Foods JLowdown Has Tried

This spicy, sloppy meat mixture is thinner than chili, thicker than soup, and perfect atop “garbage.”

Only a few breweries still make smoky beer in this classic German style.

Some fish can dance.

A wartime rice scarcity made this versatile pancake a Japanese staple.

The Japanese soda still comes in a marble-stoppered bottle from the 19th century.

The toxic pufferfish steals hearts, despite its ability to stop them.

These pungent fermented soybeans are coated in probiotic slime.

These salted, pickled plums are an ancient Japanese hangover cure.

Japanese cooks riff on American diner food with this rice-and-ketchup omelet.

This pancake pays tribute to one of Japan's favorite fish.

Osaka's most famous dish is an octopus-stuffed fried dough ball.

Leftover coffee plus gelatin equals this vintage dessert.

A ritual that showcases the beauty of the present moment.

This nightmarish-looking fruit has serious healing potential.

This chewable Indian digestive soothes stomachs, freshens breath, and might give you cancer.

To celebrate the Holi festival, many Indians raise a glass of cannabis-infused milk.

South Korea's oldest alcoholic beverage is making a comeback.

In South Korean markets, steamed silkworm pupae make a juicy, nutty snack.

A sundae with a surprising mix of flavors that reflect Filipino history.

Locals joke that you should be able to “float a horseshoe” on the thick brew.

This steamy concoction features a salty, melted surprise at the bottom of the mug: white cheese.

A citrusy cream soda with a hint of rust outsells Coca-Cola in Scotland.

A brewery consulted drinking vessels found in the ancient king’s tomb to recreate a 2,700-year-old elixir.

This German comfort food unites earthbound potatoes with apples from above.