Halal-Friendly and Family-Friendly guide to Tsukiji Fish Market!

As a sashimi lover, one of the places I always wanted to visit was Tsukiji Fish Market. After seeing it in Jiro Dreams of Sushi, I always knew one day I would make my way there. I was really blown away when my dream turned into reality during our trip to Japan.

We did quite a bit of research prior to our visit, as we knew the market would be closed on some day. As much as I would have loved to attend the famous tuna auction, with a two year old toddler, waking up as early at 3 AM to be there by 4 AM would have been impossible. The public transportation would not be functioning too early in the wee hours, so we would have had to spend extra money to stay overnight near the area. In the end, we woke up and left our AirBNB around 8 AM.

Most morning walks consisted of walking past this quiet and sleepy area. 

Most of the time we used Google Maps to guide us to the nearest public transport. Hyperdia app didn't really work well on our phones.

Imaan chilling on her stroller.

It's not too hard to spot Tsukiji Market. Just follow the throng of people heading towards the same direction, and soon you'll start seeing fresh sashimi on display and seafood restaurants.

Imaan with a tuna head thrice her size.

We saw many "specialists" shop, where they focused selling various types of one specific food, example this shop focused mainly on tamago!

We tried the tamago, which tasted like normal tamago that we would get here in Malaysia.

Along the way, we would see free sample offerings from vendors to entice new purchases.

Fish eggs! My mom bought a spicy pack.

I can't remember what this store was selling.

This store was selling various types of pickles.

Many commercial restaurants had attractive set-ups to attract tourists.

 

One of the restaurant displayed shark, crab and eels.

My mom bought squid jerky for my dad.

Along the way to the Tsukiji Wholesale Market (which is a bit of a walk from Tsukiji Commercial Market), we saw protesters who were against the move of the fish market to a newer area. The reason behind this was Tsukiji was taking up valuable real estate closer to the city center, and there was a proposal to move the fish market to Toyosu. As it's considered a cultural icon, and the move many affect many businesses, it's not surprising that there have been many protests against the move.

The pathway leading to Tsukiji Wholesale Market. As you walk, there are local guides who will push you in the right direction. Upon entering, we saw the endless stalls with their display.

As we arrived around 9 AM, most of the stores had already began to clear down. There were many tourists who did not purchase anything, and they tended to block the road.

I didn't take much photos, as the Wholesale Market was very busy - there were men driving mini trucks around, and Imaan refused to stay in her Ergobaby, so we spent most of our time carrying her or chasing after her.

Fish was so fresh. We spent around 1 hour in the market and purchased some sashimi that we thought were value-for-money, or rare back at home. Most of it was prepacked for takeaway. Around 10 AM most of the stores were already closed. 

We were quite hungry after our expedition to the Tsukiji Wholesale Market, so afterwards we browsed the restaurants nearby and this one caught our eye. Just bear in mind, 1000 yen was around RM 33 at that time. 

The chefs prepping the items. To be honest, we knew it was going to be a costly dining experience as it seemed a quite touristy place, but nothing beats fresh, quality sashimi.

Rayan and mom posing impatiently as the food awaits them.

At first someone was asleep.

She woke up when her miso soup arrived. Do bear in mind that miso paste produces ethanol alcohol naturally during the fermentation process. Based on our understanding, as it was produced naturally and consuming it does not cause intoxication, it is permissible to consume. In addition, the alcohol content evaporates upon reaching 70°C. However, I do believe there are others who may be more strict when it comes to miso consumption, so to each their own. As I felt Imaan is still quite young to eat raw seafood (which we could opt for), I do believe that it was reasonable for her to consume miso soup.

My mom ordered this beautiful plate of raw sashimi to share. I'm not entirely sure what was what, but the scallop was buttery and soft, and the shrimp was so sweet (my first time eating raw shrimp). Everything was so delicious and fresh; it was literally like having an ocean party in your mouth! To my surprise, the squid and octopus was very tender and melt-in-your-mouth.

I opted for this ocean treasure, I think it was around 2000 Yen (RM 66). Everything was utterly divine. I got the ocean brininess from the salmon roe, and the minced tuna was absolutely divine; it tasted a bit bland, but in a good way. I really loved the shrimp, it's sweet without being overpowering.

The greeter/ host didn't mind posing with Imaan!

Restaurant: Tsukiji Sushi Sen

Address: 1-9-6 Tsukiji, Tsukiji, Chuo, Tokyo Prefecture

Website: http://www.sakanaya-group.com/01sushisen/01sohonten/02info.html?utm_source=tripadvisor&utm_medium=referral

Tel: +81 3-6226-5910

TripAdvisor Link: https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Restaurant_Review-g14129610-d3779173-Reviews-Tsukiji_Sushi_Sen_Main_Shop-Tsukiji_Chuo_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Please note that this is not a Halal-certified Restaurant; there are alcoholic beverages available. We opted mainly for sashimi menu.

After our lovely lunch, we walked a bit more and bought some sweets and desserts. My mom spoiled Imaan with ice cream that was milky and creamy, whereas I opted for something more fresh. 

Fresh fruit sorbet on a stick.

My mom and me. 

Tokyo was unexpectedly cold, I had to borrow my mom's cardigan. Lucky that I had packed two jackets. vest and sweater for Imaan.

On the way back, we stopped by a supermarket (my mom wanted to get soya sauce hahaa) and these two cool-looking dogs were left outside by their human.

Coincidentally, Imaan matched their outfit.

Our loot from the market. The uni had a custard-like texture, tasted creamy and briny. It's good to eat on it's own. The oyster was gigantic, creamy, briny and juicy - no doubt, the freshest oysters we have ever eaten. The tuna had a pleasant, meaty taste with a mild flavor, it was gone within the day. Over the course of the next few days, we enjoyed the roes and the pollock eggs raw with rice, or fried in rice. 2 days later my brother and husband already had enough of the sashimi.

TOP 5 TIPS FOR TRAVELLING TO TSUKIJI FISH MARKET WITH A TODDLER

1. Bring only a baby carrier. Easier to handle your child safely.
2. If you must bring a stroller (as we did), bring a foldable and lightweight stroller (we used Mothercare XS).
3. Have lots of wet wipes handy, as your child may be inquisitive to touch raw seafood.
4. Be respectful of the vendors; make sure to watch your child diligently as it is a very busy market, do stay out of their way, especially those on motorized vehicles who may not be able to react as fast.
5. If your child can already walk, make sure he/ she is wearing proper walking shoes that have a strong grip, as the market floor can be slippery.