Fugu Pufferfish Cooking Show with Chef Suda

See how fugu, the fish that’s known as a daring delicacy, is prepared by a top chef in Yamagata! This pufferfish dining experience is located in Chef’s Suda’s restaurant in Kamo Aquarium on the coast of Tsuruoka City. The species of pufferfish he will prepare is called “tora fugu” (tiger pufferfish), which accounts for 90% of the wild pufferfish caught in the area. While other types of fugu lack flavor and are usually served in hot pot or fried, this specific type of fugu is quite unique and flavorful, with an umami taste. Not only will Chef Suda introduce the fish he will be preparing, but he will also show you the skillfully crafted knives in his own personal collection (some worthy over 1500 USD). Chef Takeshi Suda is a veteran chef with over 18 years of experience preparing pufferfish. He actively promotes the Shonai region with the aim of sustaining international tourism in the area. This is the underlying purpose of the budget-friendly price for such a luxurious and all-round experience with one of the top chefs of Yamagata Prefecture. Chef Suda placed 4th in the Japan National Skills Grand Prix in 2017 and 2019, he represented Yamagata Prefecture abroad in Europe and America, and he is the head chef at Okimizuki. With Chef Suda’s impressive qualifications in mind, you can be assured that you are in good hands during this fugu dining experience. If you’re concerned about trying a fish that is notorious for being poisonous, keep in mind that licensed fugu chefs undergo three years of training before being able to serve fugu, so eating fugu in Japan is not as dangerous as many believe. Chef Suda will show you how to remove the toxins and cut the whole fish with controlled and precise movements, plating thin, transparent slices to form his signature crane-shaped composition.