An in-depth exploration into Ehime's local delicacy, jakoten. Discover the delicious flavor of freshly friend jakoten, its history, and more!
The Uwakai Sea lies between Ehime and Oita Prefectures. When visiting Ehime, a place blessed with rich bounties from the sea, you should definitely try the local soul food, jakoten (fried fish cake). Each piece is packed with the delicious umami flavors of small fish, and it is perfect for eating on the go or bringing home as a gift. Every bite of hot, freshly fried jakoten fills your mouth with the umami flavors of fish. This article takes a deep dive into the appeal of jakoten.
Jakoten, a flavorful delicacy nurtured by the seas of Ehime
Jakoten is a famous fish paste product from Ehime, made by grinding fresh small fish from the Uwakai Sea, along with its skin and bones, into a paste, then deep-frying it.
Its origins are said to date back to the early Edo period (1603-1868), when the provincial lord Date Hidemune brought kamaboko (a type of Japanese fish cake) artisans from his hometown of Sendai and tasked them with making fish cakes. In Ehime and other parts of Shikoku, fried fish paste was called “tempura.” Thus, what was originally known as zakoten, made from a variety of fish (zako), gradually became known as jakoten. Today, this name has become firmly established, and the delicacy has become Ehime's signature specialty.
Jakoten is made by using the whole of small fish, which are difficult to distribute individually. It is a culinary tradition that reflects the wisdom of the people and the spirit of fully utilizing the bounties of the sea. With over 400 years of history, it has remained a gourmet delicacy of Ehime even today, highly valued from the perspectives of reducing food waste and supporting the achievement of the SDGs.
Its origins are said to date back to the early Edo period (1603-1868), when the provincial lord Date Hidemune brought kamaboko (a type of Japanese fish cake) artisans from his hometown of Sendai and tasked them with making fish cakes. In Ehime and other parts of Shikoku, fried fish paste was called “tempura.” Thus, what was originally known as zakoten, made from a variety of fish (zako), gradually became known as jakoten. Today, this name has become firmly established, and the delicacy has become Ehime's signature specialty.
Jakoten is made by using the whole of small fish, which are difficult to distribute individually. It is a culinary tradition that reflects the wisdom of the people and the spirit of fully utilizing the bounties of the sea. With over 400 years of history, it has remained a gourmet delicacy of Ehime even today, highly valued from the perspectives of reducing food waste and supporting the achievement of the SDGs.
The delicious charm of jakoten - its unique and addictive crispiness!
The appeal of jakoten lies in its texture. The distinctive crispy sensation, described in Japanese as a "jari-jari" sound when you bite into it, is created by mincing the bones of small fish whole, is a key factor that affects the tastiness of jakoten. The main ingredient is the elusive hotaru-jako fish (acropoma japonicum) that inhabits the waters near Ehime. Its rich umami flavor is said to rival that of red-throat seaperch (also known as nodoguro). Haranbo jakoten is a luxurious delicacy made with 100% hotaru-jako fish. Once you taste it, you will definitely be captivated by its flavor.
While jakoten is produced in two major regions, Yawatahama City and Uwajima City, the jakoten from each region is marked by distinctive features. The former is characterized by a softer texture with a subtle crisp, while the latter offers a stronger crunch and more pronounced elasticity. Why not try them both in their local areas to compare them for yourself?
While jakoten is produced in two major regions, Yawatahama City and Uwajima City, the jakoten from each region is marked by distinctive features. The former is characterized by a softer texture with a subtle crisp, while the latter offers a stronger crunch and more pronounced elasticity. Why not try them both in their local areas to compare them for yourself?
Recommended ways of enjoying jakoten
The best way to enjoy jakoten is freshly fried at the store. The batter is crisp and fragrant, while the inside is fluffy and bursting with the umami flavors of the fish. Adding grated daikon (radish) or sudachi (a citrus fruit) provides a refreshing acidic accent that further enhances the umami of the fish.
And of course, not forgetting the pairing of jakoten with sake. When you savor sake with jakoten as a side dish, the umami flavors of the fish and the clean crispness of the sake complement each other, creating a truly luxurious moment.
See our feature on local sake in Shikoku
And of course, not forgetting the pairing of jakoten with sake. When you savor sake with jakoten as a side dish, the umami flavors of the fish and the clean crispness of the sake complement each other, creating a truly luxurious moment.
See our feature on local sake in Shikoku
Jakoten also makes a delightful gift!
While it is best to enjoy freshly fried jakoten right in its locality, we also recommend getting it as a gift.It is, of course, delicious after it has cooled down, and goes perfectly with salads, noodles, and other chilled dishes for a refreshing meal.
You can also toast it lightly at home to savor that freshly fried flavor again.
Jakoten is not just a tasty food, but also a health food packed with calcium!
If you are going to eat something, don't you want it to be not only delicious but also good for your body?
Ehime's soul food, jakoten, is precisely that kind of health food, filled with nutrients to fulfill that wish!
Made by grinding fresh small fish, along with its skin and bones, into a paste, it is rich in calcium, a nutrient that modern people tend to be deficient in. Moreover, it contains a good amount of DHA, which can help activate the brain and improve memory, as well as EPA, which helps to keep blood flowing smoothly.
Ehime's soul food, jakoten, is precisely that kind of health food, filled with nutrients to fulfill that wish!
Made by grinding fresh small fish, along with its skin and bones, into a paste, it is rich in calcium, a nutrient that modern people tend to be deficient in. Moreover, it contains a good amount of DHA, which can help activate the brain and improve memory, as well as EPA, which helps to keep blood flowing smoothly.
Where to eat jakoten
There are many shops in Ehime Prefecture where you can buy delicious food, including jakoten ♪
Each shop has its own unique blend of fish and different artisanal approaches, so trying different ones and comparing them is also part of the fun.
Enjoy them freshly fried as a takeout, or buy as a gift to bring back with you!
・Search in the Uwajima Sightseeing Guide
・Search on the Tourist Information Website: Welcome to Yawatahama!
Each shop has its own unique blend of fish and different artisanal approaches, so trying different ones and comparing them is also part of the fun.
Enjoy them freshly fried as a takeout, or buy as a gift to bring back with you!
・Search in the Uwajima Sightseeing Guide
・Search on the Tourist Information Website: Welcome to Yawatahama!
For a memorable trip, try your hand at making jakoten!
In Ehime, you can actually experience making jakoten with your own hands!The unique, sticky texture you feel when kneading the fish paste sometimes surprises first-timers, but also brings a smile to their faces. By experiencing the jakoten-making process yourself, from shaping to frying, discover the unique joy of handmade food and enjoy the exceptional taste of the jakoten you have made yourself. These experiences are offered in both the major production areas of Yawatahama City and Uwajima City, so be sure to visit.Both grownups and children will be fascinated by this experience, and it will make for a perfect travel memory.
・Yasuokakamaboko (Uwajima City)
・Tanimoto Kamaboko-ten (Yawatahama City)
Summary
What do you think?
Be sure to try jakoten, a delicacy that fully reflects the appeal of Ehime's seas, right here in its hometown!
Other than jakoten, you can find plenty more delicious cuisine in Shikoku! Check out the gourmet options below that you find interesting ♪
See our feature on gourmet foods in Shikoku
See our feature on Souvenirs in Shikoku
Be sure to try jakoten, a delicacy that fully reflects the appeal of Ehime's seas, right here in its hometown!
Other than jakoten, you can find plenty more delicious cuisine in Shikoku! Check out the gourmet options below that you find interesting ♪
See our feature on gourmet foods in Shikoku
See our feature on Souvenirs in Shikoku