In my head the biggest problem with this is that tomatoes are very liquidy and that seems like a very messy proposition.

Obviously, sliced tomatoes with salt is a relatively common breakfast side item, so the idea of just eating tomato with salt isn't that uncommon in the U.S.

Eat enough of them, and you'll develop the proper technique - do the initial bite slowly and carefully, while gouging the internal pressure. You might need to try another spot. Then immediately suck the interior. Then proceed eating them one pocket at a time, while occasionally sucking any free floating liquid.

They're no worse than peaches in that regard. I only eat peaches over a sink.

I've been eating tomatoes in the US my whole life and definitely most people I've met think it's weird eating them plain.

fyi

Waffle House, one of the larger chains of grill made food offer sliced tomatoes as a side in place of hash browns. I have no found that offering elsewhere. So it makes me wonder how it made to the menu

Interesting, I've found it to be a pretty common side item at breakfast places and delis.

Salt is fine... in general you're more likely to get too little salt than too much, and the difference in your blood pressure between the two isn't that significant.

I love tomatoes. They are seriously one of the best foods that exist, but I do find they can be messy, so I really enjoy a large plate of thinly sliced tomatoes with salt and pepper more evenly distributed as an alternative to this. Very cool to learn the French name for this though!

A few other things great with salt and pepper: grapefruit, watermelon, cantelope, cottage cheese, buttermilk.

My Irish auntie also adores a tomato dipped in salt! I haven't been brave enough to try, however.

Try tomatoes with mayo, you will never go back :)

Dumb question but do you take a bite then add salt on the exposed portion as you eat? Or does salt just stick to tomatoes better than I think?

If it's just large tomatoes, people often cut them into slices and then salt them. Or cube them along with cucumber, or halve them if they are cherry tomatoes

You add salt as you eat on the exposed portion. You can try putting salt on the initial bite spot, most of it will fall away, a bit will remain though.

you take a bite first. Salt obviously won't stick to tomato skin.