cheeses, veggies, beans, cereals, and fragrant herbs.
Regarding her preferred meal, Cleopatra took pleasure in consuming stuffed pigeon alongside seasonal vegetables, bean soup, and soups comprising barley and spelt.
Despite his quirks, the renowned physicist possessed a rather ordinary preference in cuisine.
His preferred meal was spaghetti without meat, reflecting his choice for vegetarianism.
The food preferences of the 16th President of the United States reflected his strong American identity.
Lincoln had a taste for uncomplicated dishes. His most loved fruits were apples, usually accompanied by a glass of milk during lunchtime, while for breakfast he relished bacon and coffee. Regarding corn cakes, it is said that he devoured them "as fast as two women could make them."
The well-known writer of 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' compiled a record of meals he longed for during his international travels, featuring one dish mentioned repeatedly.
Twain expressed his regret at not being able to get fried oysters, stewed oysters, oyster soup, oysters roasted in the shell, and Blue Points on the half shell, a renowned American oyster.
The famous French Revolution statesman and military leader brought along his personal chef during military expeditions. It is said that the chef originated a widely known culinary creation after a battle in 1800.
According to reports, the dish was conceived by chef Dunand following the Battle of Marengo. Due to a lack of butter for roasting the bird, he resorted to frying chicken in olive oil with tomatoes and onions.
The 31st President of the United States demonstrated unwavering traditionalism, particularly in his culinary predilections.
Hoover reportedly joined a Thanksgiving meal in Brussels in 1915, where he indulged in imported turkey and sweet potatoes. Ever since, sweet potatoes remained a regular presence on his table, even during his presidency at the White House in the subsequent years.
The renowned composer had a preference for a modest yet significant dish that he cherished.
According to Beethoven, "anyone who tells a lie has not a pure heart, and cannot make a good soup." The esteemed composer had a particular fondness for bread soup enriched with 10 to 12 sizable eggs. Additionally, he savored noodles prepared with cheese and butter.
The Irish poet and playwright had an appreciation for indulging in fine dining and had a particular preference for extravagant food.
Wilde had a particular fondness for "wild duck, maintenon cutlets, even red mullet sometimes, green butter, and pulled bread."
The innovator of stream of consciousness had a talent for describing lavish meals in her work. This was likely due to her belief that food played a vital role in igniting creativity. She held a particular affection for French cuisine.
One of her preferred dishes was Boeuf en Daube a la Niçoise, also known as Beef Daube Provençal. It consisted of beef, green onions, and various vegetables accompanied by red wine.
Wining and dining was a staple of Roman culture and its most famous figure was no exception. One of his favorite dishes is still quite popular today.
He enjoyed pork shoulders cooked with apples, onions, honey, vinegar, red wine, spices, and anchovy sauce instead of salt.
After spending numerous years in exile in France, the renowned American author developed a fondness for the cuisine of his newfound home.
Hemingway relished the finest oysters, fish, and shrimp he could have it, ideally from Paris, accompanied by a bottle of wine.
The famous artist's quirks also influenced his culinary choices.
The prominent figure of pop art possessed an insatiable love for sweets, devouring entire birthday cakes single-handedly.
The renowned advocate for Civil Rights hailed from the Southern region.
His preferred meal consisted of fried chicken, ham, sweet potatoes, complemented by two types of greens and Crowder peas. For dessert, he would indulge in sweet potato pie.
The Italian dictator is not widely recognized for his culinary preferences as he is for his fascist beliefs. Nonetheless, his favorite food choice is equally peculiar.
Mussolini had a fondness for consuming raw garlic, often adding it to salads that were garnished with olive oil.
Notable world leaders, philosophers, composers, writers, and scientists have gained fame for their remarkable achievements. Nonetheless, they were human beings who, like the rest of us, enjoy indulging in their favorite dishes. Curious about their culinary preferences? Some historical icons loved classic treats and comfort meals, but others possessed extremely peculiar tastes!
Click through the gallery to reveal the (often bizarre) favorite foods of these celebrated figures.
Surprising favorite foods of famous historical figures
Can you guess who had a fondness for beaver tails?
CELEBRITY Curisosities
Notable world leaders, philosophers, composers, writers, and scientists have gained fame for their remarkable achievements. Nonetheless, they were human beings who, like the rest of us, enjoy indulging in their favorite dishes. Curious about their culinary preferences? Some historical icons loved classic treats and comfort meals, but others possessed extremely peculiar tastes!
Click through the gallery to reveal the (often bizarre) favorite foods of these celebrated figures.