A Cuban woman captured her mother's reaction as she tried wasabi for the first time at a sushi restaurant. It was a moment of laughter for Lucy (@lucytagonzales), who couldn't help but laugh while her mother struggled with the intense flavor of the spicy condiment, commonly used to accompany sushi. As soon as she ate the wasabi directly, the Cuban woman attempted to drink to wash away the strong taste, and at one point, even spat out the water she had drunk, all to the amusement of her daughter and herself, who couldn't stop laughing.
"It turns out it was my mom's first time at a Japanese sushi restaurant, and we started ordering. She began eating without knowing what wasabi was. Before I could tell her it was spicy, she put half a spoonful in her mouth," explained Lucy in the video, still laughing at the moment.
In response to the video, several internet users shared their own bad experiences with wasabi: "I also tried a big spoonful thinking it was mashed avocado. I vomited everything," "That wasabi is intense, once in Las Vegas I just smelled it and it went straight to my brain," "It happened to me too," and "Same thing happened to me, I thought it was guacamole."
Common Reactions to Trying Wasabi for the First Time
Many people have had memorable experiences when trying wasabi for the first time. Below are some common questions and answers about these reactions.
Why do people react strongly to wasabi?
Wasabi has a very strong and spicy flavor that can be overwhelming, especially for those who are not used to it. The active compounds in wasabi can cause a burning sensation in the nose and throat.
What can you do to alleviate the spiciness of wasabi?
Drinking milk or eating something starchy like bread can help neutralize the spiciness of wasabi. Drinking water might not be as effective and can sometimes make the sensation worse.