Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt's upcoming racing film, "F1 Movie," is hitting theaters on June 27th and has been on a global promotional tour.
With the film also premiering in Japan on the same day, Pitt recently sat down with Japanese media. When asked about his "favorite Japanese dish," his answer left many netizens stunned. Without hesitation, he declared: "White fish with yuzu ponzu." This unexpected choice ignited a firestorm of discussion among Japanese internet users, who noted that it's not only an uncommon pick but one that many Japanese people wouldn't even consider their top choice.
▼ Full interview video
The response blew up on social media platform X, with many netizens jokingly calling it: "Such an old-school answer, totally an 'uncle's choice'," "Even Japanese people wouldn't pick this as their number one," "Brad Pitt really gets the local Japanese vibe," and "That's the kind of order only a seasoned Japanophile would make."
While not the first dish most people would think of, many still praised it highly: "It's refreshing and stimulates the appetite," "Truly delicious," "Great with rice, even better with sake," and "You'll get hooked after one bite."
*Note: "White fish with yuzu ponzu" can refer to various preparations, such as steamed, pan-fried, or karaage, served with a refreshing yuzu ponzu sauce. It's a common dish in Japanese cuisine, known for its crisp flavor and popularity among sake enthusiasts.
Regarding Brad Pitt's mention of "white fish with yuzu ponzu," many speculated it might be a dish from a high-end sushi restaurant or a traditional ryotei (Japanese restaurant). Others guessed he might have experienced this delightful dish while dining at a traditional Japanese inn. Some also pointed out that this type of dish is often enjoyed with sake or shochu for an enhanced flavor.
(After all, dishes like this aren't typically found in casual, everyday restaurants.)
Some also added, "Westerners generally enjoy sour flavors, so this taste profile should be quite familiar to them."
Funnily enough, some netizens started imagining Brad Pitt's culinary evolution: "I bet his next favorite will be daikon radish from a street stall," "Classic Brad Pitt, fully embracing his 'uncle mode'," and "This isn't a tourist's answer; it's what someone living in Japan would say."
Ultimately, most netizens agreed that Pitt's choice demonstrates his deep understanding and appreciation for Japanese culture. One user summed it up perfectly: "This isn't a beginner's answer like 'sushi' or 'ramen'; this is a connoisseur-level Japanophile!"
via： togetter