Despite its horrible reputation and the obvious fact that it is quite deadly, many travelers and culinary enthusiasts still want to sample the Japanese pufferfish, or fugu. Many reports of deaths in recent years have not come from restaurants, but from local fishermen in parts of Asia that catch and try cutting the fish themselves. They can be seen, especially in places like the Philippines, where it is not uncommon to read about local fisherman who routinely bring home the poisonous pufferfish and serve it to their families.
In Japan, the regulations on serving fugu are quite strict, and one has to train for many years to obtain their license to cut and serve to the public. Japan has even responded to other issues regarding notice of a few deaths in past years from people going through the garbage of the fugu restaurants, accidentally ending up poisoned by consuming something that had been tainted.
Today, all restaurants licensed to serve fugu must adhere to strict regulations regarding the securing, sealing, and actual shipping of the fugu remains to Tokyo where they are properly destroyed, lessening any risk of an unsuspected poisoning.
The question then becomes, where do you go that has a good reputation for serving fugu? One of the best and more recognized places in Japan is Zuboraya in Osaka.
Zuboraya in Osaka, Japan
With different locations in Osaka, Zuboraya is a chain restaurant that is often recognized as the place to try fugu, especially for tourists. Quite easy to spot with the giant pufferfish lantern hanging outside, you don't even need to speak Japanese to understand which place it is.
Their chefs are all licensed fugu masters and based on how busy they get at peak dinner time, locals also trust their fugu cutting skills. Perhaps the prices and decor might be more geared for tourists, but when it comes to ensuring you don't die after eating the toxic fish, paying a little more is completely worth it.
Popular Preparations of Fugu
Once you have committed to wanting to try fugu, you have to decide on what dishes you want to try. There are a number of ways fugu is prepared and some restaurants offer fugu tasting menus so you can try multiple parts of the fugu. While Zuboraya offers some a la carte options, the set fugu menus are most popular. Just to note, eating fugu is not cheap either -- it can easily run you upwards of $100 US for a large tasting menu at some restaurants.
Here's a sampling of some of the most popular preparations of fugu:
- Sashimi
- Milt (soft roe)
- Fried
- Baked
- Stew
- Salad
Zuboraya Locations
Probably the most popular and notable location to visit Zuboraya is in the trendy Dotonbori area of Osaka. Known for its plethora of restaurants and fun nightlife, this location is always busy with a mix of locals and tourists alike.
- 542-0071
- Dotonbori 1-6-10, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- 11am - 11pm (last order 10:30pm)
- 06-6211-0181
The other recommended location for Zuboraya is in the Shensekai area, near the Tsutenkaku Tower. Nearby this area can be a little rough after dark, so this is probably a better option for those who are quite familiar with the Osaka neighborhoods, or visit during lunchtime if you are worried about making a wrong turn.
- 556-0002
- 2-5-5 Naniwa-ku, Osaka
- 11am - 11pm (last order 10:30pm)
- 06-6633-5529
Erin De Santiago - Erin is a freelance travel, food/wine, & Disney writer in Taipei, Taiwan, who has traveled within 40+ different countries to date.
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