Job Discussion Forums

GaGaBooBoo · Joined: 03 May 2004 Posts: 9 Location: OSAKA

Before I came to Japan, one of the stereotypes I was aware of was the eating of whale. What a terrible thing to do to such a beautiful creature. After arriving I soon found myself the regular patron of a small local Izakaya. The Masta of the place would constantly give me strange Japanese cuisine challeges. This consisted of odd shell fish, occasional fish sperm and low and behold, whale steak. Upon tasting it I was a bit shocked. It was delicious! I had it grilled with garlic and brussel sprouts.

My question to the rest of you is: Have you had whale? And, after trying it, was your previous opinion on the matter all of a sudden confused? Does don't knock it till ya try it apply here?

Canuck2112 · Joined: 13 Jun 2003 Posts: 239

I've only tried it raw. I thought it was terrible.

Dolphin, on the other hand, is quite good.

Experienced · Joined: 31 Mar 2004 Posts: 18

In Japan, I ate raw ostrich meat a couple of times. It was delicious. Very Happy

Jack Tripper · Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Posts: 12 Location: southern Maine

I really enjoy food from the sea and I can understand the curiosity of trying strange meats, plants, ect. But I'll be the one to say it first and I realize you all may know this- beyond being beautiful (and intelligent and long-lived) creatures, whale populations have been decimated all over our planet. Its a shame that the Japanese are one of the nations that continue to hunt them. Humans may very well push them to extinction because they can be "tasty".
I don't plan on contributing to that when I'm in Japan. Every little bit makes a different for better or worse. Please don't even be curious about it!

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

I've tried it raw. It was edible, but I don't crave it.

Tonester · Posted: Tue May 18, 2004 11:26 pm Post subject:

I've tried raw horse meat! They call it "Basashi".

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I had chicken sashimi (thought it was prosciutto). It was quite tasty until I found out what it was. Funny how your mind works that way.

I've never eaten whale though, not that I know anyways.

GaGaBooBoo · Joined: 03 May 2004 Posts: 9 Location: OSAKA

Yeah the whale meat isnt so delicious raw! Thats why if you are interested in something that tastes equal to, if not better than filet mingon, you should try it grilled or fried. Raw beef doesnt taste so good raw, but once you cook it, wow what in improvement. The same thing happens to whale.

It is pretty amazing the raw meat they eat here though-horse, chicken, liver, whale, cow tongue, beef-you name it. It makes for quite the adventure!

J-kun · Posted: Wed May 19, 2004 10:20 am Post subject:

Yes, Japanese will eat almost anything raw. Except, strangely enough, for bean sprouts (moyashi). Laughing

The chicken sashimi really bugged me out when I saw it- salmonella abunai yo!
I won't eat a whale though, raw or cooked, for the same reasons Tripper wrote. No matter how good it might taste. I think this is a time when "don't knock it till you try it" does not apply.
Maybe I'm being inconsistent here since I eat other kinds of meat, but I don't care. A cow, chicken, tuna and a whale aren't the same thing.

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

Yes we should only eat the dumb ugly animals. Cool

joncharles · Joined: 09 Apr 2004 Posts: 132 Location: Beijing

But the cute ones taste soooooo good!!! Laughing

I have had Whale blubber when in Alaska.... Bleeeeeeech! I had that oily smell and taste in my mouth for three days..

Sheep-Goats · Joined: 16 Apr 2004 Posts: 527

A friend of mind here in Bangkok likes to tell his whale meat story now and then: