Kaisen Don: A Seafood Lover’s Dream
Having Kaisen Don (海鮮丼) with Miso soup at my favorite Japanese restaurant... Sushi Kappo Miyasaka @ Pulau Tikus, Jalan Burma, Penang.
Kaisen Don (海鮮丼) is a Japanese rice bowl dish topped with an assortment of fresh seafood. The name directly translates to "seafood rice bowl," combining "kaisen" (seafood) and "don" (short for donburi, meaning rice bowl). This dish is a favorite among sushi and sashimi lovers, offering a vibrant mix of textures and flavors in every bite.
Originating from Japan’s coastal regions, Kaisen Don is a staple in areas known for their fresh seafood, such as Hokkaido, Kanazawa, and Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Outer Market. It is commonly enjoyed as a quick yet high-quality meal, particularly in fish markets where diners can taste seafood straight from the source.
The dish typically consists of a bowl of vinegared or plain steamed rice, topped with a selection of raw seafood. Popular choices include tuna, salmon, sea urchin, shrimp, scallops, squid, and crab. Ikura, or salmon roe, is also a common topping, adding bursts of umami flavor with every bite. These ingredients are often complemented by garnishes such as soy sauce, wasabi, pickled ginger, shiso leaves, and seaweed, enhancing the overall experience with layers of taste and texture.
Different variations of Kaisen Don exist depending on the region and chef’s creativity. Some styles, such as Chirashi Don, feature a scattered arrangement of seafood, while Tekka Don focuses solely on tuna. Bara Chirashi presents diced seafood rather than whole slices, and Zuke Don incorporates marinated fish for a richer, deeper flavor.
Kaisen Don can be found across Japan in sushi restaurants, fish markets, izakayas, and even convenience stores offering budget-friendly versions. For those who prefer making it at home, the process is straightforward: prepare a base of seasoned sushi rice, select sashimi-grade seafood, arrange it artfully over the rice, and finish with garnishes like ikura, shiso, and wasabi. A light drizzle of soy sauce ties everything together, letting the natural flavors shine.
This dish is a must-try for seafood enthusiasts. It showcases the freshness of the ocean in a simple yet elegant presentation, whether enjoyed in a high-end sushi spot, a bustling fish market, or homemade in your own kitchen.