Japan's Freshest and Finest Catch at the JETRO x Dough & Grocer Seafood Market

The fresh flavors of Japan's famed Tsukiji Market were recently showcased at Estancia Mall offering even more reasons to love seafood with a unique glimpse of Japanese culinary traditions. Here's what you missed at the JETRO x Dough & Grocer Seafood Market...

Photo provided by JETRO

In the latest collaboration between the Japan External Trade Organization or simply JETRO and homegrown premium store Dough & Grocer, the exquisite flavors of Japan's seascape were highlighted in "Bringing You A Taste of Japan: Seafood Market" last February 29 to March 3, 2024 at Estancia Mall in a continuing series aimed at celebrating the world-class stature of Japanese culinary products, ingredients and seafood. Inspired by the iconic Tsukiji Market, JETRO and Dough & Grocer recreated the vibrant atmosphere and unparalleled variety of fresh catch at Estancia Mall. 

Photo provided by JETRO

JETRO's Seafood Market at Dough & Grocer in Estancia Mall is part of a much larger program designed to promote Japanese produce specifically seafood through engaging activities and opportunities to drive awareness and demand for premium Japanese products in the local market. "Dough & Grocer carries many premium Japanese food products and offers an authentic Japanese food experience to Filipinos. JETRO is currently working with Mitsukoshi BGC to offer Japanese seafood products mainly to Filipinos who love Japan, and by working with Dough & Grocer, we hope to make even more people aware of the appeal of Japanese seafood products," explained Mr. Makoto Sudo, Director of JETRO Philippines. 

And what a selection. JETRO and Dough & Grocer pulls all the stops for the finest variety of Japanese seafood at the Seafood Market. "We're flying in a wide variety of fresh and seasonal seafood from Japan and we've created new dishes specifically for this event. It's a must-try experience because the seafood that we're bringing in aren't the common ones you'd find always readily available in the Philippines. The wide variety will make you feel like you're in the fish market in Japan," shared Ms. Alyanna Uy, founder and CEO of Dough & Grocer. 

Photo provided by JETRO

The fresh catch off Japan's bountiful coast displayed at Dough & Grocer in Estancia Mall showcased the very best world-class selection reflecting Japan's rich and diverse culinary heritage. At the Seafood Market by JETRO and Dough & Grocer, foodies explored an impressive premium variety of seafood from the rich, buttery goodness of Asajime Hamachi or Yellowtail from Ehime Prefecture to Asajime Shima Aji and Asajime Hirame, Chutoro and Otoro from Nagasaki and Kaki Oyster from Iwate. Plus, the fresh catch from the pristine waters of Awaji-Hyogo included Madai or Sea Bream and Ma Aji, Fujisan Salmon from Shizuoka along with Kinmedai or Red Bream, Ikura and Hotate or scallops from Hokkaido, Baby Hotate from Aomori and Kurobai Gai or Black Japanese Ivory Shell from Kumamoto. But there's more... 

Exquisite Suzuki or Japanese Sea Bass from Kanagawa, wild-caught Ma Saba or Mackerel from Ofunato and Uni or Sea Urchin Roe from Hokkaido teased both the eyes and palate at the Seafood Market. Hokkai Asari or clams from Nemuro Hokkaido, Hotaru Ika or Firefly Squid from Hyogo and even the much prized and sought after Zuwaigani or Snow Crab from Toyosu rounded up the bountiful ocean harvest from Japan at the Seafood Market. 

Photo provided by JETRO

The impressive selection of seafood transports you to the busy and iconic Tsukiji Market without leaving the metro. It's a unique and memorable experience allowing local consumers to immerse themselves in the essence of the world famous seafood market of Japan. 

A leading specialty grocery with a wide range of curated products from premium meats to fresh seafood, the latest collaboration between Dough & Grocer and JETRO reflects a shared vision of bringing the very best produce and ingredients from around the world to the local market. 

Photo provided by JETRO

At the Seafood Market by JETRO and Dough & Grocer in Estancia Mall, shoppers can also experience the many flavors of the famous market with a variety of seafood delicacies like the Chef's Choice Donburi or Rice Bowl, a customized DIY Chirashi Bowl or Rice Bowl with seafood toppings and Sushi/Sashimi Set. 

Imagine the very best sushi and sashimi served at its flavorful peak fresh off the market. The Seafood Market offered three Sushi/Sashimi Sets including Aburi Shime Saba Oshi Sushi, 3 Kinds Omakase Sashimi with Fujisan Salmon, Suzuki and Ma Aji and 5 Kinds Omakase Sashimi with Fujisan Salmon, Asajime Hirame, Asajime Shimaaji, Suzuki, and Ma Aji. Each set comes with two additional pieces of Temaki or sushi handrolls free of charge, the Ikura Temaki and Hotate-Amaebi Temaki. And it really doesn't get fresher than this...

Photo provided by JETRO

For heartier appetites, the Seafood Market by JETRO and Dough & Grocer presented their succulent Donburi creations, each one highlighting different combinations of premium seafood from all over Japan. Diners picked from a tempting line-up of Kaisen Don with Akami, Madai, Fujisan Salmon, Hamachi, Kinmedai and Tamagoyaki; the Bara Chirashi Don with Akami, Madai, Fujisan Salmon, Tamgoyaki and Tobiko; the Ryoshi Don with Ma Saba, Asajime Hamachi and Akami; the Toyama Don  with Hotaru Ika, Kurobai Gai, Asajime Hamachi and Kinshi Tamago; the Hokai Don with Zuwaigani, Uni, Hotate and Kinshi Tamago; the Hotate & Asari Don with Simmered Hokai Asari, Simmered Baby Hotate, Simmered Hotate, Shiitake Mushrooms and Kinshi Tamago and the Kaki Shigureni Don with with Simmered Kaki Oyster and Shimeji Mushrooms. 

The DIY Chirashi Bowl is another indulgent option at the Seafood Market where adventurous foodies can choose, create and customize their own bowl with Yumepirikai Sushi Rice as the base topped in variations of three, five and seven kinds of toppings of their choice. Every rice bowl order comes with free additional toppings of Ikura, Amaebi or sweet shrimp and Hotate or plump scallops. 

The sights and flavors of Japan's bountiful coasts in one place, the Seafood Market by JETRO and Dough & Grocer is one innovative activity that demands a repeat performance. 

Also on stock at Dough & Grocer are premium libations and tasty nibbles to complete your Japanese experience without leaving the metro...

...like the Kura One Sake Box with four canned sakes offering a diverse tasting journey deep into Japan's sake culture and traditions. The sampler pack allows you to savor different sake expressions reflecting Japan's rich sake heritage. 

The subtle variations of flavor profiles reveals a layer in the colorful tapestry of Japan's sake culture, each one distinct from the other. The Kura One Sake Box is your ticket to a personal sake flight of discovery. 

Pair your personal journey of Japan's sake with tasty seafood nibbles like the Yuzusco Squid Tempura Snack for an authentic taste of Kyushu with the bold briny notes of squid complemented by the sharpness of spicy Yuzusco guaranteed to have you going for another bite. The Fukuya Mentaiko & Scallop Strings is another tasty option. A Hakata specialty, the blend of scallop strings, the spicy and soothing heat from the chili peppers and popping texture of the egg combine for a delectable play on textural contrasts and flavors with each bite. The Marutoshi Bonito Jerky delivers a vibrant burst flavor draping the palate with the richness of the bonito flakes. Complete your sake journey with this appetizing trio of savory bites, available at Dough & Grocer. 

The Lake Biwa Ayu Sweetfish in Oil is another gem of a find at Dough & Grocer. Pickled in oil using ayu from Japan's Lake Biwa, the subtle richness and mild bitter hints of the fish comes through followed by a tingling sharpness pairing well with sake. Best enjoyed as is or on toast, the Lake Biwa Ayu Sweetfish in Oil conveniently packed in tins is one more essential addition to your home pantry. It's the fresh flavors of Japan in a can. 

The very best of Japan in Manila, Dough & Grocer and JETRO presents yet another engaging component in the long-running and continuing "Bringing A Taste of Japan" series to the local marketplace with the recently concluded Seafood Market at Estancia Mall. And that's just one of many more programs lined up in the pipeline. Stay tuned for more interesting updates from Dough & Grocer and JETRO for the sights and flavors of the world's best without leaving the metro on the blog...

For more on Dough & Grocer, visit their website, FB Page and IG Feed at https://www.doughandgrocer.com/, https://www.facebook.com/doughandgrocer/ and https://www.instagram.com/doughandgrocer/ for more information and updates. 

See more on the various programs and initiatives of JETRO PH on their website at https://www.jetro.go.jp/philippines/.

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