What is Goma Saba?
Goma Saba is a local specialty of Northern Kyushu, particularly loved in Fukuoka Prefecture. This dish consists of fresh mackerel marinated in a special sesame sauce. Typically, mackerel sashimi is used, and the sesame sauce is made from ingredients like soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sesame oil, giving it a rich and savory flavor. It is often garnished with green onions and ginger, and sometimes enjoyed with seaweed or shiso leaves.
The Deliciousness of Goma Saba
The deliciousness of Goma Saba lies in its fresh mackerel sashimi and special sesame sauce. The firm texture of the mackerel, shaped by the nearby ocean currents, can be felt with every bite. The concentrated umami and the melt-in-your-mouth fatty richness are so good they are almost moving. Furthermore, each restaurant takes great care with their unique sesame sauce, balancing the saltiness of soy sauce with the sweetness of sugar, and enhancing the overall flavor with the texture and aroma of sesame. Some restaurants age their sesame sauce or leave the sesame seeds whole, adding another layer of enjoyment.
There are various ways to enjoy Goma Saba. The standard way is to savor it as sashimi, but it is also popular to serve it over rice as “Goma Saba Don.” The sesame sauce and mackerel soak into the rice, creating a harmonious and delightful taste. Another exquisite method is to pour dashi broth over it to make “Goma Saba Chazuke.” The aroma of the dashi enhances the umami of the Goma Saba, ensuring every bite is as enjoyable as the first.
Why Goma Saba Cannot Be Eaten in Other Regions of Japan
One reason Goma Saba is particularly enjoyed in Northern Kyushu is the freshness of the mackerel. Mackerel caught in the Pacific Ocean often contains a parasite called Anisakis, making it difficult to consume raw. However, in Northern Kyushu, which faces the Sea of Japan, fresh mackerel with a low risk of Anisakis can be caught, allowing it to be enjoyed as sashimi. This regional freshness supports the unique deliciousness of Goma Saba that cannot be found in other areas.
When visiting Northern Kyushu, be sure to indulge in the exquisite taste of fresh mackerel and sesame sauce. Goma Saba is a dish that truly allows you to experience the charm of Northern Kyushu.
