Eating live animals may seem unthinkable to some, but it is considered a delicacy in certain cultures. Every culture has its own culinary practices and customs that may be difficult for outsiders to understand. Discover which practices are causing controversy, from live octopus dishes to the expectation of tips.
The chopsticks and wasabi conundrum
Millions of people around the world enjoy sushi and make their own variations. However, many may not be aware of the proper dining etiquette. While most people use chopsticks to eat sushi, traditional customs suggest that certain types, such as nigiri — small balls of rice topped with raw fish — should be eaten with hands to maintain their shape.
Another point of contention is how to use wasabi. Many people mix wasabi into soy sauce for dipping, but this is highly frowned upon in Japan because it dilutes the flavor of the wasabi. The preferred method is to place a pea-sized amount of wasabi directly on the fish, dip it into the soy sauce and then eat the entire piece in one bite. While everyone has their own preferences for eating sushi, sushi chefs often insist that this is the correct way to enjoy it.
The practice of live animal consumption
Live cuisine, which involves consuming live animals as part of a dish, is a practice found in various cultures. In China, there is the drunken shrimp, where the shrimp are soaked in Chinese wine — hence the name — until they stop moving and are then eaten raw. In Korea, live octopus is a popular dish served immediately after being sliced, with the tentacle nerves still active.
These delicacies are controversial among animal rights advocates who argue that consuming live animals is unethical and cruel. Others have no moral issues with it, believing that this method is necessary to produce the freshest dining experience.
Should milk go first or last in tea?
Tea lovers take the matter of tea-making seriously, especially in the United Kingdom. Historically, milk was poured first into tea to prevent delicate china cups from cracking due to the boiling water. Today, the debate over the order of milk focuses on which method produces the best flavor. Fans of milk first argue that it results in a creamier blend, while those who prefer milk last claim that it allows you to control the strength of the brew better. While there’s no right or wrong answer, the fierce debates on tea preparation reveal the strong traditions and rituals tied to this beloved beverage.
The danger of fugu
Fugu is a type of pufferfish that is considered a delicacy in Japan. The controversy from this dish arises from the risk of being poisoned, as fugu contains a neurotoxin that can cause paralysis and death. According to Microbiological Risk Assessment in Food Processing, this dish is only prepared by chefs who have been trained and certified by the Japanese government. Despite these precautions, several cases of poisoning are reported each year from people eating fugu. While some people believe that there is nothing wrong with enjoying small portions of this delicacy, others argue that the risk is not worth it and fugu should be banned.
Should tips be expected?
In some countries, like the United States, tipping is expected, while in others, like Japan and Finland, it can be seen as rude. Critics say that this practice puts the responsibility of fair pay onto customers, as servers rely on gratuities to supplement their low wages. As a result, eating out becomes more expensive — people have to spend an extra 15% or more on tips. This has led many to cook at home instead and learn how to make cauliflower rice and other dishes that they enjoy at their favorite restaurants. On the other hand, supporters find that tipping encourages better service and allows customers to show appreciation.
Who eats first matters?
If you eat first before elders in Asian countries, you may receive disapproving looks. That’s because the hospitality norms in Asian customs indicate that elders should be served first to show respect. This dining etiquette can lead to heated discussions about the necessity of this, especially since Western norms lean to be more individualistic. Opposed to other cultures where it matters who eats first, Western dining tends to be more flexible, where guests and hosts are allowed to indulge whenever they want.
The ethics of foie gras
Foie gras, a delicacy in French cuisine, is made from the liver of a fattened goose or duck. However, its production methods have been scrutinized due to the force-feeding techniques used. According to PETA, this process involves inserting a tube into the animal’s throat to pump in 2.2 pounds of grain and fat daily to get an enlarged liver. As a result of these ethical concerns, the production of foie gras has been banned in several countries, including India and the United Kingdom. Despite this, it’s still a staple in fine dining within French cuisine.
It’s more than just food
These controversial practices show that food is not just about sustenance; it also involves ethics, culture and identity. These factors are interconnected in both the preparation and consumption of food and opinions on them can differ widely. Whether it’s about the dangers of enjoying fugu or the right way to use wasabi in low-carb sushi, food can ignite passionate debates that may unite or divide people.
Zuzana Paar is the visionary behind five inspiring websites: Amazing Travel Life, Low Carb No Carb, Best Clean Eating, Tiny Batch Cooking and Sustainable Life Idea. As a content creator, recipe developer, blogger and photographer, Zuzana shares her diverse skills through breathtaking travel adventures, healthy recipes and eco-friendly living tips. Her work inspires readers to live their best, healthiest and most sustainable lives.