Japan trip but no seafood

[thefinalkut]

I am, for whatever reason, fascinated with Japan. Im not Japanese, I'm Indian, but I've always had this interest in any and everything Japanese. I want to learn Japanese and definately visit Japan when I am able to.

But theres a conflict of diet with me though. I was raised on non-seafood and, unfortunately I never got to try fish or anything. Im not a veggie, I eat chicken and beef (I'm atheist, not Hindu), but I just don't want to try any seafood, except maybe fish. I hope no one takes offense but the idea of eating squid or any other seafood besides fish makes me a little queasy. Its just what i'm used to and not used to.

But what if I don't like fish? Would a 3 week or longer trip to Japan be ruined? What are some strictly chicken/beef Japanese dishes you recommend?

[CBC guy]

Don't worry man. There's lots of non-seafood Japanese dishes, for someone who is so facsinated by Japan (as you claim to be) I'm suprised you don't know these standbys:

Anything chicken or beef with terriyaki
katsudon (fried pork cutlet on rice, if you don't eat pork then... yeah)
oyakodon (chicken and egg on rice, pretty good)
Most varieties of ramen don't have seafood in them
obviously sushi/sashimi is kinda off-limits lol
Tempura! Fried veggies. Yum


There's lots out there my hometown has a lot of Japanese restaurants, but yes seafood is a big part of the traditional Japanese diet.

[kimpossible]

You could easily live on curry rice, yakitori and burgers. No one is going to be offended about eating fish. You shouldn't have to eat what's outside your comfort zone. Having said that, I highly recommend trying fish foods - they're tasty!!

The one area where it could get tricky for you is if you really want the cultural experience and socialization you might be a little cut off. But you're a foreigner so ultimately it shouldn't matter much. Eat adventurously with beer. It'll take care of your queasiness.

[popculturepooka]

It's quite possible to live (and eat) well in Japan without eating seafood.

That being said, you'll miss out on socializing opportunities if you aren't willing at least try seafood.

Prepare for strange looks, as well (When you tell them that you don't eat seafood).

[BeTheReds]

but I just don't want to try any seafood, blasphemy!


But what if I don't like fish? Would a 3 week or longer trip to Japan be ruined? What are some strictly chicken/beef Japanese dishes you recommend?

Dude, if you can't eat seafood, Japan is not the place to go. Japan has the best seafood in the frikin world. I am sure you'll like all the pork cutlets, beef over rice, and the like... but Japan's food culture is in seafood. There's no denying that. Free your mind please.!!!!!

[Napoleon Chynamite]

This thread seems a bit fishy.

[raacluse]

Don't know how to deal with "seafood phobia", but the fact that you're Indian and you have a thing for Japanese culture reminds me of the book by Alan Roland, In Search of Self in Indian and Japan; toward a cross-cultural psychology.

I'm not sure if it discusses Indians interested in Japan, or vice versa. You've probably read it. What did you think about it?

[CBC guy]

Don't know how to deal with "seafood phobia", but the fact that you're Indian and you have a thing for Japanese culture reminds me of the book by Alan Roland, In Search of Self in Indian and Japan; toward a cross-cultural psychology.

I'm not sure if it discusses Indians interested in Japan, or vice versa. You've probably read it. What did you think about it?

Wow... going a bit too deep there...

Just wanted a simple food topic LOL

[popculturepooka]

This thread seems a bit fishy.

Oh ho. You.

@raacluse - there's a fair amount of Indians in Tokyo. They seem to do really well.

[thefinalkut]

I dont have a "seafood phobia". There are things I am used to and not used to. Also, I said I would try fish, but was worried about if I didn't like it. Hence the suggestions.

@cbc guy: There are no Japanese restaurants in my town, so I didnt have a chance to try those dishes. But thanks for the heads up on those dishes.

@racluuse: I'll check that book out....sounds interesting!

[eos]

but isn't that how you know if you like something or not? there's just no justification for someone saying "oh i don't like that. it just doesn't *look* right" WITHOUT tasting it.

this is why whenever i hear people say ridonkulous things like that i shove their faces in the food and make them eat it. i'll show you what you like and don't like, asshole.

[thefinalkut]

but isn't that how you know if you like something or not? there's just no justification for someone saying "oh i don't like that. it just doesn't *look* right" WITHOUT tasting it.


I never said that. So your quoting someone else and claiming its me. And dont call me an asshole.

I just said I would try fish. Also there is a chance I will have a severe allergic reaction to seafood as that is in my family.

If your trying to call me close-minded....hmm..well yea. I'm just an Indian thats totally interested about another culture, O but wait....I don't like seafood in general. How shallow I am.

[CBC guy]

Honestly though, you REALLY would be missing out if you didn't try Sushi/Sashimi at least once. The fish is absolutely sublime if they do it right. Trust me on this one. I'm not a huge seafood fan either but if you stick to safe fish like Tuna (Maguro?) you should be fine. It really is very good, and the little clumps of vineagered rice, I don't know you can call me a fan of that too haha.

[eos]

i wasn't calling you an asshole, [deleted because we're not supposed to personally attack people].

[raacluse]

I dont have a "seafood phobia". There are things I am used to and not used to. Also, I said I would try fish, but was worried about if I didn't like it. Hence the suggestions.

Yeah, I was being a bit sarcastic, there... I should've added that over the holidays I've had some interesting seafood entrees at restaurants, like (caution: the following may cause some queasiness :wink: ):

-small or baby squid (deep fried)
-jellyfish
-sea cucumber

So I'm coming to the table, as it were, from the other extreme. (Truly extreme, would, of course, be poisonous fugu fish or a shrimp trying to scramble off your plate.)

Meanwhile, now that we know that Indians seem to be thriving in Tokyo, you can try to find out from them what they favor.

[applehead]

indian cuisine doesn't have a lot of seafood, does it?

[thefinalkut]

indian cuisine doesn't have a lot of seafood, does it?

In the south its common, but I'm from the north.
I think what I'll do is get some tests done to see what I am allergic to, and if seafood is not one of them, then its time to eat up!

Thanks for all the suggestions guys!:smile: