Saying 'no' to natto. [?] Part 2.

[yukio_michael]

Ahh, in deference to the other natto thread (at least the other the last I remember)... This is not a do you like natto thread, personally I think it reeks of rotting garbage and tastes like kidney mush, so, despite how healthy it's claimed to be I don't care for it too much.

Living in Japan, I find the food outstanding, stellar, especially tako dishes, okonomiyaki, and sashimi... I don't pine for, nor have ever been a big fast food eater.

In Japan people naturally expect that you CAN'T use chopsticks, (this is mentioned here a lot), and of course they ask you, "Can you eat natto?"... I've never been asked if I 'could' eat another food before. I've never been asked if I 'could' eat kimchee, though some people might hate spicey cabbage, nor have I been asked if I could eat nuoc mam(sp) the fish sauce that goes perfectly with Viet Namese dishes...

The first time I tried natto, it was quite natural, the idea of it smelling bad (first off, maybe you shouldn't mention that BEFORE I eat it), hadn't hit me yet, it wasn't that special...

...the next time I nearly gagged, it reminded me of 100 awful hangovers and cold clamby hands and a rush of whatever I had drunk the night previously returning.

Personally I don't mind people thinking that I don't like something, but I get the sense that it's that my inferior western stomach can't handle the awesome power of natto...

Ahh... long story short? Do you mind saying no? I know that there is a big difference in the fact that not all Japanese like the same things (just like everyone), yet, often when westerners dislike such things it's just incapability of westerners to appreciate Japanese tastes.

When you can astound someone with your use of chopsticks, expectations run pretty low.

 

[Kara_Nari]

I dont mind picking at Natto if there is a small dish at the table with dinner. Much prefer that to Myolchi, the Korean dried anchovies. Yuck. If they go on the table with my dinner its enough to put me off. Then I go out of my way to find another restaurant with the same style food, but not Myolchi. I dont care if they cook my stew or whatever with them, but i would appreciate them taking them out before serving. but then you get the places which pile them on a plate next to your main dish.
Ok ok, this is about Natto. Hmm yeah it stinks, doesnt look or smell like a vege dish, but I just stuff it in with a large mouthful of something else and its not so bad.

 

[MeAndroo]

I actually was told a number of times that it was an acquired taste, or that you "have to get used to it." Worse than the smell to me is the sight of it. I don't mind the taste of it, especially when it's mixed with green onions, but seeing people mix it evokes memories of the eggs in the Alien movies.