Check out Bangkok's freshest fish markets
This ain’t Tsukiji.
5 years ago
You don’t need to travel to Tokyo to get seafood freshly plucked from Japanese water. Here’s where Bangkok sushi chefs head instead.
Shinsen Fish Market
The place: Although the offerings are largely caught around Japan, this place actually modles itself after Taipei Fish Maket. The warehouse set-up is divided into four zones, with a special mention for the aquamarine zone, which boasts live seafood including the popular taraba king crab.
The goods: As the first live and raw fish market to arrive in the area, there is no shortage of fresh seafood imported from Japan. Standouts include wild giant, Iwagaki (rock) oyster (B750); Japanese abalone (B12,800/kg); and the house highlight, live taraba crab (B4,190/kg).
Who goes there: Locals and Japanese families
Pro tip: You can also get the rest of your grocery shopping done, including takeout meals, or enjoy dining here at one of their two restaurants serving up both Japanese and international fare.
163/6 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-260-6522. Open Mon-Sun 11am-11pm. BTS Phrom Phong.
Don Don Donki
The place: No need to fly to Japan, the famous Japanese retailer has landed in Bangkok. With its Santa hat-clad giant blue penguin and the Don Don Donki theme song (Miracle Shopping) ringing in the background, fans will have no trouble recognizing this statement-making store. With an impressive range of Japanese merchandise in stock, the store stretches across two floors in a maze for shoppers.
The goods: Head to first floor to find rare seafood. Operating around-the-clock, the standouts are easily the madai (B5,000/fish), the kinmedai (B2,000/fish) and the hirame (B2,500/fish), which all include a filleting service. There’s also a great selection of takeout, such as the bluefin tuna sushi (B299), salmon sushi terimayo (B219), hon maguro sushi (B490) and more for a late night snack.
Who goes there: Everyone loves this place.
Pro tip: They are open 24/7, so you can visit the store at anytime, even when you’re drunk at 2am after a rough night at neighborhood night club complex, Arena 10.
107 Soi Sukhumvit 63, Thonglor Soi 10, 02-301-0950. Open Mon-Sun 24 hours. BTS Thonglor.
Thonglor Nihon Ichiba
The place: Nestled in the center of Thonglor’s craziness, this grocery market promises fresh Japanese produce. You’ll be impressed by its likeness to a real Japanese fish market, while also offering a “you-hunt-we-cook” concept and a terrace eatery on the second floor.
The goods: There’s a mix of imported groceries from Japan organized into three main areas. You will find special Japanese crops like Okinawa spinach (B100), matsutake mushrooms (B1,800/200g) and shinano gold apples (B180) at the fruits and vegetables section. You can also enjoy the wagyu sirloin steak cut A5 (B590/100g) with a free grilling service at the butchery area. The real highlight is the fresh seafood, such as alfonsino fish (B299/100g), octopus akashi (B310/100g), red king crab (B2,800/kg). Choose your favorite sashimi like maguro chutoro and salmon (priced by weight) with a complimentary cooking service.
Who goes there: Anyone who wants a taste of fresh Japanese products, in particular, Japanese families.
Pro tip: Order fresh seafood online by Grab (groceries) or HappyFresh, if you want to avoid the traffic. You can apply for membership (B200) for promotions and discounts.
87 Thonglor Soi 13, 02-059-2616. Open Mon-Sun 9am-6pm. BTS Thonglor.
Nanayo Suisan
The place: This simple but popular fish market and restaurant is located in Sukhumvit Road’s friendly Japanese town. This compact store is a top pick for Bangkok’s Japanese residents shopping for fresh cooking ingredients and takeaway sushi and donburi. If you are not in a rush, dining in is available here as well.
The goods: The seafood sashimi, like akami (B320), kanpachi (B280), unagi (B320) and hotate (B280) is exceptional. For a grab-and-go meal, drop by for some tasty Japanese donburi like hon maguro akami and negitoro don (B360), unagi don (B350) or a classic sushi box set (B380) for lunch.
Who goes there: Mainly Japanese expats, foodies and office workers.
Pro tip: Get there early for a wider choice of fresh sashimi. Promotions often run on Facebook too.
595/22 Sukhumvit Rd, 099-287-8101. Open Mon-Thurs 1am-9pm (closed on Wednesday), Sat-Sun 10:30am-9pm.
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