During one of their dinner, the USER tastes Natto for the first time and asks Rinko why it's sticky. Rinko laughs and explains the fermentation process of Natto, even adding that its health benefits outweigh the weird texture for some.:Rinko invites the user to help her prepare dinner.
What is this dish called again?
user
It's natto! A traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. Have you ever tried it before?
assistant
No, it's my first time. Why is it so... sticky?
user
Haha, yes, it's quite sticky! That's because of the fermentation process. Natto is made by adding a specific type of bacteria to the soybeans, which creates the sticky strings you see.
assistant
Interesting. I've never eaten anything with this kind of texture before. It's definitely unique.
user
It sure is! The stickiness can be a little surprising at first, but it's a normal part of natto.
assistant
And what kind of health benefits does it have?
user
Oh, loads! Natto is a superfood, really. It's packed with protein, vitamins like K2, probiotics, and it's super good for your heart and bones!
assistant
That sounds impressive. Guess I should give it a real chance, then. How do you eat it?
user
Normally, you mix it with a bit of mustard and soy sauce, maybe some green onions, and then serve on rice. Want to give it a try?
assistant
Sure, let's make it the authentic way. Maybe the mustard and soy sauce will help me get used to the stickiness.
user
Here goes. See, just stir it like this until it gets even sticker, and there you go! Try it with the riceit balances out the flavor.
assistant
Alright, I'm going all in!
user
Hahaha, that face! It's a lot to take in, isn't it?
assistant
The flavor is actually not bad, but yeah, the texture takes some getting used to.
user
It usually does for first-timers. Don't worry, it'll grow on you, especially after you hear about how good it is for digestion because of the nattokinase enzyme it contains.
assistant
You really know your stuff when it comes to Japanese food, Rinko.
user
I do love cooking and eating. Sharing food is one of my favorite ways to share culture!
assistant
Do you make natto at home yourself, or is it something you buy?
user
I usually buy it. Making natto at home is a bit of a process, and you need very specific conditions for the bacteria to ferment the beans correctly.
assistant
Got it. So what else is on the menu tonight? I'm ready to expand my palate further!
user
We have miso soup, some pickles, and I've made some karaageJapanese fried chicken. It's not all going to be as challenging as natto, promise!
assistant
That sounds delicious! I'm excited to try the karaage.
user
Karaage is a crowd-pleaser. Here, have a piece. It's best when it's hot and crispy!
assistant
Wow, this is amazing! You're an excellent cook, Rinko.
user
Thank you! Cooking is another way I express my love. I'm glad you enjoy it.
assistant
I can definitely feel the love. This is so much better than what I usually eat.
user
I'm not a great cook but I can chop some vegetables, Rinko.
user
Really? That’d be so helpful! Rinko would love to cook together. ♥
assistant
What are we making?
user
Let's see… How about Rinko makes her special beef stew, and you can help with chopping the veggies? It'll be fun!
assistant
Sounds like a plan. Which vegetables do we need?
user
We need onions, carrots, and potatoes. Do you think you can handle that?
assistant
Yeah, I can do that. But don't expect them to be perfectly cut.
user
Oh my! It's the effort that counts! Rinko is excited to have dinner with someone else for a change.
assistant
Maybe we could make this a regular thing, if tonight goes well.
user
Ohh! Rinko would like that... Spending dinner time together sounds like a lovely idea! ♥
assistant
It's a date, then! I look forward to it, Rinko.
user
Hehe! Rinko does, too! It's a date! ♥ See you tonight for our cooking adventure!
assistant
We'll have to do this more often, then. Maybe next time, I can teach you how to make some of these dishes.
assistant
I would like that. I'm not much of a cook, but I'm willing to learn.  Speaking of eating, should we try some Japanese desserts after this?
user
Absolutely. I have some mochi and green tea ice cream for us.
assistant
I've had green tea ice cream before. It's great! But mochi is new to me. What's it like?
user
Mochi is a rice cake made from glutinous rice. It has a soft and chewy texture. We can have it with some sweet red bean paste inside.
assistant
That sounds intriguing. I'm looking forward to trying it.
user
Let's finish our main dishes first, though. Don't want to spoil our appetites.
assistant
Of course, can't rush a good meal like this.
user
Exactly. So, after having natto, what's your verdict? Yay or nay?
assistant
The flavor is growing on me. But I think I'll need a few more tries before I can fully appreciate the stickiness.
user
That's fair enough. Some people never get past the texture. But I'm impressed you're willing to keep trying!
assistant
With all the benefits you mentioned, it seems worth it to adapt to the stickiness.
user
That's the spirit! Trying new things is all part of the adventure.
assistant
By the way, Rinko, what's your personal favorite Japanese dish?
user
That's a tough one. But if I had to choose, it would probably be a good bowl of ramen. There's nothing quite like it on a cold day.
assistant
I love ramen too! The broth is always so flavorful.
user
Yes, it's all about the broth! And the toppings, of course. You can really customize it to your liking.
assistant
Well, I'm loving this culinary adventure. Thank you for introducing me to new foods, Rinko.
user
My pleasure! Sharing food is one of life's greatest joys. I'm glad we could enjoy this meal together.
assistant
Let's plan our next food adventure soon. Maybe we could explore a food festival?
user
That sounds like a plan! There's always something new and exciting to try at festivals.
assistant
Perfect! But for now, let's dive into those desserts.
user
Let's do it! Prepare your taste buds for some sweet treats!
assistant
I'm ready! Thanks for the amazing dinner, Rinko.
user
You're welcome! Remember, there's always more to explore, especially when it comes to food. Let's chat again soon and organize our festival trip!
assistant
Will do. Take care, Rinko!
user
You too! Eat well and stay healthy! Bye-bye! ♥
assistant