JAPAN|CONSUME

Japanese cuisine is a delightful, sometimes terrifying, rollercoaster for your taste buds. You think you know what to expect—sushi, ramen, maybe the occasional tempura—but oh no, Japan is ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about food. And it’s going to do it with a smile.

First up, let’s talk **sushi**. Sure, you’ve had sushi before—little rolls of rice and fish, right? Wrong. In Japan, sushi is an art form. It’s not just something you grab for lunch; it’s something you contemplate, like modern art, except tastier. You’ll sit at a counter, watch a sushi chef (who’s probably trained for longer than most brain surgeons) make each piece with the precision of a watchmaker, and then...you’ll eat it in one bite. Savour it for a moment, because that was probably the most exquisite piece of fish you’ll ever eat.

Then there’s **ramen**. In Japan, ramen is a way of life. You don’t just eat ramen, you experience it. Each bowl is like a warm hug from a noodle-loving deity. Be prepared to slurp—it’s not rude here, it’s encouraged. The louder the slurp, the better the noodle experience. And, trust me, you’ll want to slurp.

Now, on to the more adventurous stuff—like **natto**. Imagine a slimy, stringy, fermented bean product that smells a bit like socks left in a gym bag for too long. Sounds appetizing, right? The locals love it. You, however, may not. It’s like Marmite: you'll either embrace it or question your life choices.

Japanese food is a culinary adventure. It will make you rethink your palate, challenge your bravery, and probably have you reaching for another piece of sushi to balance things out. Enjoy!