Served as part of a multi-course meal (45-50 different items, all very small portions) at a wedding I was in, in Kumamoto, Japan: Whale - not noticeably bad or good tasting Horse sashimi - I did not like it at all, but this was the favorite of many locals Other Japan: squid ink - sometimes served as a dipping sauce at finer steak houses across Japan, and frequently in Italian restaurants; very good taste! filet mignon - steakhouse at the Sheraton in Miyazaki, Japan had a filet mignon that was so marbled, it did not look real - crazy good! As a native-born Texan, it is hard for me to admit that this steak was, far and away, the best steak I have ever had in my life, bar none. There was a standard, prime, and super prime cut available, and my wife and I ordered one standard and one prime. Next time: super prime, for sure! lightly grilled tuna heart - restaurant on Chichi-jima ("father island") served me the heart of the tuna that we had seen being brought in from the day's catch just 2-3 hours earlier that day - tasted only okay to me, but I showed my appreciation at being honored with this delicacy rather than disappoint my host I had rattlesnake as a kid in the Boy Scouts, and it tasted good to me, but was not worth the time and effort it took to prepare, IMHO - small piece of meat, bone, small piece of meat, bone, etc. Frito pie is easier!
I lived in South Korea for 2 years. The list would go on and on. I need to scan a few photos and get back to this thread.
whole baby sparrow on a stick...available at street vendors in kyoto ...usually later in the evening....need a little biero [beer] on board but not bad...crunchy beak and feet a nice contrast to the soft body..as most japanese treats, you can't take a bite. you must commit the whole item to your mouth at once to avoid loss of face. raw horsemeat in the countryside is common..not all that bad.