Natto is one of the most iconic (and infamous among foreigners) foods in Japan. These fermented soybeans are sticky, stringy, and known for their strong smell. While it’s a staple in many Japanese homes, especially for breakfast, most foreigners are initially turned off by it when they first try it. But what if the key to enjoying it isn’t about “what” natto is, but instead, “how you eat it?” Although it might have a polarizing first impression, natto is actually a true Japanese superfood, full of probiotics, protein, and essential nutrients. Today, we’ll break down not only what natto is, but also why it’s so good for you, and most importantly, how you can enjoy eating it, even if you didn’t grow up with it.
Wara natto, the traditional method of fermenting natto using bundles of rice straw – Credit: Jessica Iragne
What Natto Really Is
Natto is made by fermenting soybeans with Bacillus subtilis, which results in a gooey, sticky, stringy texture and a strong, cheesy aroma. It’s definitely one of those “love it or hate it” kinds of food. But for millions of people in Japan, it’s a source of nutrition and even comfort, being especially popular in the Kanto and Tohoku regions.
Beyond the flavor, natto is also extremely nutritious. It’s packed full of probiotics for gut health, vitamin K2 for bone strength, and nattokinase, which is believed to help support heart health. But that’s not all, it’s also low in calories, high in protein, and entirely plant-based.
Why Do Most Foreigners Struggle With Natto?
For most people, it usually comes down to three things: the smell, the texture, and the strong taste. If your first taste of natto was straight from the package with just rice, chances are that it didn’t leave the best first impression. But the good news? Natto is one of those foods that gets better when mixed, topped with, or cooked into something else! So, with the right ingredients, you might even start to crave it.
Foreigner-Friendly Ways to Enjoy Natto
Plate of Gyoza – Photo Credit: Anna Tarazevich
Natto Gyoza
Add natto to ground meat (like pork or chicken), mix it with garlic, chopped green onions, and some soy sauce, and wrap it into gyoza, then pan-fry it until crispy. This makes for one of the most flavorful and least intimidating ways to try natto. The crispy wrapper and flavor of the ingredients mellow out the strong taste of the Natto, creating a much easier experience for those not used to the strong taste of this beloved Japanese dish.
Natto toast with cheese – Credit: sasazawa
Natto Toast or Sandwich
A popular dish among the younger Japanese crowd is natto toast. Made by spreading natto on buttered toast, then adding slices of avocado or melted cheese. If you’re brave, we suggest you try adding kimchi, which helps balance it with a bit of spice and acidity. The bread soaks up the texture, and the toppings serve to soften the taste.
Natto salad with avocado – Credit: cherry-hai
Natto Salad with Avocado and Tuna
Natto actually pairs pretty well with fresh ingredients. You can try mixing it into a salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, tuna, and a little drizzle of sesame dressing or ponzu. This combination turns natto into a salad that’s packed full of protein and is both fresh and satisfying to the palate.
Natto pasta – Credit: gontabunta
Natto Spaghetti
A local secret is Natto pasta. You can try it by tossing warm spaghetti with natto, soy sauce, butter, and a raw egg. Then top it with nori and green onions. It’s like a Japanese-style carbonara. Honestly, this is just a perfect comfort food way to enjoy Natto; you truly can’t go wrong with it!
What Do Locals Recommend?
Whilst writing this blog, I asked some of my Japanese friends how they usually enjoy natto, and their responses were pretty creative. Some of them like to add a bit of sesame oil or a touch of spicy mustard. Others eat it with raw egg over rice, or even stir it into curry. One of them even said their favorite way is natto with kimchi and seaweed over rice.
So if you’re not sure how to start, ask a local, because they’ll probably have their own favorite unique way to enjoy it!
Japanese Supermarket – Photo Credit: Esteban Arango
Is It Worth Trying?
Absolutely! Natto might take a few tries to get used to, but it’s definitely worth the effort, and not just for the health benefits, but for the cultural experience! By trying natto in a way that works for you, your taste buds might completely change how you feel about this unique treat. So, next time you’re in Japan, pick up a pack at the konbini or try it at a restaurant, but maybe first try one of the versions listed above to ease into it. You might just join the millions of people who love natto and call it their secret to good health and energy.
Featured Photo Credit: gontabunta
Looking to dive into more of the unique foods of Japan? Check out our Flavors of Japan Daytime Tour for a traditional foodie experience you’ll remember forever!
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