arbutus's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
Takoyaki
Gastro Obscura
Story
Prepared Foods

Takoyaki

Osaka's most famous dish is an octopus-stuffed fried dough ball.
Gastro Obscura
Longevity Peach
Gastro Obscura
Story
Sweets

Longevity Peach

These buns artfully resemble peaches and represent immortality.
Gastro Obscura
Bonito Flakes
Gastro Obscura
Story
Meats & Animal Products

Bonito Flakes

Some fish can dance.
Gastro Obscura
Japanese Tea Ceremony
Gastro Obscura
Story

Japanese Tea Ceremony

A ritual that showcases the beauty of the present moment.
Gastro Obscura
Butterfly Pea Flower
Gastro Obscura
Story
Ingredients & Condiments

Butterfly Pea Flower

With a squeeze of lemon, this plant can turn any drink into a color-changing mood ring.
Gastro Obscura
Ramune
Gastro Obscura
Story
Drinks

Ramune

The Japanese soda still comes in a marble-stoppered bottle from the 19th century.
Gastro Obscura
Taiyaki
Gastro Obscura
Story
Sweets

Taiyaki

This pancake pays tribute to one of Japan's favorite fish.
Gastro Obscura
Stinky Tofu
Gastro Obscura
Story
Prepared Foods

Stinky Tofu

Follow your nose through Taipei for this crispy, warm street snack.
Gastro Obscura
Yule Log Cake
Gastro Obscura
Story
Sweets

Yule Log Cake

These holiday cakes link Christmas to the Norse god of lightning.
Gastro Obscura
Kava
Gastro Obscura
Story
Sweets

Kava

The South Pacific's shrub-based drink causes relaxation, euphoria, and a tingling sensation.
Gastro Obscura
Coffee Milk
Gastro Obscura
Story
Drinks

Coffee Milk

Would you like some coffee flavor with your milk?
Gastro Obscura
Tiger Tail Ice Cream
Gastro Obscura
Story
Sweets

Tiger Tail Ice Cream

This orange and black licorice flavor is kind of a big deal in Canada.
Gastro Obscura
Blue-Green Algae
Gastro Obscura
Story
Ingredients & Condiments

Blue-Green Algae

The Aztecs used it to make protein-rich tortillas; we use it to make unicorn lattes.
Gastro Obscura
Thrills Gum
Gastro Obscura
Story
Sweets

Thrills Gum

Everyone says this vintage chewing gum tastes like soap, including the company.
Gastro Obscura
Chocolate-Covered Cinnamon Bears
Gastro Obscura
Story
Sweets

Chocolate-Covered Cinnamon Bears

The gummies are taking over Utah.
Gastro Obscura
Dutch Baby
Gastro Obscura
Story
Prepared Foods

Dutch Baby

Fluffy, crispy, and large enough to share, it's no ordinary pancake.
Gastro Obscura
Prickly Pear Sorbet
Gastro Obscura
Story
Sweets

Prickly Pear Sorbet

A watermelon-and-bubblegum-flavored treat courtesy of Mexico's favorite cactus.
Gastro Obscura
Yaupon Tea
Gastro Obscura
Story
Drinks

Yaupon Tea

The mellow-buzz brew that once fueled Native Americans is making a comeback.
Gastro Obscura
Miracle Berries
Gastro Obscura
Story
Fruits & Vegetables

Miracle Berries

When life gives you lemons, this tropical fruit makes 'em taste like lemonade.
Gastro Obscura
Maine Wild Blueberries
Gastro Obscura
Story
Fruits & Vegetables

Maine Wild Blueberries

The sweet, tiny wild berries are only available for two months each year.
Gastro Obscura
Stinging Nettles
Gastro Obscura
Story
Fruits & Vegetables

Stinging Nettles

Boil away this plant's poisonous hairs, and you're left with a tasty, spinach-like leaf.
Gastro Obscura
Naranjilla
Gastro Obscura
Story
Fruits & Vegetables

Naranjilla

Relatively unknown outside South America, the tart, tomato-like fruit makes beloved juices and cocktails.
Gastro Obscura
Pikopiko
Gastro Obscura
Story
Fruits & Vegetables

Pikopiko

These tightly coiled ferns also serve as a Māori symbol for unity.
Gastro Obscura
Nanaimo Bar
Gastro Obscura
Story
Sweets

Nanaimo Bar

From postwar dessert to sweet slice of Canadian identity.
Gastro Obscura