Eating raw fish has been a biggest challenge posed in front of me ever since I landed in Japan. During the welcome party arranged by the department staff I was introduced different varieties of raw fish and was told by Japanese colleagues about what they called ‘Sashimi’.
Generally, even the well cooked fish itself to many Indians is not a preferred food. People living at the coastal areas of India like fish, especially Goans, Keralites and Bengalis are fond of fish. These three states in India have their own traditional fish cooking style. Goan and Kerala styles are almost similar, but I prefer the Goan style. But raw fish remained a mysterious food for me for many days.
When the Japanese friends describe about Sashimi and its taste, I struggled to avoid vomiting. Eating flesh without cooking is an act considered uncivilized in India. Reading and hearing more about Sashimi, I started thinking that when Japanese people can take raw fish, why I can not? It was not the feeling of comparison of abilities. I was thinking that if Japanese people can digest raw fish, why my stomach will not digest it.
This has pushed me many times to taste Sashimi during the parties, but avoided by the advise of Japanese friends as they also feared of stomach problems as I do not have the habit of eating raw fish.
But last week’s party with almost 25 Japanese people was compelling to taste Sashimi. With a huge variety of Japanese traditional sea foods, the party was enjoyable and memorable. More memorable to me as it was a sent-off party for one of my sensei (teacher) in Fiber optic technology in Tokyo, Kawano-san. The party was arranged in Sakanaya at Toyocho, Tokyo.
Yes, I tasted the Sashimi – the real raw fish for the first time. I dipped the thin sliced raw fish in Soya sauce mixed with wasabi and ate and imitated in the traditional Japanese style ‘Oishii!’ I have taken photo of the Sashimi, which I have tasted.
Generally, even the well cooked fish itself to many Indians is not a preferred food. People living at the coastal areas of India like fish, especially Goans, Keralites and Bengalis are fond of fish. These three states in India have their own traditional fish cooking style. Goan and Kerala styles are almost similar, but I prefer the Goan style. But raw fish remained a mysterious food for me for many days.
When the Japanese friends describe about Sashimi and its taste, I struggled to avoid vomiting. Eating flesh without cooking is an act considered uncivilized in India. Reading and hearing more about Sashimi, I started thinking that when Japanese people can take raw fish, why I can not? It was not the feeling of comparison of abilities. I was thinking that if Japanese people can digest raw fish, why my stomach will not digest it.
This has pushed me many times to taste Sashimi during the parties, but avoided by the advise of Japanese friends as they also feared of stomach problems as I do not have the habit of eating raw fish.
But last week’s party with almost 25 Japanese people was compelling to taste Sashimi. With a huge variety of Japanese traditional sea foods, the party was enjoyable and memorable. More memorable to me as it was a sent-off party for one of my sensei (teacher) in Fiber optic technology in Tokyo, Kawano-san. The party was arranged in Sakanaya at Toyocho, Tokyo.
Yes, I tasted the Sashimi – the real raw fish for the first time. I dipped the thin sliced raw fish in Soya sauce mixed with wasabi and ate and imitated in the traditional Japanese style ‘Oishii!’ I have taken photo of the Sashimi, which I have tasted.
Friends were surprised on seeing an Indian tasting Sashimi! Then also I was thinking, If Japanese people can take, why I can not!
I did not vomit! Neither felt any bad while taking Sashimi. I felt the problem is in thinking about ‘eating raw flesh’. When we think of flesh, the traditional image comes in mind is a living creature's flesh with blood. This creates the aversion in mind towards such foods.
I had great confusion about Sashimi and Sushi. Sashimi is similar to sushi, another Japanese food, served with raw fish. I often conflate these two dishes, which are however considered distinct and separate.
Sushi refers to any dish made with vinegar rice. While raw seafood is a typical topping, sushi can have other featured ingredients as well.
I did not vomit! Neither felt any bad while taking Sashimi. I felt the problem is in thinking about ‘eating raw flesh’. When we think of flesh, the traditional image comes in mind is a living creature's flesh with blood. This creates the aversion in mind towards such foods.
I had great confusion about Sashimi and Sushi. Sashimi is similar to sushi, another Japanese food, served with raw fish. I often conflate these two dishes, which are however considered distinct and separate.
Sushi refers to any dish made with vinegar rice. While raw seafood is a typical topping, sushi can have other featured ingredients as well.
Hello, Hope you enjoyed the Sashimi!
ReplyDeleteI read a few of your posts and really liked them. Hope you are having a nice time in Japan.
You never ate a single piece of cooked fish with us! Jay, this is the extreme post from you.
ReplyDeleteDo you really? I can't believe since you always disliked the smell of raw fish while you were with us
How is the life going on in Japan? Hope you have great friends in Japan. Enjoy!