Ainan Biyabiya Bonito

愛南びやびやかつお
A Journey of Freshness and Flavor
Ainan Biyabiya Bonito is a premium bonito fish prized for its exceptional freshness, springy texture, and profound flavor. It is caught in the southern fishing town of Ainan, Ehime Prefecture, Japan.

Biyabiya in the local dialect means "fresh." The fish is immediately ikejime (humanely killed) and bled on the boat after being caught, resulting in firm flesh that retains remarkable elasticity and freshness.

The appeal of Ainan Biyabiya Bonito lies in its texture. The springy flesh is so firm that it can be difficult to cut with a knife. It resembles mochi (rice cake) in its chewiness, releasing a burst of umami with every bite.

The flavor profile is characterized by a clean sweetness derived from its freshness and a rich umami from its fat content. It can be enjoyed in various dishes, including tataki (seared bonito), sashimi (raw fish slices), katsuo no tataki don (seared bonito rice bowl), and 漬け丼 (marinated bonito rice bowl).

Ainan Town offers a multitude of restaurants where you can savor biyabiya bonito. At the market 食堂 (shokudo) near the port, you can indulge in a variety of fresh bonito dishes, such as tataki and sashimi, at reasonable prices.

Ainan Town is a captivating tourist destination blessed with beautiful coastlines and abundant nature. In addition to savoring biyabiya bonito, you can also immerse yourself in the town's majestic scenery and rich history and culture, creating a fulfilling travel experience.