Tsukiji lunch

XX
Tsukiji fish market is the largest wholesale fish market in the world. They have fish auctions in the early mornings (think 4-5am), which they still open to the public I think.  (they had to ban the public from the auctions at one point, just to keep out the drunken and drugged out clubbers who flocked to the market as their final stop on a night's out!)

There are many many great sushi restaurants in the market place, but my recent favorite is Wakatake. They have fantastic deals on fresh sushi and non-sushi meals, and their service is impeccable. I ordered the 'grilled fish set menu' that day, which came with grilled sanma (saury), sashimi, chawanmushi (steamed egg custard in a cup), hijiki (sea vegetable), pickles, karaage with daikon (fried chicken with radish), rice and miso soup.
XX

(grilled sanma not pictured here..it came a bit later on 

by which time I was too busy devouring my meal to take a picture)

I also recommend Sushi Zanmai, my usual place for sushi indulgence. It's a 24 hour franchise spread across central Tokyo, known for their fresh and reasonably priced sushi. I highly recommend sitting at the counter on the 1st floor of Honten, in Tsukiji. It's exciting watching the sushi chefs at work, who are usually very witty and great fun to chat with as well.

XX