Were you that kid who tried to eat Play-Doh? Good news: your weird childhood cravings have been validated by Japanese cuisine. Mochi, a stretchy rice-based treat, is basically what would happen if a marshmallow and a stress ball had a delicious baby. This bouncy delicacy is made by pounding sticky rice into submission until it transforms into a chewy cloud of deliciousness.

Dating back over a thousand years, Mochi has a subtle sweetness that lets whatever filling you choose shine through - from traditional red bean paste to ice cream. Just remember to take small bites - this sweet treat is so uniquely textured that Japan runs an annual New Year's choking awareness campaign. Not exactly your typical dessert disclaimer, but that's mochi for you.