Wicked Weez of the West

When you ask non-Australians what they think of when you mention Australia, they usually say one of the following things: kangaroos, koalas, Crocodile Dundee, or Vegemite.

And this has been no different for me during my time in Japan. So after much discussion on the controversial topic of our nation’s most famous food, I decided to bring some Vegemite with me to work last week. And after stopping by the shop to get bread and butter (in a tube, no less), I warned the staff their taste buds were about to be tested.

The first willing participant was Hiro, the office guy (not his official title). He said he’d tasted Vegemite once before while on a trip to Melbourne, but he didn’t like the taste of it then. I suggested it may have been too strong, not enough butter, so I was eager for him to give it another go. But, alas, the verdict was still the same: not especially pleasant tasting whatsoever!

Hiro Trying Vegemite

Hiro Not Liking Vegemite

I also somehow (quite easily) managed to convince two students to try it as well, and they both seemed to like it! They agreed the flavour was kind of like a cross between soy and miso, and although I didn’t get a photo of their reactions, I can assure you they ate it without hesitation.

And I thought it only fair to “treat” Nami for helping me oh so kindly get eye drops the week before, so I told her she was trying Vegemite too. But to my dismay, she actually enjoyed it!

Nami About to Try Vegemite

Verdict? Oishii

Nami's a Happy Little Vegemite ^_^

So the verdict: 3 out of 4 Japanese people like the taste of Vegemite*.

What’s the weirdest regionally-specific food you’ve ever tasted?

*Sample size may or may not be too small to produce a valid survey result