The Most Adventurous Meal: From Dog to Tampura in Japan
As a foodie, the most adventurous meal I've ever experienced would have to be the dog meat dish I tried in the bar of Subic City, Republic of the Philippines, and the traditional Tampura dinner in Tokyo, Japan. Both of these experiences pushed my culinary boundaries in fascinating ways.
A Picaresque Tale from Subic City
One evening, while sitting on the patio of a bar in Subic City, a small, yappy dog was persistently snapping at my shipmate, who finally decided to act on his frustration. He asked the bar manager (mama-san) to slaughter the dog and cook it for him. When we say frustration turned into a gourmet delicacy, we mean it. The dog was skinned, gutted, and placed on a spit over an open fire. The aroma that filled the air was both intriguing and bizarre.
Once cooked, the dog was served with a side of sticky rice. As we all sampled the dish, we found it quite tasty and tender, making the initial hesitation and curiosity worth it. This unique dining experience highlights the diverse and sometimes challenging nature of global culinary culture.
A Traditional Taste in Tokyo: Tampura Dinner
Returning to Tokyo, my team and I were invited to experience a traditional Tampura dinner during a business trip. This meal introduced us to an array of deep-fried delicacies that were both fascinating and, at times, less than pleasing. Such is the nature of food exploration, where each bite can be an adventure in itself.
The Tampura dinner started with a variety of deep-fried plants and vegetables. The first course, deep-fried mustard flower, provided an unexpected twist. The flavor was described as bitter, but the intense juice it produced when bitten left us gobbling down sake to relieve the taste. This experience was followed by deep-fried onions, which had a pleasant sweetness. The bamboo shoots, while typical of Japanese cuisine, did not impress with their taste. The deep-fried lotus stick was a new experience, and its taste was mediocre. However, the deep-fried local ginger was the most surprising. Contrary to its name, it was sweet and crisp, a delightful surprise on our palate.
Other dishes included deep-fried sweet potato (a staple for those seeking comfort) and a flower whose name has escaped me but whose taste was far from enjoyable, leading to our consumption of two cups of sake at once. The meal ended with yet another deep-fried dish made into balls, which added a playful touch to the evening's culinary journey.
Despite the varying flavors and experiences, the overall dining experience was well received, and we were deeply grateful for the generosity of our Japanese hosts. It's important to note that, while some may be hesitant to try such unconventional dishes, the willingness to explore culinary traditions can lead to memorable and delightful meals.
These meals from Subic City and Tokyo serve as reminders of the vast and diverse world of food and its ability to challenge our palates and cultural boundaries. As a foodie, these adventures are among the most rewarding experiences one can have.
These adventurous food experiences challenge our culinary perceptions, making each bite a new journey. If you're a food lover, embrace the unknown, and you might just discover your own tale of adventure in a foreign cuisine.