Okay, before we get to the scary animals and unnerving food, let's start from the beginning.
René Redzepi went Down Under.
His mission? Uncover Australia.
In 2015, the Noma team went on a fact-finding mission across Oz: roadtripping, eating and uncovering native ingredients to serve at Noma Australia.
And under water... diving for sea urchins.
The team took dozens of photographs featuring – let's be honest – downright freaky looking animals. See: “Smoked eel vs (almost) four-year old” below.
René wasn't about to shy away from tackling what Australia had to offer.
With each Noma chef snap our interest piqued.
“What on earth is that?”
René Redzepi: “When your goat looks like a barista #NomaAustralia”. Yep, we get that too.
Some diners reminisced about their Danish experience.
Food lovers rallied behind the restaurant.
Bookings opened! And closed. Really quickly.
So the lucky ones started saving.
While those who missed out broke the news.
Judging by René's holiday snaps...
.... and of course his culinary raison d'etre, Aussie ingredients will be starring on the menu. Here are some less-than-usual suspects that might make it on plates (and in Insta feeds) come January 26.
1. Spanner crab
Obviously delicious. Next!
2. Emu egg
Larger than your average.
3. Crocodile fat
*Shiver*. But seriously, if you're into croc meat, try Adam Liaw's prawn and crocodile laksa. Also good made with chicken breast.
4. Green ants
If they're good enough for Luke Nguyen, they're good enough for us. Here's his red ant egg salad recipe.
5. Mushroom pineapple
THIS IS A THING!?!
6. Magpie goose
Duck... Duck... Magpie goose!
7. Lantana flowers
Pretty as a picture.
8. Lemon myrtle. And bush limes.
Might it look like this?
And if René and his team need more Aussie inspiration, we reckon a little Vegemite never goes astray.
ICYMI: Noma Australia is coming
René Redzepi to open Noma pop-up in Sydney
