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| No, It's OK, you can have it all |
Yes, it is one of the stranger things that can be consumed in a Japanese diet, but not as strange as some of the things that Americans will eat.
Behold, the food equivalent of Japanese Kryptonite!
The following foods are guaranteed to gross out your Japanese companions. They will never again ask you to try some Natto, nor tease you about your inability to take "just one bite!"
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| Monja. Sometimes referred to as Chef's vomit that you eat |
It's not just a meal, It's a mess
"Why would you bother eating something that is just going to get everywhere?"
-Do you remember when we ate gooey monja?
Much like the other foods on this list, all the ingredients will be enjoyed separately, but throw them together, and 'holy-crap you ruined good food' is the expression you are going to get.
Preparation:
All you need is Burger Buns, ground beef, and plenty of seasonings. There are alot of DIY recipes out there, you don't need the Sloppy Joe's packet that your mom probably made it with.
Why It's Gross:
Think about it. Most Japanese food is easy to eat, and doesn't make a big mess. Sure, you may have a few drippings on the table, but not the all out assault that is the experience of eating a properly made Sloppy Joe. Even better is if it accompanied by chilli cheese steak fries, with onions. Ahh, I can feel the heart attack already.
The Verdict:
They may actually like it.
Root Beer Floats
Look ma, it Floats!
Yes Junior, it floats. (Just be glad they're talking about their Ice Cream.)
This may be another example of ruining a perfectly good food.
I'm not sure of the ability to get root beer in Japan, I haven't looked honestly. I was too distracted by their delicious food stuffs. This one may have to be done in the US, or Roppongi.
Preparation:
Pour a nice, tall glass of Root Beer for your friend. As the foam settles, drop in a scoop of Vanilla Ice cream. Chocolate chip or Mint may do, if you are going for maximum shock value.
Why It's Gross:
Japanese sweets aren't really that sugary. For us Gaijin, it takes some getting used to. Now, you have taken a sugary beverage, and then add a sugary spoonful of ice cream to create an instant sugar coma to the uninitiated.
The Verdict:
This drink will more than likely go unfinished.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
Where is your God now?!
I kid you not. Watch as they completely freak out as you bite into this culinary monstrosity.
Preparation:
Take out two slices of bread. Spread peanut butter on one, and jam on the other. The thicker the spread on each slice, the better.
Now, before they reach to eat the two pieces of bread separately, plop one down on top of the other. Listen for the trademark Japanese expression of "Ehhhh???!! Nani?!"
Why this is Gross:
To the Japanese, tastes are nearly sacred. Peanut butter has one taste, and jelly has another. Putting these two together is like sacrilege. For added shock, lick the knife.
If you really want to cause nightmares and have them question their life choices, show them the glory of goobers.
"What do you mean, they come together?!"
The Verdict:
They may eat it, but they wont like it.
So next time, someone offers you natto, tell them you'd like to offer them something in return.
Hey, Ken Seeroi from Japanese Rule of 7 here. Thanks for the message on Facebook. I thought I'd stop by your blog and check out what you've got going on. Looks good!
ReplyDeleteOkay, about the food . . . you know, maybe I've just been in Japan too long, but that stuff grosses me out too! (And what's wrong with natto? Hey, that's my breakfast you're talking about.)
I don't believe it has anything to do with tastes being "sacred" in Japan. That just plays into the stereotype that Japanese people somehow have this zen-Kung Fu mystique thing going on, which isn't true at all.
I'd say what's really at issue is that American food is simply too salty, too sweet, and too greasy. Actually, it's awful. I dunno, but maybe once you get used to Japanese food, it's impossible to go back. It's the thing that keeps me in this crazy country, actually.