50 World Foods to Try Before You Die

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Unadon - Japan

You might feel creeped out at the idea of eating this serpent-like fish, but Japanese eel is a delicious delicacy worth trying if you ever get to visit the island country. Served in a donburi-style bowl on a bed of steamed white rice, the caramelized fish fillets are glazed with a sweet soy-based sauce and traditionally cooked over a charcoal fire. Wonderfully satisfying, this simple dish doesn't taste fishy at all, and it has a tender melt-in-your-mouth texture. Japanese locals believe unagi (eel) provides relief in sweltering temperatures, so it's an especially popular meal during the summertime.

Where to eat:  Don't hesitate to try the specialty at the 1-star Michelin restaurant Nodaiwa in Tokyo. It's been around since 200 years and is currently run by a 5th generation chef keeping his family's legacy of superior grilled eel alive and well.