As everyone knows, in Japan there is a cult of food. And this is no coincidence - Japanese cuisine is an intangible heritage recognized by UNESCO. Dishes can vary not only by season, but also by region. The Japanese word for this is "meibutsu" (名物). It means local food (郷土料理 ー kyoudo ryouri) or something typical and popular in a particular region.

The Japanese divide the types of okonomiyaki into two traditional types. One is okonomiyaki from Osaka, and the second is from Hiroshima. Here it is called Hiroshima Yaki (広島焼き). The ingredients of the Hiroshima okonomiyaki are first fried separately and only then assembled into one dish. The basis is a tortilla made from fried noodles. At that time, Osaka okonomiyaki has more cabbage, so the Hiroshima version is considered more full-bodied and satisfying.

Hiroshima also attracts tourists with its oysters. Thanks to a special cultivation technique that has existed for several centuries, it is the largest Japanese producer of oysters. Usually oysters are eaten raw, lightly sprinkled with lemon juice. But if you don't really like raw seafood, you can try another local dish ー Kaki Nabe (牡蠣鍋) ー oysters boiled in miso broth along with tofu and mushrooms.

The next dish is worth eating with a little caution - the poisonous Fugu fish (河豚 ), widely known throughout the world. In Yamaguchi Prefecture, you will find several dishes that include this fish. The first ー is fugu fish sashimi (河豚刺し ー fugu sashi). It is cut into very thin slices, so that through them you can see the pattern on the plate in which they are served. Very often, cooks lay out original pictures from these pieces. Besides sashimi, you can also try fugu fish soup (河豚ちりー fugu chiri). Fish fillet is stewed with vegetables, potatoes and mushrooms are added. This is also one of the variants of traditional nabe. Also, the fish is fried, cooked in batter and even added to sake. Fugu fish is forbidden to be eaten by the emperor, so if you are not an emperor, then do not miss your chance to try this unusual dish, but remember that the chef must have the appropriate license to ensure that he can prepare this fish in a correct and safe way.

Do you want to try fugu fish? Share with us in the comments!