Get Exclusive Access to My Top 10 International Travel Tips - Subscribe Now!
I’m somewhat of a thrill seeker. When I hear about crazy experiences or unique foods that I can try, I make it a point to schedule my travel itinerary around them. During my time in Japan, I heard of this fish called fugu. The locals told me I needed to try it, and that eating this fish was a unique experience in itself. I had the chance to eat fugu while I was in the city of Fukuoka.
Table of Contents
What is Fugu?
Fugu refers to pufferfish, about 20 different species of which are consumed in Japan. These pufferfish carry tetradotoxin, an extremely potent neurotoxin that is lethal to humans. If incorrectly prepared, the toxins will contaminate the meat. The allure of fugu lies in the delicate balance between its unique taste and its potential danger.
How Deadly is Fugu?
The presence of tetradotoxin in fugu poses significant risks, making it essential to exercise caution. The toxins are concentrated in specific organs, such as the liver, intestines, and ovaries, which must be carefully removed during the preparation process. There is currently no antidote to this type of poison. If contaminated meat is eaten, the consumer will end up on life support until the poison has worn off. Or dead.
How many people die from fugu?
Since Japan has started requiring extensive training for all chefs who wish to prepare fugu, the amount of hospitalizations and deaths associated with this delicacy have been steadily declining. Between 2000 and 2012, only 23 people died in Japan from eating fugu. Most of the deaths associated with eating fugu now either come from fishermen who improperly prepare the fish for their own consumption, or people who wish to eat the fugu liver, the most toxic part of the fish. Consumption of the liver has been illegal since 1984, but some people still eat it despite the risks.
What training is required for fugu chefs?
Chefs must undergo rigorous training to become licensed to prepare fugu. This training takes years, and the chefs must prove their proficiency with effectively removing the toxins from different species of fugu. In addition to ensuring that the fugu is safe to consume, the chefs must also be able to prepare the fish quickly and in a professional presentation. It is illegal to prepare or serve fugu in Japan without having a license.
How is Fugu Prepared?
Fugu offers a wide range of culinary possibilities, which may vary depending on the region. Here are some popular fugu preparations in Japan:
Fugu Sashimi
Served as thin slices of raw meat, fugu sashimi showcases the pure essence of the fish. The translucent slices are expertly cut, allowing diners to appreciate the subtle textures and flavors unique to fugu. Accompanied by dipping sauces like ponzu or soy sauce with grated radish, fugu sashimi delivers a memorable experience. I ate fugu prepared this way and I highly recommend it.
Fugu Nabe (Hot Pot)
Fugu is commonly enjoyed in a hot pot, known as fugu nabe. Thinly sliced fugu meat, along with an assortment of fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and tofu, is simmered in a flavorful broth. The ingredients cook together, infusing the distinct flavors and creating an aromatic dish that is popular in colder months.
Fugu Karaage
Fugu karaage refers to bite-sized, deep-fried fugu. The meat is lightly coated in a seasoned batter, resulting in a crispy exterior while retaining its tenderness inside. Both the meat and bones are deep fried, along with some organs, which become creamy after frying.
Fugu Hire-sake
Fugu fins, known as hire, are dried and then soaked in a glass of warm sake, creating a very strong drink called fugu hire-sake. To enhance the experience further, the fugu fins are sometimes ignited, allowing the flames to infuse the sake with a smoky flavor. Some people say that adding the fugu fins to your sake make you feel drunker more quickly!
Why Would People Eat Fugu?
Why would you risk your life eating something so poisonous to humans? There’s plenty of other fish you could eat, right?
For me, the appeal of eating fugu was mostly from the adrenaline rush of doing something potentially dangerous. I’ve heard different claims about the benefits of eating fugu: better skin from its high collagen content, pain relief due to (extremely) small amounts of tetradotoxin, and even as an aphrodisiac. I’m sure plenty of people consume fugu for these reasons. My motivation for eating it, however, stemmed from a desire for adventure and trying something new.
What Does Fugu Taste Like?
The fugu sashimi had a unique taste. It had a pretty mild flavor and was slightly sweet. I had never eaten a fish that tasted like that before. By itself, it wasn’t that great. But once I ate it with chives and soy sauce, it became much more delicious. The soy sauce made it taste saltier, while the herb added a kind of “freshness” to the mix. I had eaten tons of sushi and sashimi before, but never had eaten any with a flavor as unique as fugu sashimi.
Is Fugu Worth it?
Maybe it was partly due to psychological factors, but the fugu that I had was the best sashimi that I have ever eaten. The chef recommended that I wrap the thin slices of fish around a chive and then dip it into soy sauce. He definitely knew what he was talking about. They also served me two servings of fugu hire-sake that had been lit on fire. I’m not sure if it was the fugu, the toxins, or just strong sake, but I left the restaurant feeling very content. It was definitely a 10/10 dining experience.
Where Can I Eat Fugu?
If you are interested in eating fugu, I recommend that you find a restaurant that specializes in fugu with licensed chefs. Fukuoka is an ideal location for this, as the Kyushu island, the southernmost main island of Japan where Fukuoka is located, is a natural habitat for pufferfish in the wild. However, you will be able to find fugu all around Japan, it will just be easier to find it in Kyushu.
How Much Does Fugu Cost?
The prices of fugu are relatively cheap in Kyushu compared to other regions of Japan, but you may be surprised by how much it costs. My meal, which consisted of fugu sashimi and fugu hire-sake cost 8,000 yen, or about $60 USD. This was a stark difference to the 110 yen for a plate of sashimi at a kaiten-zushi, a restaurant where plates of sushi are delivered via conveyor belt. In other regions, a fugu dinner can cost upwards of 30,000 yen, or over $200 USD!
What was the name of the restaurant you ate at?
Hey Phoebe, the restaurant was called Hakata Bote. It is right next to the Haruyoshi Bridge.