How Do You Eat Fugu Sashimi?
• Fully understand the risks involved. If badly prepared, and the venom (a deadly neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin) remains, then it can kill you in under a half hour from respiratory and cardiac failure. It’s not a pleasant way to go. • Choose a respected and trusted, restaurant that is well known for successful preparation and delivery of fugu sashimi. Book in advance – only trust a restaurant that requires an advance booking (it means they have to prepare). The fugu sashimi will be prepared by an older, experienced chef known as the itamae. Ask if the chef is licensed. • Ask to be able to see it being prepared. In some restaurants you may even be able to select the blowfish from a tank. The flesh is served in paper thin, transparent slices, arranged like a flower. Often the skin accompanies the dish. • Add a little lime. If using sauce, dip in ponzu sauce (this should be provided). • Eat it using chopsticks. Enjoy the flavor, which is very delicate. Also enjoy the presentation, which
• Fully understand the risks involved. If badly prepared, and the venom (a deadly neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin) remains, then it can kill you in under a half hour from respiratory and cardiac failure. It’s not a pleasant way to go. • Choose a respected and trusted, restaurant that is well known for successful preparation and delivery of fugu sashimi. Book in advance – only trust a restaurant that requires an advance booking (it means they have to prepare). The fugu sashimi will be prepared by an older, experienced chef known as the itamae. Ask if the chef is licensed. • Ask to be able to see it being prepared. In some restaurants you may even be able to select the blowfish from a tank. The flesh is served in paper thin, transparent slices, arranged like a flower. Often the skin accompanies the dish. • Add a little lime. If using sauce, dip in ponzu sauce (this should be provided). • Eat it using chopsticks. Enjoy the flavor, which is very delicate. Also enjoy the presentation, which
