Japan
Puffer Fish in the Blowfish Capital of Japan
TFugu, otherwise known as Puffer Fish is a celebrated luxury in Japan but only edible when it’s prepared by specially licensed chefs who train strenuously to figure out how to avoid its toxins! This technique known as “migaki” is a delicate skill acquired from years of training culminating in a license and special distinction. For over 2800 years, people have been consuming this dare-fueled dish that thrills.
And, there’s no better place to take this dare than the “Blowfish Capital of Japan”- Shimonoseki, in Japan’s stunning Setouchi region where a spectrum of venues have staff on hand armed with the keen skills to transform it into an edible dare. If you need the energy of buzzing stalls to propel you forward as you attempt the tasting, try the Karato Market with a fabulous variety of options and even a stall that sells a special boxed lunch in a colorful box that says “good luck” or settle in at a table at a local fugu restaurant that offers a more curated, lengthy experience great for photo opps.
One in particular to note is Heike Chaya- family run for nearly half a century, this menu has a range of creatively prepared Puffer Fish dishes done up by chefs who have undergone rigorous training. Here, you’ll find varieties to your heart’s content while its centerpiece, the Hot Pot, continues to dazzle and tempt visitors not only because of the adrenaline rush, but this fish happens to be low in fat, high in protein, and rich in collagen which is ideal for your skin.
The Setouchi region is comprised of seven prefectures centered around the Seto Inland Sea- a paradise not only for nature and art lovers, but also a culinary treasure trove in its own right with some of the country’s richest Kobe beef, incredible Hiroshima oysters, artisanal sake and gin, ubiquitous udon shops and tasty sweets.
