Coconut flesh + wasabi = Raw squid texture — an amazing night market snack for just NT$30

Reported and photographed by Reporter You t
ru / Guam
 



▲% The main highlight is still the refreshing coconut water. %


For a super budget price of 1 US dollar, you can enjoy what tastes like a two-person serving of raw squid-textured sashimi? In July, I visited Guam’s weekly “Chamorro Night Market,” which is only open on Wednesdays. This night market, specializing in all kinds of barbecues, grilled meats, fresh juices, and Guam souvenirs, has around 50 stalls. It takes about an hour to walk through them all. Though the night market isn’t very large, it fully captures the relaxed and lively atmosphere of Guam’s street vendors.

The stall selling the magically flavored “Coconut Sashimi” has two locations within the Chamorro Night Market. Visitors pay 5 US dollars to buy a coconut, must first finish drinking the coconut water, and then hand it over to the vendor for further preparation into “Coconut Sashimi.” The coconut water in Guam tastes sweeter, smoother, and more milky than in Taiwan. Many visitors drink the water and then toss the coconut away, but local vendors often ask if you’d like to spend an extra 1 US dollar — equivalent to NT$30 — to try their “Coconut Sashimi.”


▲% Only after draining the coconut water can it be turned into this unique dish. %


Once the coconut water is drained, the flesh can be scraped out and prepared for eating.


The coconut flesh is scraped off, cut into chunks, drizzled with soy sauce, and then sprinkled with wasabi. After a quick mix, it’s ready to eat. The combination may seem wildly clashing and strange at first glance, but the first bite delivers a surprisingly delightful taste. The mildly milky coconut flesh, when mixed with mustard and soy sauce, offers a fatty umami upfront reminiscent of salmon, while the tender, springy texture afterward is somewhat similar to that of raw squid — absolutely delicious.

Chen Yaoyen from the Taiwan Office of the Guam Visitors Bureau pointed out that this “Coconut Sashimi” can be found in many places across Guam. Though it may look unassuming, the taste varies depending on the freshness of the coconut flesh. The thinner and more translucent the coconut meat, the closer its texture is to that of raw squid. This affordable and unique way of enjoying coconut is something not only travelers to Guam can try, but those back in Taiwan can also attempt to make at home to experience a one-of-a-kind Guam flavor.

▲% Don’t miss out on trying this surprisingly tasty treat. %