Mmmm-mmmm! Man, there's nothing like digging in to strange
foods while exploring a foreign country! Here, I'm going to
try to explain the kinds of foods that you normally don't
see in a supermarket aisle, and the weird things people do.
Japan
Ramen= This is an oriental-style noodle soup. Ramen is a
cornerstone of the Japanese fast food trail, and is really
popular. Usually, there's no ceremony or special way on
eating ramen (besides the fact that you had to use
hashi :that's chopsticks:or a fork)
Sushi and Sashimi= You've probably already heard of this
one, this is raw (and more importantly, fresh) fish. Sushi
is usually served on snack-sized rice balls and sometimes
wrapped with dried seaweed, while on the other hand,
Sashimi is just raw fish served on its own. The ideal way
to eat it was taking it, (or dip it in the sauce it was
served with, if you like) and put the whole thing in your
mouth and chew it. If you try to nibble it, (like I did)
it's real difficult, and can sometimes make a mess.
Udon= It's noodles, but unlike ordinary noodles, it's think
and made of buckwheat. Eat it like you do with the Ramen.
Wasabi= That's green horseradish, often served with sushi
as a flavour enhancer. These are damned spicy, only use if
you know what you're doing.
Yakitori= Skewered and char-grilled chicken. You can find
it served in alot of places <3.
Umeboshi=These are pickled plums. They are often served
covered with sticky rice, and are pretty sour.
Onigiri= It's a sticky rice ball wrapped around with
seaweed and filled with fish.
Okonomiyaki= It's like a pizza, or a pancake...it's served
as a partially-cooked flat dough thing that comes with
meat, vegetables and egg. If you ordered for it and was
served, it is expected you finish the job on preparing the
meal, which is cool, since you can do it just the way you
like it. ~_~
Their Eating Habits:
#Eating and drinking while walking down a street, is seen
as pretty impolite.
#Don't bite/clean/gnaw/lick your fingernails, pencils and
fingers.
#In restaurants, it's customary to get a moist toilette :An
Oshibori: and wipe your hands with it, DON'T wipe your face
and neck, especially in well-respected areas.
#It is impolite to pour your own drink when drinking with a
group. Pour your partner's drink in his/her glass while
he/she pours yours.
#If you don't want to drink anymore, leave your glass full
:otherwise, SOMEBODY will just keep refilling it:.
More will come sooner or later!
