Though I love it, I understand that its strange taste can be very unappelaing.

I can think of only two reasons for it to seem bitter.
Most likely, it was that specific serving or the brand which was higher in vitamin B than the usual natto I find.
But there is also chance that it was you being more sensitive to the niacin (a B vitamin) in it. I can't recall whether its when the body needs it, or when it doesn't need it, that makes a person more aware of its acrid flavor.

or just pretend you are from Kansai :cool:

That may sound silly, but it makes sense. One of my native teachers explained that the reaction to natto is how she tells whether the person is likely to be from eastern or western Japan. Apparently there is an unoffical dividing line somewhere when it comes tot he palette. Sort of like the U.S. and BBQ.

x]
natto and bitter melon are eaten quite often in southern japan, lolz

and about the palate...
i believe that further north, like honshu, prefer stronger and more robust flavours, while down south, such as kyushu, more subtle flavours are preferred

yep, speaking in generalities people from the west/Kansai area aren't too fond of the stuff...kanto people especially cannot get enough of it


i can stand the smell but the snot like consistancy bugs me :eek:

Makes sense to me.

Meanwhile, it is what I had at lunch .... natto & tofu, with a side of ponzu drenched kimchi dumplings.

never tried ponzu on gyoza :confused:

add some sliced scallions and bonito shavings!!! xD
drizzle soy sauce when ready too serve and have w/ a bit of wasabi!!

for the nattofu of course x.x

Bonito would have been nice, but I didn't have any handy when i was fixing this last night. I thought about the scallions, and then my guts reminded me why I try to avoid them. ;) The wasabi was mixed in with the mustard and soy for the natto during prep. ( I do pay attention sometimes Yuujiro-san.)

aww~ oh well x]
hmm.... makes me wish i had a reason too fix a bento~~ loool >.>''
buut sadly.... i eat only dinner, and at work, lolz