Food culture 101: うなぎ (Unagi, aka Eel)

いらっしゃいませ！

Welcome to a special edition of Food Culture 101. The topic for today is 「うなぎ」("Unagi" aka eel)

In particular, I would like to introduce you to ひつまぶし(Hitsumabushi), a style of unagi typically associated with the Nagoya area.

What is Hitsumabushi?  

Exhibit A: A scrumptious bowl of Hitsumabushi

What's so special about Hitsumabushi?

Unlike your "typical" unagi, there is an etiquette to eating this dish in order to fully appreciate the taste of the unagi. What's more, it came as a pleasant surprise to discover that the eating order is actually a play on the word unagi! Let me explain. 

Wow. You're so clever, I want to hear what you have to say!

The word "Unagi" is made up of 3 phonetic alphabets, う="U"; な="Na"; andぎ="Gi".

In turn, each of these is an abbreviation of a key element in the eating process:

• "U" comes from "Oolong", a variety of tea;
• "Na" comes from "Nashi" which means "nothing"; and
• "Gi" comes from "Negi", a sort of like a Japanese spring onion.

And as it's all about harmonious co-existence, the order of eating goes from back to front (please note that one is meant to scoop a portion of the rice and unagi into a separate bowl prior to the method of consumption listed below):

• First, savour with negi, as the sharp tanginess of the negi is meant to arouse your taste buds - "Gi".

• With the saliva glands fully activated, enjoy the Unagi in its pure, unadultured form (though some also recommend adding some さんしょう... the stuff in the wooden gourd) - "Na"; and

• Finally, mix the (now cold) unagi with some hot tea to create a warm and soothing finale to the eating experience - "U".

Cool, right? 

The first time I heard it, I was like "まじ？！（REALLY?!)"

I know. I couldn't believe I could concoct such a daft story, post it on a blog and actually have people read it all the way through...

Time for another pretty picture and bold font to distract you... Look, is it a face? Is it a fish?:

Till the next episode of Food Culture 101.
以上です。

Disclaimer: There actually is a recommended order of eating Hitsumabushi. If in doubt, ask! =)