【A loss if not eaten!】Must eat recommendations at Tsukiji Market

Hello everyone, have you ever been to Tsukiji Market in Tokyo? Today, I would like to introduce my must eat recommendations in, the hugely popular, Tsukiji Market.

Tsukiji Market, the treasure trove of fresh fish

Tsukiji Market is one of the popular tourist attractions in Japan, well-known for the freshly caught fish which are sold by the stores that make up the inner market. The inner market is recognized as the world’s largest seafood market and many of the other markets within Japan, take reference from Tsukiji Market with regards to the pricing of seafood. One of the main attractions at Tsujiki Market is the famous Tuna auction which starts at 5am in the morning; among the observers, many foreign tourist can be spotted. However, due to the limit imposed on the number of observers allowed at the auction, I highly recommend reaching Tsukiji Market at least an hour earlier before the start of the auction to queue up for a place to go in.

Tsukiji Kuromon, Kurogin

I would like to recommend this store for their raw tuna that is freshly prepared on the spot. According to your request, the skilled chefs will be able to turn the raw tuna into a delicious dish of sashimi, sushi or even a seafood bowl; I was utterly mesmerized at the chefs’ skill in preparing the tuna.

This time I ordered the fatty tuna sushi; the moment the sushi entered my mouth it felt like it melted away. On top of that, the unique spiciness of the wasabi was a perfect complement to the tuna, creating a complex yet heavenly flavor that left me smiling as I continued to savor the lingering taste of the sushi. To round it off, the staff at the store were so friendly and wonderful; I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the store. The fatty tuna sushi is 500yen a piece and may seem to be on the expensive side, but, considering the amazing gastronomic experience you get to enjoy, it is definitely a steal.

Tsukiji Yamachou / Yamachou Matsue

Although Tsukiji Market is normally associated with sushi or seafood bowls, there are many specialty shops that sell mouth-watering tamagoyaki (Japanese-style egg omelet). Among them is this shop, Tsukiji Yamachou, which is so popular that there is a constant queue waiting to buy one of their delicious tamagoyaki; their tamagoyaki are freshly made on the spot. The tamagoyaki was so irresistible, such that I was not able help myself and bought one to try.

1 piece is only 100 yen and you can choose between the sweet and mildly sweet tamagoyaki; I chose the mildly sweet one. The tamagoyaki has a nice golden yellow color to it and the shop is quite generous with their portions. Sinking my teeth into the tamagoyaki, I was met with the delicious mixed flavor of bonito stock and eggs. To top it off, the tamagoyaki had a wonderfully light and fluffy texture, making it a joy to eat. For such a delicious treat, 100 yen is an exceptional price.

Tsukiji Shouro

Next is Tsukiji Shouro, another established tamagoyaki specialty shop that even has branch stores in Nihonbashi’s and Ginza’s mitsukoshi department store, Gransta at Tokyo station and terminals 1 and 2 of Haneda airport. Do not be surprised, but they are open at 4am in the morning daily.

Today, I bought the shop’s most popular item, the tamagoyaki 4 piece set which is sold for 600 yen (+ tax). The set consists of the (oyakoyaki) that uses daisen chicken, the (kishuu) which has kishuu plums added, the (tobitama) that contains fresh seaweed, and the (shirasu) which has lightly salted white bait and kujo leeks. It is quite common for people to add chicken, seaweed or leeks to home-made tamagoyaki, however, I was rather surprised with the (kishuu) tamagoyaki as it is relatively rare for plums to be added into tamagoyaki. Nonetheless, the mildly sweet flavor of the stock used in the tamagoyaki complimented well with the sour tinch of the plums, delivering a satisfying taste and reminding me of spring. I am sure that even people who are not entirely fond of plums will be able to enjoy the (kishuu) tamagoyaki.

Tsukiji Kibun

For those who are looking to enjoy the deliciousness of freshly made snacks, especially those made of high quality paste using ingredients such as fish, I would recommend Tsukiji Kibun. Walking down the streets, you will notice many tourist munching on Tsukiji Kibun’s snacks while walking. Among their snacks, their no.1 item is the (okonomiage) which contains cabbage, octopus, prawns and ginger.

I decided to buy the (tsukiji age) that was beside the (okonomiage). The (Tsukiji age) is a deep fried crab stick that is filled with mustard mayonnaise. It was my first time eating crab stick, but I enjoyed the delicious and concentrated flavor of fish present in the (Tsukiji age). Each stick is sold for 230 yen.

Tsukiji Market is well known for being an early bird. Business hours are early, with many shops opening even before 6am.Take note that there are shops that open only in the morning, so make sure to check before heading down. Also, in general, on Sundays, national holidays and some Wednesdays Tsukiji Market will often be closed, so be careful when planning your trip to Tsukiji Market.
Written by Reina