In Japan edamame is a beloved food that is equally healthy as it is delicious. It is usually eaten at restaurants or izakayas, as a type of bar food. Edamame are young soybeans that are harvested early, and then steamed or boiled while still in their pods, served as an appetizer or snack. Most often it is lightly salted, although sometimes you might be offered a garlic, sesame, or spicy flavoring too.