Fermented sushi? Two restaurants where you can get a same-day seat to try this gourmet treat

This year fermented sushi is in vogue among Tokyo’s gourmet crowd, with people raving about how the maturation of the fish brings out the elusive umami of the meat. As the name suggests, the creation of these dishes involves fermenting the ingredients to enhance the flavours and then using them to make regular sushi. This might sound strange since sushi is usually about having the freshest raw fish, but it’s actually an ancient form of sushi preparation from which the sushi we know today developed, and it’s apparently quite delicious.

However, as it requires great skill to properly ferment fish, there are currently few restaurants in the Tokyo area that specialise in this kind of food, and they’re already booked up by gourmet types leaving you to wait months before you can get a place. However, we’ve found two particular restaurants where you should be able to get a same-day reservation.

Although these two restaurants are relatively easier to get a seat at, that doesn’t mean the taste suffers. In fact, they taste even better than you’d expect for the price which, while on the high end, is cheaper than other places offering the same fermented fare.

Marufuku

Right next to Nishi Ogikubo station is Marufuku. The restaurant has moved recently so the interior is really new with a nice atmosphere perfect for a date with a gourmet girl. You can order the Omakase Course for 11,000 yen (US$90) which features a variety of sushi and side dishes.

Our writer said that everything, from the fermented white fish, squid, and sardine to the fresh shellfish, was delicious. The best of the fermented sushi was the shima-aji (striped jack), which had a soft melt-in-the-mouth texture, a rich flavour, and no fishy smell, which makes it a perfect introduction into the world of fermented sushi.

Although some days you might not be able to get a same-day booking, you can check their status on their Twitter and Facebook pages.

Sushi Inomata

Sushi Inomata is located about a 10 to 15-minute walk from Kawaguchi Station, so it’s a bit harder to get to. Also, keep in mind that on Sundays they prioritize customers bringing their kids with them. It’s probably unusual to bring children along to an expensive restaurant like this, but it might make a nice treat for them for a special occasion. There are three set times in the evenings that they serve their courses, so make sure to specify which time slot you want when booking.

There are two courses to choose from, one at 12,000 yen and one at 15,000 yen. The difference between them is whether or not it comes with uni (sea urchin) so you can choose based on whether you care for that particular Japanese delicacy. Our writer splurged on the slightly more expensive course because you might as well live a little, right?

This restaurant’s courses are made up of only nigiri-zushi and no side dishes, so we recommend it to people who just want to focus on the sushi. Considering this, it might seem a little expensive, but the portions are big so you won’t need anything extra. Our writer thought the most delicious things here were the fermented akami (lean tuna) and the chutoro and otoro (fatty tuna) temaki wrapped in fragrant nori.

Restaurant Information

Both restaurants require a booking.

Marufuku / まるふく
Address: 3Tokyo-to, Suginami-ku, Nishiogiminami 3-17-4, Daigo PR Building 1st floor
東京都杉並区西荻南3-17-4 第五ＰＲビル 1F
Open 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Closed Sundays (in the case that Monday is a holiday they will open on the Sunday and closed on the Monday)
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Sushi Inomata / 鮨猪股
Address: Saitama-ken, Kawaguchi-shi, Saiwaicho 1-12-23, Sanribu Saiwaicho Courthouse
埼玉県川口市幸町1-12-23 サンリーブ幸町コートハウス
Evening Timeslot 1: 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. / Timeslot 2: 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m. / Timeslot 3 9 p.m.-11:30 p.m. / Lunchtime (Sunday and Holidays) from noon
Closed Wednesdays
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Now, time for some food porn.

Marufuku’s course meal