Top 7 Weirdest Foods in Japan You Have Never Heard Before

If you're a foodie planning a trip to Japan or just like to try new things, here are some interesting and unusual dishes you might find there. They're not hard to find, but you might miss them if you didn't know about them.

Top 7 Wonderful and Weirdest Things in Japan

Top 7 Quirky Drinks in Japan You Should Try

Weirdest Foods in Japan - Photo: Pinterest

While many people around the world enjoy eating Japanese cuisine, there are a few dishes that aren't as well received by those from other countries. Typically, KnowInsider updates its readers on the latest happenings at Pokemon Cafes and Vampire Cafes, among other themed eateries in Japan.

#1. Natto (Fermented soybeans)

Natto, a Japanese dish of fermented soybeans, has a notorious reputation. It's so good for you that lots of Japanese people eat it every day, usually with rice but also in dishes like sushi and ramen. The Japanese word for the dish's sticky consistency is (nebaneba).

Natto - Photo: BBC

The majority of people from western nations have probably never tried anything even remotely similar, despite the fact that this texture is common in Japanese cuisine! It is therefore well known that the majority of non-Japanese people abhor it to the hilt due to its sticky texture, revolting smell, and bitter flavor.

Natto Ramen. Photo: favy

#2. Funazushi (Fermented Carp)

Photo: Tokyofoodcast

Some people view funazushi as an upscale dish. It takes more than a year to prepare this peculiar food, which is somewhat similar to fermented carp, in Japan. Funazushi is thought to be the source of sushi.

You may have heard of funazushi after watching Karl Pilkington attempt it on the television program An Idiot Abroad. It made him feel so disgusted that he puked. Shiga prefecture is home to funazushi, but it is difficult to locate. If you want to try funazushi, head over to Lake Biwa in Shiga because it is made from carp that have been caught in the lake.

#3. Uni (Sea Urchin)

The sea's spiky creatures! Uni seems really intimidating. It certainly falls under the category of weird Japanese food, and it has to be one of the eeriest appearances ever. They serve it to you on paper plates inside the actual, spiky urchin in the shops close to the site of the former Tsukiji Fish Market:

Photo: favy

The interior meat is soft and has dark orange lobes. The flavor explodes in your mouth when you bite into the slippery, fleshy object. Do you know how the flavor and texture of liver, particularly foie gras, are coppery and creamy?

Well, university has those qualities as well, but it also has a smell that makes me think of the ocean. It's so interesting and delicious, so you should try it.

According to Horizon Unknown, uni is frequently served in nigiri alongside salmon roe (ikura), which helps to temper the strong flavor.

#4. Dojo Tofu (Loach Hotpot)

Dojo tofu, also known as tofu hell, is a popular dish in Japan. To prepare the dish, they first bring some water to a boil. Once it has reached a high temperature, they add a block of cold tofu and a few live baby loach fish to the bottom of the pan.

In order to escape the boiling water, it is anticipated that the fish will dive down and begin to bury themselves in the cold tofu. According to Toptenz, the fish are boiled alive inside their own flesh and the tofu is soon heated by the boiling water as well.

#5. Basashi (Raw Horse Meat)

Basashi is a specialty from the Kumamoto prefecture that can be found in many restaurants and sushi shops all over Japan. It is thinly sliced horse meat! Horses are typically associated with riding in many other countries, and people wouldn't even consider eating them, but this is not the case in Japan. Japanese people adore horse meat, especially when it's combined with soy sauce and garlic.

Photo: Pinterest

Sakura Niku, which literally translates to "cherry blossom meat," is a peculiar dish that originates in Japan. It is given this name due to the bright pink color of the meat when it is freshly cut, as well as the time of year during which it is in season and tastes the best.

#6. Nama Tamago (Raw Egg)

Photo: G'Day Japan

Shipping times for Japanese eggs are much shorter than those for eggs shipped from the United States. The natural, protective germ barrier of the egg is not removed from the shell by washing, unlike western eggs, making this one of the weirdest foods to eat in Japan safe to eat.

However, to be on the safe side, check the dates before using anything. I was worried not only about getting sick, but also about the texture. It's true that the slimy texture can be disconcerting at first, but I found that, with time and an open mind, I actually came to enjoy it.

#7. Shirako (Fish Sperm)

Photo: US Weekly

Shirako is one of Japan's delicacies and can be found on the menus of high-end eateries and upscale grocery stores alike. This strange Japanese food may look a little strange at first, but once you learn what it is, many people lose their appetite.

Shirako is a fish's testicular sac. It has a mild flavor and a smooth, creamy consistency reminiscent of pudding. It can be eaten as is, fried, steamed, or used as a topping for other meals.