Japan has a lot of unique foods that can intrigue and intimidate people not used to the culture. One of these is fugu (pufferfish), which I remember media in the west such as the Simpsons making a big deal about, you know, as the special delicacy that can kill you if the chef prepared it even a tiny bit incorrectly.
And while that’s not exactly incorrect per se, from my perspective as a long-term foreign resident in Japan, from a purely taste perspective, fugu is… just okay? I’ve had it fried and as sashimi on several occasions, but it never impresses me. It’s tasty fried but honestly would be the same as any fried fish, and as sashimi, the fish itself feels plain and unremarkable. (It’s always dipped in a unique sauce, but then, that’s nothing special about the fish, is it?)
My recommendation would be something also unique to Japan but something that tastes unlikely something you can probably get at home: basashi, or raw horse meat. It’s a delicacy particularly in Kyushu, but it has a rich flavor and unique, soft texture you can’t really get elsewhere (because, well, you are eating raw meat). Good quality basashi is a real treat.
Granted, some people may love fugu and basashi isn’t for everyone, but I hope I can shed some light on a lesser known but equally (or in my humble opinion, tastier) option for more adventurous diners.
by SoKratez