Breakfasts at Food Markets

The markets open at 6 am. The first one we saw was Tsukiji outdoor market in Tokyo on day 1, right at 6 am (blame it on the jet lag). The many stalls were vibrant and already full of life at such an early hour. Fresh fish was being cleaned and cut, meats prepared, fruits washed, the aroma of spices hanging in the air. With a wide variety of offerings, it was a perfect place for breakfast. This way, we could sample many things. And we did. The fresh Japanese omelette, phenomenal Wagyu beef on a stick, yummy eel, and delicious fatty tuna sushi sure beat the Western buffet breakfast at our hotel.

A few days later, in Kanazawa, we visited for breakfast another food market, and sampled sushi with Wagyu beef, eel on a stick, and eel liver (delicious!). I love exploring morning markets. The food is fresh, you are surrounded by colours and different smells, and the palate is satisfied. What remains is saying “Itadakimasu”, which means “Enjoy your meal/Thank you for the food/I humbly receive”. It has a meaning of respect and gratitude for those who prepared the food, for the animals or plant taken to make the meal, and the experience. So much more than a simple “Bon appétit”.