What is Kaisen-don?
Kaisen-don is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of fresh seafood served on top of a bowl of rice. It is a dish that allows you to fully enjoy the “bounty of the sea” and is beloved throughout Japan. There are many variations of kaisen-don, with different types of fresh seafood used depending on the region and season.
Enjoying Local Kaisen-don
The dish in the photo is a type of kaisen-don featuring Naruto sea bream from Tokushima Prefecture, generously laid over a bed of rice.The sea bream has a firm and springy texture, and the more you chew, the more its sweetness spreads in your mouth. The yolk of the egg on top adds richness to the dish, enhancing the harmony between the seafood and the rice. The flavors of the shredded seaweed and shiso leaf spread in your mouth, while the refreshing citrus zest from the sudachi creates a wonderfully balanced and light taste, making this dish incredibly delicious.
Fun Facts
- Sea Bream（鯛：たい：tai）
Sea bream is a highly prized fish in Japan and is especially well-known as a luxury item served at celebrations and special occasions. The word “tai” in sea bream is associated with the word “medetai,” meaning auspicious or celebratory, and the fish is often served at weddings, New Year’s feasts, and other joyous events. - Raw Eggs
Raw eggs are a very common ingredient in Japan and are frequently eaten raw. Popular dishes include tamago kake gohan (rice with a raw egg on top) and sukiyaki, where raw egg is used as a dipping sauce. In many countries, eggs are typically eaten after being cooked, and some people may have reservations about eating raw eggs. However, in Japan, strict hygiene management ensures that raw eggs can be safely consumed, and fresh eggs are readily available, so there is no issue eating them raw.
Conclusion
Kaisen-don is a simple yet flavorful dish that maximizes the deliciousness of fresh seafood. The quality of the ingredients plays a significant role in the taste of the dish, so when traveling, we highly recommend trying the local kaisen-don featuring the freshest seafood of the region.
