World's Strangest Candy

Austria: Mozartkugeln

What it is: These chocolate-covered bonbons may not be extreme, but they do inspire controversy. They were first made by Salzburg’s Fürst confectionary in the late 1800s as a tribute to native son Amadeus. But just as Mozart himself was known to make a few lax business moves, the confectioner neglected to trademark Mozartkugeln, so same-named copycats have abounded all over Austria and Germany ever since. One way to spot an imposter: a flat surface on any part of the sphere—a sign of industrial production.

How it tastes: Mighty fine, to mainstream chocolate lovers. The center is green-pistachio marzipan, covered in nougat.

Where to get it: At one of the four Fürst Cafés, which also offers candies named after other Salzburg “celebs,” such as a former archbishop and the physicist Doppler (what, no von Trapps?). You can buy a dozen Mozartkugeln for a little under $20.