Everybody’s got to eat, right?

Right! This is why food can be a great way to connect with different cultures! Food can give us a little taste (literally) of life from around the world. When you’re traveling, one of the funnest things to do is try the local restaurants and cafes. From Asia to America, every place has a few unique snacks to munch on!

So what are some unique foods in Japan?

Kit Kats

Yep, that’s right. From Green Tea to Blueberry Cheesecake, there are dozens of interesting and quirky flavors of Kit Kat bars that can be found in Japan. They even have a Wasabi flavor for those of you who are brave enough to try! Kit Kat bars have become wildly popular in Japan. The name “Kit Kat” is often associated with the phrase “Kitto Katsu,” which is a way to wish someone good luck in Japanese. Due to this, the chocolate bars are often given as gifts during celebrations and events.

Nattō

This infamous dish made from fermented soy beans just might be the smelliest on the list. Nattō is known for its powerful odor and gooey texture. Nattō is considered a comfort food in Japan and locals are often quick to suggest the slimy-textured food to visitors. Occasionally, nattō can be found in soup, salad, and even sushi. Nattō may taste disgusting, but it is definitely worth a try (just to say you did)!

Shabu-shabu

Another well-known dish in Japan. Thinly sliced beef is boiled in hot water at your table. The meat is fully-cooked within a few seconds and ready to eat! If prepared well, Shabu-shabu is usually very tender and juicy. It is also related to another popular Japanese dish called “sukiyaki.” There are thousands of restaurants in Japan and around the world that serve shabu-shabu, so finding a spot to try it will be a cinch!

Omurice

The Japanese version of an omelet; omurice usually consists of fried rice wrapped in a fluffy whipped egg. It is then topped with a sweet ketchup sauce. If you’re an anime fan, you may be interested in trying the dish at one of the many maid cafes around Tokyo. You can even order omurice that is cooked to resemble your favorite anime character!

Fugu

Warning: Eating this can be bad for your health! It can even kill you! No, we aren’t talking about a sugary snack or fast food…Fugu, or pufferfish, contains a deadly poison called tetrodotoxin that can literally be lethal. This is why, according to Japanese law, it has to be prepared by a licensed professional. However, fugu remains a popular dish in Japan. The risk involved with eating fugu is said to give those who try it a certain “rush.” So if you decide to try this one, be careful and find a reputable restaurant with a licensed chef. Otherwise, the risk just might outweigh the reward…

So, what do you think? Would you try any of these 5 interesting and unique Japanese foods?