Odori ebi

Odori ebi (踊り海老) is a Japanese delicacy of baby shrimp, usually Palaemon macrodactylus, served raw while still alive. "Odori" translates to "dancing," referring to the shrimp's movements while being eaten. It is often prepared as a type of sushi or sashimi.

Typically, the shrimp are briefly dipped in sake to intoxicate them, making them easier to handle. Diners then eat the shrimp whole. Sometimes, only the body is eaten, with the head being deep-fried and served as a crispy side dish. The taste is described as sweet and having a unique, crunchy texture.

The appeal of odori ebi is partly due to its perceived freshness and novelty. However, it poses a risk of parasitic infection if the shrimp are not properly sourced and handled. Due to ethical concerns about eating live animals, the consumption of odori ebi is controversial.