Shirasu Don

Beloved along Wakayamas shore, shirasu don is a bowl heaped with tiny, just caught baby sardines over rice. Landed around Kada and the mouth of the Kinokawa river, it is the taste of the seas bounty itself.

Highlights

The gleaming white raw sardines are so smooth they seem to melt in the mouth. Lightly boiled, they offer a fluffy texture and concentrated savor. A two color bowl with half raw and half boiled is popular, letting you enjoy both textures at once.

Enjoying the Seasons

When the fishing season opens, fresh raw sardines appear. During the closed season the boiled kind takes center stage, so each season offers its own version through the year.

Access and Basic Information

You can enjoy it at eateries around Kada Port and along the northern coast. From Kada Station on the Nankai Kada Line, a walk to the harbor area lets you enjoy it amid a true seaside atmosphere.

A Quick Tip

Freshness is everything for raw sardines. Once served, eat them as soon as possible with a touch of garnish to best enjoy their silken texture.