Breakfast Sushi@ Shinkou Shokudo, Kagoshima Fish Market,Kagoshima

 

There is nothing distinctly more Japanese than a sushi breakfast. Despite that, they are not really common. Well, unless you are in a fish market. Not as well known as the legendary Tsukiji or its successor Toyosu, the Kagoshima Fish Market is still nonetheless an important check point for the seafood trade in the Kyushu region. 

Cold and wet morning

It has a more gritty feel compared to the other two markets from Tokyo that seem to be more tourist friendly. The market here has a literal market feel. In fact, it seem that I was the only "outsider" in the entire 10 km from the market. Everyone was either a fisherman, a fish monger or a supplier. So I did feel out of my place a little bit. Fortunately getting food here was relatively easy and right next to the main entrance were three small seafood diners that do breakfast. One of which was Shinkou Shokudou  (新港食堂), which translates to New Port Diner. 

First customer!

A simple Japanese style diner, it was basic but inviting. There is one difference however, which there was s sushi bar. So without much hesitation I got myself their 8 piece nigiri set which stood for 1350 yen  As I was the only customer, my food came relatively fast. I mean, who will in the right mind will walk at 7 am for 30 mins to a wet market for sushi? Wait a minute....

Sweet mother of God...

Anyway, the plate that came before me was colourful and vibrant. Sure, this is a bit basic and rugged compared to some of the photos from travel magazines but they definitely look better than their kaiten counterparts. The first thing I notice is that at the bottom of each seafood topping, there was a little green hue, which was wasabi. And if you can see that from the sliced fish, then you know it was a lot of wasabi. 

Le close up

Being the first meal of the day, and not to mention, being famished after that walk to come here, I was really looking forward to this sushi meal. The anticipation was much higher than usual too as it was the first time I am having sushi for breakfast. Shocker, I know. So how was it? I have to say that is quite satisfying. 

Pretty

The seafood provided were incredibly fresh and the everything worked really well. The rice was warm but not too much to the point it cooked the raw toppings. I particularly liked the grilled tuna. It was cooked on the outside but still raw and pinkish on the inside. There was a flavour and textural contrast between the interior and exterior, which makes it for some interesting eating. Really enjoyed it. 

Really good for market food. 

Another star was the squid. It was incredibly fresh, and as such it was chewy and supple but not slimy. There is still some sweetness in the flesh and it was somewhat juicy, like the experience of biting into a juicy piece of meat. It was somewhat neutral in flavour, but its flavour proflie was seriously boosted by the wasabi in the sushi piece.  Speaking of wasabi, how was it? The wasabi was somehow just right. Then again, I like wasabi and I prefer it over horseradish when having it with steak. However, as this is a market we are talking about, it is not fancy. They cater to mostly fishermen and suppliers who earn modest salaries so there is no fatty tuna or scallops here. But what you get is great and honest grub. 

No idea what is inside, tasted great though. 

A sleeper hit was actually the soup that came with it. I have no idea what it was made off, but all I can say that it was not miso. It was sour, tangy, vibrant and woke me up pretty well. Coffee be damned? Well not quite, but it was a great pick me up. 

Front of the house. You cannot miss it. 

Overall this was a decent meal and a great experience too looking around and exploring the market. Do note that this place means serious business, and it is not tourist friendly. However, you will be rewarded with a great meal if you get into this place. Do note that there are no public transport that leads you here. So going by foot is the best option. There are 2 other diners to visit here, but if you are keen in trying out Shinkou Shokudo, then the address is as follows:

〒892-0835 Kagoshima, Jonancho,37-5