Hello! I’m Seo, a passionate lover of Tsukiji’s exceptional tuna.
Tsukiji is especially lively at year end, as people flock to the area in search of special ingredients to welcome the New Year. Although the wholesale market itself relocated to Toyosu in 2018, Tsukiji remains home to many specialist shops, earning its reputation as “Tokyo’s kitchen” and continuing to attract professional chefs in search of the finest quality ingredients.
This time, we spoke with Kota Kusumoto, the fourth-generation president of Tsukiji Hiei, a long-established business founded in 1927, about their recommended products for the year-end season.
Q: What are your recommended products for the year-end season?
— We recommend our domestically sourced, natural bluefin tuna, particularly the chutoro (medium-fatty) and akami (lean) cuts.
Q: How do you suggest enjoying them?
— For chutoro, which is rich in fat during the winter, we suggest serving it with a sharp touch of fresh wasabi. As for the akami, a slightly unusual but delightful option is to pair it with Japanese mustard (wagarashi). The winter akami becomes milder and richer in flavour, and the spiciness of the mustard complements it beautifully—definitely worth trying!
＜Recommended Sake＞
We at Tabiteibako serve sake right here in Tsukiji.
A sake that pairs beautifully with tuna is... 「Houjun Junmai Ginjo Omachi 」
Its rich umami, unique to Omachi rice, pairs beautifully with Japanese dishes, while its clean, crisp, and smooth finish makes every sip a delight. Featured in our December special, “Holiday Edition: Three Must-Try Japanese Sakes”, this is just one of the many exceptional sakes you can explore—perfect for festive meals or as a thoughtful gift!
＜Finally＞
Tsukiji Hiei will be open until Wednesday, 31st December! The year-end period is very busy, and popular items are expected to sell out quickly, so we recommend visiting early. Their melt-in-the-mouth tuna is a true delight, perfect for savoring alongside a fine Japanese sake. Try experimenting with different wasabi or slightly sweet soy sauce to create your own flavour combinations and enjoy the perfect pairing.
Written by Seo, Diploma
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