A Trip To Tsukiji Fish Market
I could eat here every single day. Tsukiji Fish market is more than just fish. The food stalls have expanded to include Japan’s favourites like Wagyu beef and even the now very hyped, instagram-famous Japanese omelettes! Here, you will find all kinds of crab from Alaskan King to Snow, plus all the varieties of seafood that you can dream of: the freshest fish and crustaceans - a foodie’s dream!
While indulging your senses in this whirlwind of sight, smell and culture, make sure to take a mental photograph, immortalise the moment of being surrounded by the flavours of the sea.
Give aburi a chance
The recent trend of “torching” seafood (known as Aburi) has made many non-fish eaters change their minds about seafood. A friend of mine travelling with me who is not a fish person, enjoyed torched tuna belly called “o-toro “for three days!
Go for fatty tuna!
Try some fresh cuts of fatty tuna that melts in your mouth like Chu-toro and O-toro over classic Japanese sushi rice (seasoned with vinegar) and sprinkled with roasted sesame seeds with strips of dried nori or seaweed. In fact, the rice alone is spectacular, perfectly sticky! As an alternative to tuna, another version of this popular rice bowl is one topped with slices of salmon, ikura (salmon fish roe) and negitoro (minced tuna belly). This spectacular combination of fatty fish, salty roe and sushi rice is just divine! Finish off your meal with a cup of cold tea and make your way to other market delights!
Tatler Tip: There are cups of plump green seedless grapes or the purplish kyoho grapes which burst in your mouth.
Pair mackerel with tamago
Order a grilled half mackerel (saba) which is a notable dish from Japan and pair this with slices of tamago (a cold semi-sweet rolled egg omelette). Sprinkle everything with the popular Japanese mixed spice called Tongarashi for that added pop. This time order yourself a refreshing ginger ale to cleanse the palate.
Stop by Mejicafe
Stop by the smallest roaster and cafe stand in the market called Mejicafe. I had an Ethiopian Sidamo (Ethiopian coffee best known for its rich, full body) over ice. It was freshly ground and slowly hand dripped. As someone who adores coffee, this was a good find!
Don't miss out on Alaskan King Crabs
Stop by the crab and lobster grill and order a serving of slightly torched Alaskan king crab legs. While at this particular food-stand, taste a serving of oysters. Make sure to slurp it up to experience the sweet and sublimely salty flavour. While there, try a huge, juicy grilled scallop topped with decadent, buttery uni (sea urchin). If you really want to indulge yourself try premium tender wagyu beef topped with uni!
Tsukiji - you never disappoint! The choices are plentiful, and the food is ever fresh. No matter where you are in the market you will notice that the place is kept neat and tidy. Leave it to the discipline of Japanese culture, teaching their people to always be clean and respectful of their surroundings.
Next time you’re in Tokyo, make it a trip to this market a part of your itinerary.
Tatler Tip: Tsukiji is open everyday though some stalls are closed on Sundays.