Tsukiji Fish Market Recommendations

Known for her finest and best seafood, Japan truly lives up to her name. Tsukji Fish Market is truly a seafood lovers' paradise, one place not to be missed when in Tokyo! Tsukiji Fish Market is a wholesale market that handles seafood, fruits and vegetables distribution. It is also a popular tourist attraction due to its tuna auctions that take place every morning from 5.50am to 6.20am. However, it is definitely not limited to being a place solely for food distribution purposes as it has an outer market that sells fresh seafood that can be consumed on-the-spot. The market is highly competitive, with almost every stall selling seafood that was freshly caught the same morning and thus, ensuring only the best quality. Tsukiji Fish Market is definitely a great place to visit and eat fresh seafood to your heart's content and here are some items you should look out for when at Tsukiji Fish Market!

1. Marinated Octopus 

I was expecting it to be chewy and slightly tough that was difficult to chew, however, the first bite came as a surprise. The octopus was soft, tender and very easy to eat. It was marinated with a sweet teriyaki sauce that provided a smokey flavour and a slight bitterness at the end which was very palatable. It is definitely something to try at least once, and you'll be surprised at how different the texture is as compared to what you'll get in Singapore.

2. Oysters

When I say these oysters were super good and value-for-money, trust me on this, you will not want to miss this when at Tsukji Fish Market. Priced at only 400yen (~$4.80), I must say this was hands down my best buy. Not only was it fresh, it was also plump and creamy. At the stall, you will get to choose the oyster that you want and eat it right in front of the stall front. Provided with condiments such as lemon juice and soya sauce, it was the perfect combination with the oysters. Unexpectedly, it was not too salty and the sweetness of the seafood was very refreshing.

3. Sashimis 

Priced at 2,500 yen (~$30sgd), this platter of the freshest salmon and tuna was worth every penny. 3 types of salmon with different level of fattiness were presented, all with distinct flavours and texture. They were undeniably soft and melted in my mouth, nothing near anything I have tried in Singapore. My favourite pick has got to be the fattiest Salmon, with it disintegrating far more easily than the other 2. This is another must-try at Tsukiji Fish Market! Although the price is slightly steep, the freshness and quality are definitely worth the price.

4. Scallops

Just when I thought the oysters were enough to surprise me at how plump and juicy they were, the scallops were no different. The scallops were huge! They were sweet yet savoury at the same time. I bought the ones that came together with cheese and sea urchin. Sadly, they were not one of my favourites.The cheese and sea urchin flavours were too strong which overpowered the sweetness of the scallops. A hint of bitterness also came along with the seafood which was not appealing. I ended up scraping away the mozzarella cheese and sea urchin and eating them separately.

I would, therefore, recommend getting the scallops without anything that are strong in flavours such as the cheese and sea urchin.

5.  Dashimaki Tamago

Last but not least, a soft and delicate item- Tamago proved to be undeniably a classic! There was a queue formed at this stall selling Japanese rolled omelette and I was sure to try this when I was there. It was sweet, warm (yes warm!) and freshly cooked on the spot which was always a good sign. However, it was too sweet for my liking and it was similar to that of a dessert than a savoury item. The sweetness level was definitely different from what I was used to in Singapore and I reckon this could be how the Japanese liked it prepared. Sadly, it was not for me and there was nothing special about it that stood out for me. However, this is definitely something to look out for if you'll like to try authentic tamago and it could be a hit for you instead.

Definitely a highly recommended place to visit when in Tokyo to not only feast on delicious seafood, but also to shop for souvenirs that ranges from dried scallops, knives, fresh nuts, green tea and a whole lot of other foods that you can bring back.

Do note that the market is typically only open from 5am to 2pm in the afternoon so be sure to plan your visit there. Tip: Do try and stay until 2pm to get cheaper seafood as the prices of oysters were evidently cheaper nearing the closing time.

Address: 5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chūō, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan