This was one of the markets I had been eager to visit, as it’s highly recommended by everyone. We arrived just before 9 AM, and it was already busy. We walked around, checking out the different stalls and looking for popular spots where we could grab some breakfast.

Our first stop was a mochi stall that also sold fresh strawberries. We decided to try the mochi with red bean and the mochi with chocolate topped with a strawberry. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the mochi turned out to be excellent. The chocolate mochi tasted like a rich chocolate ganache, and pairing it with the fresh strawberry was perfect. The red bean mochi was also delicious, though I preferred the chocolate one.

Next, we came across a stall selling grilled tuna pieces cooked in oil and flame-seared. The line moved quickly, and it was recommended to add pepper and lemon, which we did. I also added chilli powder to one of my pieces. The tuna was incredibly tasty, with the pepper and lemon enhancing its flavour. The chilli powder, however, wasn’t necessary, and I don’t think I’d add it again if I were to try this dish another time.

The next busy stall we stopped at served raw tuna. You could choose from various cuts, ranging from lean tuna to special fatty tuna. We opted for the special fatty tuna, very fatty tuna, and fatty tuna, all served with a bit of rice. We also tried fresh wasabi for the first time—it was incredible. As for the tuna, it was phenomenal. The special fatty tuna, in particular, just melted in my mouth. It was so delicious that I could have easily eaten ten pieces of it. This stall was definitely a highlight and well worth trying.

The last thing we tried was taiyaki filled with red bean paste. They were freshly made, super crispy, and absolutely delicious.

If I’d been hungrier, I would have considered trying the ramen stall, which was very popular, or the pork belly on rice from another stall that had a long line. However, I wasn’t up for waiting, and I figured I might have had something better in Taipei.

Overall, it was a fantastic experience. The market is well worth a visit, and trying the variety of food made it even more enjoyable! Final note, prepare for this place to get busy after 10am.

Website: Tsukiji Outer Market

Address: 4 Chome Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan