Natto Gohan - the mere mention of it gets some strange looks from foreigners. I saw it on the menu and thought to finally give this mysterious delicacy a try - what the heck, it's not as if I haven't tried "unusual food" before - fermented soy beans - how unusual could it be right? So anyway, I gave my order to the server (日本人）and she looks at me with an are-you-sure-look on her face, as if that wasn't enough - she asked me "Do you know what Natto Gohan is? I said yes I do. Still not convinced - she further asked me "Do you still want to order it?" I said yes I do. She says ok.....and with a final warning saying "It's an acquired taste you know." Is that a challenge or what? Natto Gohan finally came to the table - yes, it did have a certain smell to it, however, "Binagoongan" to me is yummy - get my point?
Actually, it wasn't really bad, I just kinda found it messy to eat. I had to keep a napkin close by as it was really sticky and slimy and sticks to your chin - after a few tries I got better and ate with more poise.
The server came back to the table - I guess unable to hold her curiosity asks "How was the natto? " I said "It was good." She finally acknowledges "I'm glad you like it."
Will Natto and I ever meet again? Well....never say never.
