laurengwilson's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
Matcha Chasen
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Matcha Chasen

To make the perfect matcha, start with the perfect whisk.
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Saezuri
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Prepared Foods

Saezuri

In Japan, whale tongue is a disappearing delicacy.
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Funazushi
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Prepared Foods

Funazushi

Japan's funky, fermented sushi takes years to prepare.
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Jibachi Senbei
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Meats & Animal Products

Jibachi Senbei

Elderly villagers hunt the digger wasps that stud these Japanese rice crackers.
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Narutomaki
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Meats & Animal Products

Narutomaki

It's a whirlpool, it's an emoji, it's a fishcake!
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Canned Dashimaki
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Prepared Foods

Canned Dashimaki

These sweet and savory Japanese rolled eggs are sold in 6-packs.
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Ika Tokkuri
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Ika Tokkuri

A squid's body becomes an edible sake decanter.
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Yūbari King Melon
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Fruits & Vegetables

Yūbari King Melon

The most expensive melon in the world is a status symbol in Japan.
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Nattō
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Prepared Foods

Nattō

These pungent fermented soybeans are coated in probiotic slime.
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Umeboshi
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Fruits & Vegetables

Umeboshi

These salted, pickled plums are an ancient Japanese hangover cure.
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Taro Stems
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Fruits & Vegetables

Taro Stems

These absorbent stalks make perfect flavor sponges in Vietnamese cuisine.
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Mojie Apples
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Mojie Apples

Orchardists use sticky stencils and the power of the sun to turn apples into art.
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Okonomiyaki
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Prepared Foods

Okonomiyaki

A wartime rice scarcity made this versatile pancake a Japanese staple.
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Shojin Ryori
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Shojin Ryori

Japan's traditional temple cuisine features meals that are nutritionally and visually balanced.
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Hoshigaki
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Fruits & Vegetables

Hoshigaki

These exquisite dried persimmons are massaged for weeks.
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Takoyaki
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Prepared Foods

Takoyaki

Osaka's most famous dish is an octopus-stuffed fried dough ball.
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Goma Dofu
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Prepared Foods

Goma Dofu

This tofu alternative replaces soybeans with sesame and kudzu.
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Fruit Sando
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Sweets

Fruit Sando

Fresh fruit is the main feature of this sweet sandwich.
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Japanese Navy Curry
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Prepared Foods

Japanese Navy Curry

This curry celebrates Japan's maritime history.
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Tebasaki Gyoza
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Prepared Foods

Tebasaki Gyoza

Proof that dumplings and chicken wings are not mutually exclusive categories.
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Real Wasabi
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Ingredients & Condiments

Real Wasabi

Most sushi fans have never tried this rare rhizome.
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Hiyoko
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Sweets

Hiyoko

These bird-shaped cakes once fueled miners in Japan's Fukuoka region.
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Nagashi Somen
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Prepared Foods

Nagashi Somen

Catch these floating noodles before they flow by.
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Amezaiku
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Amezaiku

This gorgeous sugar art is making a comeback.
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