natto

American  

[not-oh] / ˈnɒt oʊ /

noun

Japanese Cooking.

1. a dish of fermented cooked soybeans, often eaten for breakfast over white rice or with toppings such as soy sauce and mustard.

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Etymology

Origin of natto

First recorded in 1870–75; from Japanese, from na(t)- (ultimately from Middle Chinese; cognate with Cantonese naap, Mandarin nà “to bring into, receive”) + tō “bean” ( see bean ( def. ))

Explanation

Natto is a sticky, strong-flavored Japanese dish made from fermented soybeans, often served over rice and commonly enjoyed at breakfast. Natto is a traditional Japanese dish that dates back over 1,300 years. It is made using a special fermentation process that gives it its signature stickiness and pungent aroma. While its unique smell and gooey texture might take some getting used to, natto is highly nutritious and packed with protein, vitamins, and probiotics, making it a healthy and flavorful addition to a meal.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

natto

Sticky, translucent strings dangle from Wesley Smith's chopsticks as the American tourist relishes his natto, the loved-and-hated Japanese fermented soybean superfood going global one slimy mouthful at a time.

From Barron's ● Jun. 22, 2026

However, the condiment's polarising taste has landed it in the Disgusting Food Museum in Sweden - alongside natto, stinky tofu and monkey brains.

From BBC ● Nov. 18, 2025

Like the famously frugal Buffett, Imura is also thrifty, taking public transport in Tokyo and regularly eating eggs, bananas and "natto", or fermented soybeans, for their "cost performance".

From Reuters ● Jan. 13, 2023

On a typical day, he makes a breakfast of rice, miso soup and natto.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 17, 2022

I ate sea cucumbers and natto in Japan, poi in Hawaii, and morcilla when I lived in Madrid as a young adult.

From Salon ● Oct. 8, 2021