Mark's Travel Journal

Japanese culture has become a global phenomenon in recent years, with the western world striving to learn more about their cousins in the orient. Part of the impact Japan has had on this corner of the globe has come in the form of the introduction of several new foods. However, not all of them are as mouth-watering as others.

Today we’re going to take a look at some of the best and worst cuisines which have come out of the Asian nation

Best Foods to Try in Japan: Sushi

Kicking things off with a well-known classic, sushi has become one of the most popular dishes the world over – with London alone playing host to literally hundreds of restaurants dedicated to the craft.

I’m sure we don’t need to tell you the dish is usually comprised of raw fish, which has been wrapped up in a bed of cooked rice. It’s often garnished with the likes of cucumber and other vegetables

Worst Foods to Try in Japan: Basashi Ice

Brace yourself for this one – Basashi Ice is quite literally ice cream which has been flavoured to taste like raw horse meat (which is itself oddly considered a delicacy in Japan – named Sashimi).

I don’t know about you, but frozen dead horse certainly isn’t our idea of a delicious post-meal treat. That said, you’re unlikely to ever find such a unique flavour combination anywhere else in the world, so it might be worth a try.

(Image credit to: https://www.flickr.com/photos/takoyaki_king/)

Best Foods to Try in Japan: Soba

Soba is effectively the Japanese answer to China’s Chow Mein – with this offering comprising of long buckwheat noodles which have become a staple of most people’s diets in mountainous regions.

The noodles are often accompanied by Soy sauce and are at times served up in a type of broth – although this version of the cuisine is considered by many to be untraditional and inferior to the original.

Worst Foods to Try in Japan: Shirako

It’s fairly commonplace to enjoy the delights of fish roe in a lot of cultures, but the Japanese take that one step further by serving up a meal which quite literally consists of male sperm which is still encased inside its natural membrane.

Yes, you read that correctly. We’re not sure who the bright spark was that came up with the idea for this dish originally, but we’d suggest they seek professional help. Worryingly, it seems to have taken off with the Japanese people, regardless.

(Image credit to: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ayk/)

Best Foods to Try in Japan: Okonomiyaki

This delicious delight takes the likes of pork or cabbage and sees them wrapped inside a scrumptious savoury pancake – with Okonomiyaki serving as the ultimate in Japanese comfort food.

Some restaurants have even been known to allow their customers to grill their own pancakes, such is the simplicity of the dish. While it might not be the classiest item on a menu, Okonomiyaki is well worth trying out at some point.

Worst Foods to Try in Japan: Gizzard Soup

Finishing off our list is a dish which sees a hotpot made from the intestines and stomach lining of things like cows, goats and sheep. Sounds lovely, right?

The sloppy goo which accompanies the broth isn’t to everyone’s tastes, but it does apparently goes down as a treat with a bevy of Japanese diners after a hard day’s work.

(Image credit to: https://www.flickr.com/photos/avlxyz/)

Interested in trying any of these dishes (perhaps even the disgusting ones) for yourself? Why not give one of them a go when you get to Japan?