True to its name,? has a jet-black bun. The secret ingredient is a dash of bamboo charcoal that BK claims brings out the flame-grilled flavor of the beef. The ketchup is blackened with squid ink. But why? The company says its celebrating its fifth year in Japan with a burger that ¡°defies common sense.¡± No comment. Aside from the inky ketchup, the burger is the same size and has the same toppings as a regular Whopper, and at ?450, it costs only ?30 more. The burgers will be on sale for a limited time starting Friday, Sept. 28.

Could bamboo ash become a trend in cuisine?? (Bamboo Charcoal Princess) webstore sells a range of black snacks, including , rice crackers, and sweet fried . If the hue fits, but you¡¯re not keen on eating burnt wood, then you could get in line in Shibuya for a squid-ink baguette at upmarket French bakery .