1. Kobe Beef

Don’t mix up Kobe beef with Kobe-style beef, because the two are very different. Kobe beef refers to the cuts from the Wagyu cattle in Japan. The animals are raised according to a set of regulations, and can only be called Kobe beef if all requirements are met. This delicacy is known for its fat and well-marbled texture, and a Kobe steak in Japan can easily cost up to $300, making it one of the most expensive foods in the world.

2. Foie Gras

Foie gras is made out of the liver of ducks or geese, and the production method has raised many controversies. The French eat foie gras on pieces of toast, but some chefs use it to enrich the flavor of their dishes. Prices of foie gras vary, but a pound of good quality foie gras easily costs more than $150.

3. Truffles

Chefs say that truffles are the “diamonds of the kitchen,” and with prices as high as $1,200 per pound, the chefs might just be right. Additionally, white truffles are even more expensive than black truffles, and the poor harvest over the past years hasn’t helped reduce the price. The chance of you getting your hands on a truffle that comes straight from the ground is minimal, but some upscale restaurants incorporate this delicacy into their dishes.

4. Caviar

Caviar is one of the most popular delicacies in the world and comes in several types. Pasteurized fish-eggs provide a more economical option, but reduce the culinary taste, so for the real deal, you’ll have to opt for the non-pasteurized version. Beluga caviar is the best type of caviar and costs up to $300 per ounce.

5. Oysters

“Oysters, expensive?” you may think. Maybe not those that you find in your local seafood shop. The Belon oyster, on the other hand, is the one that’s hardest to find, and therefore comes at a higher price. These oysters have an intense metallic flavor, a flat shape and firm flesh, and they are usually a favorite of those who absolutely love oysters. If you’re just OK with eating oysters, you might as well settle for the Atlantic or Pacific oyster. Belon oysters can easily cost $7 each.

6. Civet Coffee

OK, it’s not a food, but it’s definitely something you can taste and swallow. Civet coffee is known as “kopi luwak” in Indonesia, and refers to the coffee berries that are eaten and digested by the Asian palm civet. This might sound disgusting, but if you love your cup of Joe, it’s worth a try. Be prepared to spend big bucks if you want to buy the coffee beans, because a pound can cost up to $350. Thankfully, you could also chase down a coffee shop that sells it by the cup, which significantly lessens the burden on your wallet.

7. Saffron

You go to your local supermarket looking for saffron, only to find a few strands for $20. Yes, parsley is definitely cheaper, but it’s just not the same. The aroma and the taste you'll get from using saffron in your cooking are unique, and so is its production and harvest. It takes around 75,000 saffron blossoms to produce one pound of strands, and harvest is done by hand.

Like I said before, these expensive foods don’t have to be part of your daily routine, but trying out these foods can be a great experience for those special moments. Got a promotion at work? Head over to a restaurant that can serve you some of their best caviar! Are you a true foodie who is willing to spend your money on these expensive foods?