Underrated Japanese food top picks
Japan is known for its culinary diversity, but a few traditional foods might surprise foreign tourists who aren't familiar with them. Here are some of the more unusual items:
Natto (Fermented Soybeans): Natto is infamous for its sticky, stringy texture and strong, pungent smell. It's a breakfast staple in Japan, often served with rice, but the texture and odor can be overwhelming for some foreigners.
Shirako (Fish Milt): Shirako is the sperm sacs of fish, commonly served as sushi or tempura. It has a creamy texture and delicate flavor, but the idea of eating fish milt can shock the uninitiated.
Inago (Grasshoppers): These are often served fried and coated in a sweet soy sauce glaze. While insects are consumed in some other cultures, eating them in Japan can surprise tourists who aren’t familiar with it.
Basashi (Raw Horse Meat): Raw horse meat, typically served as sashimi, is considered a delicacy in some regions of Japan. It's tender and often served with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
Fugu (Pufferfish): Fugu is infamous for its potential danger, as parts of the fish contain a deadly toxin. Specially trained chefs prepare this delicacy, and while it’s prized for its delicate flavor, the risk factor adds an element of fear for some tourists.
Horumon (Organ Meats): Commonly served in izakayas, horumon is grilled offal, including intestines, liver, and stomach, often enjoyed with drinks. Some foreigners may be surprised by the prevalence of organ meats in Japan.
Shiokara (Fermented Fish Innards): This dish consists of fermented seafood innards, typically squid, preserved in a salty brine. It has a strong flavor and is often enjoyed with alcohol.
Nankotsu (Chicken Cartilage): This is served grilled or fried, offering a crunchy texture. While cartilage isn't commonly eaten in many Western countries, it’s a popular snack at Japanese yakitori restaurants.
Kujira (Whale Meat): Though controversial, whale meat can still be found in some parts of Japan. It's often prepared as sashimi or grilled, and its consumption can surprise or shock tourists unfamiliar with it.
These foods are definitely an adventure for many, and trying them can be a memorable part of a visit to Japan!➥➥➥ Subscribe & Comment ➥➥➥