Datemaki sushi is a unique and flavorful twist on traditional Japanese sushi, known for its sweet, rolled omelette that wraps around sushi rice and fillings. Especially popular in Choshi, this eye-catching dish blends sweetness and tradition in a way that surprises many first-time eaters. If you’re curious about how this “fisherman’s pudding” came to be and why locals still love it today, keep reading to discover the story and charm behind Date maki sushi.
What is Datemaki sushi?
Datemaki Sushi (伊達巻き寿司) is a Japanese rolled sushi that features Datemaki (伊達巻き) — a sweet, fluffy rolled omelet made with eggs and groundfish paste — as the main ingredient. While locals traditionally served Datemaki itself as part of Osechi Ryori (the Japanese New Year feast), in this version, used creatively as a sushi ingredient.
What is Date maki?
Date maki is an essential dish for New Year’s osechi cuisine. A typical Datemaki is a rolled omelet with fish paste inside, but Choshi’s Datemaki is different. The Choshi style does not use fish paste, and it is also popular as “fisherman’s pudding” due to its soft texture and sweet flavor.
Fun Fact:
The word “date” (伊達) in “Datemaki” implies something fancy or elegant in old Japanese, which adds to its image as a classy, celebratory food.
Datemaki Sushi History
Datemaki Sushi, a local specialty of Choshi, was first created over 100 years ago as a type of “crafted sushi” by the long-established sushi restaurant Okubo, founded around 200 years ago. During the Edo period, ingredients like eggs and sugar were considered luxury items. By using them generously, Datemakisushi gained a reputation for its rich, sweet flavor and was affectionately called “fisherman’s pudding.”
The sweet taste of Datemaki has historical roots — sushi chefs made it sweeter to satisfy the cravings of tired fishermen returning from long fishing trips, who preferred something nourishing and sweet. Today, sushi restaurants across Choshi still serve Date maki Sushi, each with their own carefully crafted variations, continuing the tradition and love for this unique local delicacy.
Okubo – Restaurant which founded Datemaki sushi
Okubo ( 大久保)
The Okubo sits about a 5-minute walk from Choshi Station. The restaurant began as a Japanese eatery during the Edo period and transitioned into a sushi restaurant in the early Meiji period. Today, it serves Datemakizushi (with some variations in spelling), also known as “fisherman’s pudding.” Unlike typical Datemaki, which uses fish paste, Okubo’s version features a sweet omelet made with plenty of sugar. In the early Meiji period, Okubo Bunzo, the sixth-generation owner, created this unique Datemaki as a form of decorative sushi.
Takeaway
Datemaki sushi is more than just a sweet and savory dish—it’s a bite of tradition, history, and local flavor all rolled into one. Whether you’re a sushi lover or simply curious about regional specialties, trying Datemakisushi in Japan is a delicious way to experience something truly unique. We hope this article has sparked your interest, and when you visit Japan, don’t miss the chance to taste this one-of-a-kind delicacy for yourself!
If you enjoy the unique flavors of Datemaki sushi, you might also want to explore other traditional Japanese dishes like tamagoyaki, chawanmushi, or oshizushi, each offering a delightful taste of Japan’s culinary craftsmanship.
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