Japan sells ice cream that tastes like meat and fish
Most ice cream is sweet, but in Japan, you can find scoops that taste like spicy wasabi, salty squid, or even horse meat!
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Last updated: January 30, 2026 at 10:47 PMMost ice cream is sweet, but in Japan, you can find scoops that taste like spicy wasabi, salty squid, or even horse meat!
When you think of ice cream, you probably think of vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry. But in Japan, ice cream can be a wild adventure for your taste buds. They sell flavors that sound more like a dinner menu than a dessert!
Japan is famous for "Basashi Ice" (horse meat ice cream), "Ika Ichigo" (squid ink), and even "Wasabi" flavors. These aren't just jokes; you can actually buy them at specialized shops or theme parks like Namja Town in Tokyo. Some people love the salty, savory twist, while others find it a bit too scary to try.
In Japan, there is a deep respect for local ingredients. Each region likes to create a unique "soft serve" (soft ice cream) using what they are famous for. For example, if a town is known for its seafood, they might try to put that flavor into a cold, creamy treat just to be creative and attract tourists.
It depends on who you ask! Wasabi ice cream is often sweet at first, then gives you a spicy kick in the nose. Squid ink ice cream is usually dark gray and has a slightly salty, oceanic taste. Horse meat ice cream often contains actual frozen chunks of raw meat. It is definitely an experience you won't find at a normal ice cream truck!
Japan is home to some of the world's weirdest ice cream flavors, including horse meat, squid, and spicy wasabi. They love to turn local foods into cold treats, proving that ice cream doesn't always have to be sweet - sometimes, it can be a little bit "fishy" or "meaty."