Ep 9. Working for Food

In the season 12 episode 9 of Bizarre Foods named "Working for Food," host Andrew Zimmern goes on an adventure to explore the unique and strange foods of Okinawa, Japan. This episode focuses not only on the food, but also the people who make it, harvest it, and catch it.

Zimmern starts his journey by fishing with the locals in Okinawa's clear waters, catching some of the most beautiful fish in the world. He then jumps in the kitchen and observes the traditional techniques used by the locals to prepare these fish. Zimmern has the opportunity to witness how each ingredient is cooked and combined to create a unique and delicious dish.

The show also delves into the history of Okinawan food, exploring how the different cultures and religions that have passed through the area influenced the local cuisine. Zimmern goes on to visit some street vendors, showcasing the fusion between the local and international foods. He tries different dishes such as Goya Chanpuru, a stir-fry dish made with goya, a bitter melon, tofu, and pork that reflects the healthier diet of the Okinawans.

Zimmern also visits a local farmer who grows one of the most beautiful seaweeds called umi budo, and tastes several different types including a generous portion of eggplant and umi-budo salad. Zimmern discovers this ingredient is rich in nutrients and essential amino acids.

In one section of the episode, Zimmern walks around the Hija village market. He looks at the local produce and samples a rare dish called goya ice cream made from the bitter melon, which is supposed to reduce and prevent diabetes. From there, he meets one of the local noodle makers who still uses traditional methods to make soba noodles, a Japanese national dish enjoyed by many. Zimmern is intrigued by the unique texture and flavour and even has a hands-on experience where he is taught to make soba noodles by himself.

To add to the excitement, Zimmern pays a visit to a local farm to try bat meat. The farm-raised bats are safe for human consumption, and once they have been marinated and grilled, the meat resembles beef. In the episode, Zimmern doesn't shy away from the dish and is pleasantly surprised by its taste, mentioning it to be a bit gamey like duck.

The season 12 episode 9 of Bizarre Foods shows Andrew Zimmern's fascination with the culture and food of Okinawa, Japan. He takes the audience on an adventure to discover some of the unique food and landmarks of the area. The episode throws light on how the Okinawans value their food and traditional methods and incorporate them in different recipes, which are equally genuine and unique in taste. Zimmern tries almost everything going and shows how the locals respect and celebrate their food through traditional cooking techniques, hidden gems in the open markets, and uncommon delicacies. For those searching for a gustatory treat, this one is a must-watch.