Hakodate Morning Market is conveniently located near JR Hakodate Station. As you exit the station, you’ll find the market building to your right. It’s possibly the closest market to any station in Japan. Right in front of the station is Donburi Yokocho, a part of the market known for its many shops serving fresh sashimi bowls (donburi).
During my visit, I decided to try a shop called Chamu (茶夢). The name translates to “Tea Dream” (茶 = tea, 夢 = dream), which I found quite charming.
Chamu opens at 7 a.m., a bit later than some other shops in the market, which often open at 6 a.m. I arrived about 10 minutes before opening and took a stroll around the market while waiting. By the time I returned, a small queue had already formed.
A friend had recommended Chamu to me, so I didn’t know much about it beforehand. While waiting, I learned online that it’s a popular spot frequently featured in magazines and TV shows. Even TERU from GLAY is a fan!
Chamu specializes in sashimi bowls, with prices starting at just ¥1,000, which is more affordable than many other shops in the market. They also offer grilled fish sets and other dishes. Bonus: they serve beer, too!
The shop itself is cozy, with five counter seats, a table for four, and two smaller tables seating two each. The walls are adorned with handwritten menu items. Most of the staff are women, and despite being busy, they were very kind and attentive.
I ordered Ika-somen set for ¥1,300. Each set includes nine small side dishes such as mekabu seaweed, namul, and laver. If you’re dining with a friend, they’ll combine portions onto shared plates for you.
You might be wondering: what is ika-somen? It’s squid thinly sliced to resemble somen noodles. The dish is served chilled, with slices of squid resting on ice alongside cucumber and tomato.
Although the squid wasn’t live due to bad weather affecting fishing conditions, it was still sweet and delicious.
The meal also included a salmon soup. While flavorful, the soup had many small bones, making it a bit tricky to eat.
I couldn’t resist ordering Kasuzuke of squid innards as an additional dish. This unique dish is made by marinating squid innards in sake lees, creating a rich, umami-packed flavor.
Chamu offers an excellent dining experience with fresh seafood, affordable prices, and a cozy atmosphere. It’s no wonder this shop has garnered a loyal following. If you find yourself at Hakodate Morning Market, Chamu is a must-visit spot for delicious sashimi bowls and local dishes.
About
Name Chamu (茶夢)
Open Breakfast through lunch
Reservation Unavailable
Credit card Unavailable
URL Website
Google Map
Comments