Skate fish

Skate fish

　　Skate fish is a premium ingredient from Korea’s Jeolla Province. What makes it most unique is that it ferments on its own and emits a strong, pungent ammonia odor—commonly known as the smell of a toilet, or ammonia smell. That’s why the tour guide specifically warned us not to breathe deeply while eating it, or accidents could easily happen. However, although skate fish has a very strong odor, locals absolutely love it and consider it an essential delicacy for important celebrations such as weddings, funerals, and other festive occasions. It’s said that its smell is five times stronger than kiviak, which ranks third, and fourteen times stronger than natto.