Taste Guides

What does it taste like? Plain-language guides to foods you may not know yet: their taste, smell and texture, what people compare them to, and how to try them for the first time.

• What does matcha taste like?Matcha tastes grassy, vegetal and savoury, with a gentle bitterness and a sweet finish when it is good. What to expect, and how to choose and try it.
• What does kimchi taste like?Kimchi tastes sour, spicy, salty and savoury, with a crunchy bite and a slight fizz. How its taste changes with age, and how to try it.
• What does a century egg taste like?Century eggs taste rich, savoury and earthy, with a jelly-like white and a creamy yolk. What to expect, why they look that way, and how to try one.
• What does natto taste like?Natto tastes deeply savoury, nutty and a little bitter, with a strong smell and famously sticky threads. What to expect, and how to try it.
• What does durian taste like?Durian tastes sweet, rich and creamy like custard, with savoury notes of onion and caramel. What to expect from its taste, texture and famous smell.