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Hawaiian pizza -

Nothing inspires frenzied debate among pizza-lovers like pineapple. It's a staple on many pizza menus, and certainly has a fanbase. But for naysayers, the very idea of letting sweet pineapple anywhere near a cheese and ham pizza is culinary sacrilege.

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Cilantro -

Who would have thought that a little leaf could be so offensive to some people? The strength of reaction to cilantro has even been the subject of scientific studies, which suggest the love-or-hate preference may be genetic.

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Licorice -

Eaten with gusto in Scandinavia and popular as candies in the UK, licorice is not to everybody's taste. The thick, chewy black substance has a strongly aromatic taste, which can be off-putting to unaccustomed palates.

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Olives -

Olives are often described as an acquired taste, but it's a taste that many people have no desire to cultivate. Salty, bitter, and slightly oily, they certainly have a strong flavor, rousing strong reactions in both those who love them and those who find them repellent.

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Zucchini noodles -

Beloved of the keto and low-carb brigade, zucchini noodles are touted as a carb-free, low-calorie alternative that tastes as good as the carb-loaded original. But many pasta lovers beg to differ, vehemently!

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Ceviche -

This Peruvian seafood dish has been cropping up at trendy eateries for a few years, and many people sing the praises of its fresh, zingy flavor. But others can't get past the fact that this is essentially raw fish marinated in lemon or lime.

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Mayonnaise -

Liberally applying mayonnaise to a sandwich can be make or break for foodies. Some people swear the rich egg-and-oil emulsion is an essential component, others recoil at the slightest amount. And still others argue over how much, if any, is appropriate.

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Oysters -

Commonly known as an aphrodisiac, oysters are loved and hated in equal measure. For some, a dish of oysters with a glass of champagne is the ultimate romantic food pairing, for others the mere thought of eating this raw shellfish is a foodie turnoff.

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Anchovies -

The salty, canned version of this little fish tends to provoke strong reactions. Even people who generally like seafood often find the flavor too 'fishy,' while fans will happily embrace anchovies in Caesar salad dressing and even as a pizza topping.

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Pickles -

There are those who will happily chomp down on pickles straight from the jar, and there are those who painstakingly peel pickle slices away from their burger.

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Okra -

It's sometimes known as ladies' fingers, which may or may not make this divisive green vegetable seem more appealing. Okra needs to be cooked well to prevent threads of goo appearing, which is understandably off-putting to some people.

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Blue cheese -

Blue cheese is seen as the height of sophistication in some circles, with many cheese fiends hunting out those with the strongest flavor. But the taste is not for everybody, and nor is the fact that the blue color comes from mold...

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Brussel sprouts -

Often cited as America's most hated vegetable, the much-maligned Brussel sprout still makes an appearance at many a festive table. Kids, and many adults, often refuse outright to eat them, while others sing their praises.

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Mushrooms -

Another of America's least-loved vegetables according to polls, mushrooms are an absolute treat to many people. The umami kick may be driving its divisive status.

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Poutine -

The Canadian dish of French fries covered in rich gravy and cheese curds has been enthusiastically embraced since its inception in 1950s Quebec. But to those unaccustomed, it's often seen as a crime against fries.

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Mushy peas -

The Brits, meanwhile, often love to liven up their fish and chips with a side of bright green, salty, mushed-up marrowfat peas. Even in their home country, the peas are often loved or fiercely disliked.

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Durian -

Enjoyed across much of Asia, durian is reviled by many Westerners. It's a strong-smelling fruit, and the spiked exterior can look less-than-appetizing. But fans enthuse about the rich flesh.

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Super-hot chili peppers - While some people break out in a sweat at the sight of a pickled jalapeño, others actively seek out fiery heat. Only the brave or foolhardy would snack on Scoville scale-busting ghost peppers or Carolina Reapers. Heat-lovers enjoy them in hot sauces and fiery curries.

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Steak tartare -

While it's often considered a sophisticated dish, steak tartar isn't every meat-lover's favorite type of steak. It's essentially raw, ground beef, topped with a raw egg.

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Marmite -

In the UK, to say something is "like Marmite" literally means that people either love or hate it. The salty yeast extract spread, loved by many Brits since 1902, is hated with a passion by others.

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Vegemite -

British-colonized Australia has its own version of the polarizing savory spread, and fierce debate breaks out between the nations about whose version is best. Or worst, depending on your point of view.

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Bologna/baloney -

Whether to spell it "bolagna" or "baloney" is one source of debate about this sliced sausage, the other is whether the sandwich staple is worth eating at all. Many love the 'odds-and-ends' deli meat, others recoil at the sight of it.

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Sushi -

Enduringly-trendy sushi is hugely popular across the world, but it ranks highly in 'America's most hated dishes' polls. Although many love it, the raw fish element is off-putting to many people.

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Haggis -

A source of great national pride in Scotland, the seasoned-innards-and-oatmeal dish doesn't appeal to everybody. It's arguably the spices rather than the innards that are the selling point for those that love it: vegan versions are increasingly popular.

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Tofu -

And speaking of vegans, tofu, made from soy beans, is laughed at by many carnivores, but many vegetarians and vegans swear it's delicious. The Chinese would agree: they've been eating it for over 2,000 years.

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Chitlins -

A traditional dish particularly enjoyed in the American south, chitlins (or chitterlings) are painstakingly-prepared pig intestines. While many turn their nose up at the idea, for others they are a delicious special-occasion dish.

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Bread sauce -

It may raise eyebrows outside the UK, but many Brits wouldn't dream of serving their Christmas turkey without bread sauce. The thick, creamy accompaniment originates in a medieval recipe for using up leftover bread.

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Hákarl -

A traditional dish considered a delicacy in Iceland, Hákarl tends to provoke strong reactions for several reasons. It's not just shark, but fermented shark, and has an ammonia-like smell that's uncomfortably reminiscent of urine. An acquired taste!

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Noni -

A tropical fruit embraced by healthy-living types as a superfood, noni is an absolute no-go for many others. The reason? Its absolutely foul smell, which has earned it the nickname "vomit fruit."

Sources: (WFXB) (Britannica) (Paste Magazine)

See also: Weird and wonderful bar snacks from around the globe

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