natto

Natto - how does one describe this "food"? Simply put, it's fermented soybeans. It smells like puke and looks even worse. For those of you who've never lived in Japan, this might be a very foreign concept. Despite a very unpleasant first encounter with natto, I've since built up a tolerance to it and can even now say that I like it.

It comes in packets of 3 or 4, and there are a plethora of choices at any local supermarket. To eat, simply open a package (in styrofoam, no less) and stir the beans with a pair of chopsticks until it resembles snot. That's all. Just remember to hold your breath while stirring. Some brands of natto come with special sauce or mustard packets that you can add. The most common way of eating natto is on a steaming bowl of white rice. Some of my students (especially the natto freaks) have come up with more creative ways of eating it. My favorite is putting it over a slice of toast with melted cheese. The saltiness of the cheese goes well with the natto. Anyone want a bite?