Imagine unwrapping a small, orange-rind cheese, only to be hit by an aroma so intense it could clear a room. This is Boulette d’Avesnes, often hailed as the world’s stinkiest cheese. Weighing around 500 grams and with a firm yet creamy texture, this French delicacy has a reputation that precedes it.
The Accidental Creation of a Smelly Legend
In 1982, Philippe Olivier, a renowned French cheesemaker, had an idea—perhaps fueled by a bit too much wine. He decided to marinate a fresh cheese in a mixture of beer, brandy, and salt. A few weeks later, the town of Boulogne-sur-Mer, in northern France, was engulfed in an unidentifiable stench. Even Olivier himself was shocked by the potent odor of his creation.
“It smelled like a hundred unwashed drunkards gathered in one place.” 
Not knowing what else to do, he named it after the town, and thus, Boulette d’Avesnes was born—a cheese that many compare to the surströmming of the dairy world.
A Cheese Unlike Any Other
Traditionally, cheese is associated with smooth textures and pleasant, milky aromas. Boulette d’Avesnes defies all expectations. Its rough, crumbly surface and strong, barnyard-like smell make it an acquired taste. Served on a fine dining platter, it feels like an uninvited, rowdy guest at an elegant party.
The Scientific Proof: The Stinkiest of Them All
In 2004, researchers at Cranfield University in the UK conducted an experiment to determine the stinkiest cheese in the world. Using an electronic nose, a device normally used to detect infections like tuberculosis, they tested 15 particularly pungent cheeses.
Boulette d’Avesnes emerged victorious, with gas emissions comparable to those of tuberculosis patients. The cheese’s aroma was found to be stronger than any other tested variety, officially earning it the title of the stinkiest cheese on Earth.
Too Smelly for Public Transport
The powerful scent of Boulette d’Avesnes is so disruptive that some regions in France have banned it from public transport. Towns like Munster and Roquefort have regulations prohibiting people from eating it in enclosed public spaces.
The Global Club of Smelly Foods
Boulette d’Avesnes is not alone in the realm of controversial foods. Some of the world’s most divisive delicacies share a similar fate:
- Stinky Tofu (China/Taiwan): Fermented and deep-fried, this dish is infamous for its sewage-like smell.
- Durian (Southeast Asia): Known as the “king of fruits,” its strong odor has led to bans in hotels and public transport.
- Surströmming (Sweden): This fermented herring is so foul-smelling that it’s traditionally opened outdoors.
- Natto (Japan): Fermented soybeans with a sticky, slimy texture and strong ammonia-like aroma.
The Paradox of Stinky Yet Delicious
Despite their overpowering odors, these foods have devoted fans who swear by their incredible taste. Some say that getting past the smell unlocks a world of complex flavors. Boulette d’Avesnes is no exception—those who dare to take a bite often describe a surprisingly creamy, umami-rich experience.
“It’s like falling in love with someone despite their rough exterior—you find the beauty within.”
Should You Try It?
Food is all about adventure. If you’re a fan of bold flavors and love pushing your palate’s limits, Boulette d’Avesnes might just be your next challenge. Whether you’re a cheese connoisseur or just a curious foodie, this stinky legend is worth at least one taste.
