Sendai Asaichi Morning Market
The best way to experience the life of locals is to visit its market. It takes 5 minutes on foot from the West Exit of JR Sendai Station to get to Sendai Asaichi Market, a lively local market dubbed “Sendai Kitchen”.Established after World War Two, Sendai Asaichi Market has developed into a morning market for more than 70 years. At present, there are approximately 70 restaurants and stores of different sizes, including fish stores, fruit and vegetable stores, meat stores, flower stores and seafood donburi restaurants. Here, you can not only taste fresh seafood, but also hear traditional cries of fishmongers. It is a great destination to experience the “human touch” of Sendai.
The Bustling Atmosphere of Sendai Asaichi Market
When you enter Sendai Asaichi Market, the first things you will see are all kinds of seafoods，which are all delivered from seaports in the early morning, so they are not only fresh, but also cheap. The fruits and vegetables in Sendai Asaichi Market are also very attracting, famous for their direct supply from the source, same-day picking and low price. In Sendai Asaichi Market, the shopkeepers are crying for buyers, housewives are bargaining for better price, full of vitality.Although the seafood stalls mainly sell ingredients, some of them offer charcoal-grilled shellfish or simple dishes on the spot, allowing you to experience “eating while strolling”.
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What to Eat in Sendai Asaichi Market
Croquettes
Croquettes are one of the signature snacks in Sendai Asaichi Market. There is always a long queue in front of the stores throughout the year. Unlike beef or pork croquettes in Tokyo and other places, croquettes in Sendai Asaichi Market are often made with fresh prawns, scallops, squids and other seafood mixed with mashed potatoes, with a fresh, sweet and rich taste. Taking a spite of the croquettes that are crispy outside and tender inside will give you a sense of happiness. Each Croquette often costs 150-300 yen (1 USD-2 USD), depending on the richness of fillings.Seafood Donburi
The seafood donburi in Sendai Asaichi Market is not only a staple food to satisfy hunger, but also a taste bond that connects local catches, history and human feelings. The menu of the seafood donburi changes with seasons. For instance, in autumn, tuna and mackerel are the main ingredients; in winter, the fresh and sweet urchin and plump king crab legs are the highlights; in spring, Sakura shrimp and bonito will be added; while in summer, the main focus is on shellfish like scallops. Crispy, tender but not greasy, it is suitable for the light dietary preferences.In Sendai Asaichi Market, there is a special called “Asaichi Market Donburi”, which is specially designed for visitors. It is very popular for its high cost performance, moderate portion size and the feature of free combination.
A Seafood Restaurant
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Ramen
The Ramen restaurants in Sendai Asaichi Market always retain strong Showa era (1926-1989) atmosphere. The interior decoration of these restaurants is simple and warm, full of the life atmosphere of the middle 20th century. Here, you can not only savor the delicious food, but also feel the warmth of restaurants keepers and the hustle and bustle of the market.Compared with the high prices in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, Ramen in Sendai Asaichi Market is renowned for its affordable prices, about 600-800 yen (4USD-5USD) per bowl, reflecting the simple and hospitable character of people in Tohoku region. The soup base mostly adopts the thick soup, with a rich and mellow taste and a strong umami flavor. The thin straight noodles have a smooth and elastic texture. The tender and juicy pork chunks paired with traditional side ingredients like dried bamboo shoots and nori, forming a bowl of Ramen which can be called a masterpiece.
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Useful Tip
Although some stores support credit cards or electronic payments, many small stands and time-honored stores only accept cash. It is recommended to prepare sufficient 5,000-10,000 yen in 1,000-yen banknotes, along with a sufficient number of 100 yen and 500 yen coins.Opening Time
The market generally operates from 8:00 to 18:00, and the business hours of each store in the market are not exactly the same. Sendai Asaichi Market is not open on Sundays.It is recommended to arrive at around 9:30 to 10:00, when most stores are open. You can taste popular delicacies and also feel the most bustling market atmosphere.
Asaichi Morning Market
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