During a recent trip to China, tennis star Taylor Townsend found herself face-to-face with a culinary experience that left her stunned. While exploring the local dinner buffet, she was taken aback by one particular dish: bullfrogs, stewed with chillies, peppers, and onions. Her reaction was candid and visceral, expressing disbelief at the sight of what she described as “literally killing frogs.”
Cultural Curiosity Meets Culinary Shock
Townsend’s remarks reflected not just surprise, but confusion over the safety and appeal of the dish. “Aren’t those poisonous?” she asked, referencing common myths about bullfrogs causing warts or boils. Her instinctive discomfort highlighted the cultural gap between Western dining norms and traditional Chinese cuisine, where frog dishes are considered delicacies in many regions.
A Dish That Defied Expectations
The preparation of the bullfrogs—richly seasoned and served as a main course—seemed to amplify Townsend’s reaction. “Oh, you really made this a dish,” she said, noting how the ingredients were thoughtfully combined despite her personal aversion. Her final verdict was blunt: “All in all I’d give this like a solid 2 out of 10 so far, because this is crazy.”
Food, Culture, and First Impressions
Townsend’s experience underscores how travel can challenge perceptions and provoke strong reactions. While her comments were spontaneous and unfiltered, they also reveal the emotional impact of encountering unfamiliar traditions. For athletes and travelers alike, moments like these offer a window into the diverse ways people around the world celebrate food—even when it’s unexpected.
Taylor Townsend in 2025
Currently ranked no.116, Townsend played her last match on the 31st of August when she lost to world no.39 Barbora Krejcikova 1-6 7-6(13) 6-3 in the 4th round of the U.S. Open (draw).
Until now, during this year Townsend owns a 19-14 record.