On April 30, 2023, after a tiring first visit drive, I slept soundly during my car camping, which is unusual for me (laughs). Feeling completely refreshed, I am ready to hit the road again today. But first, breakfast! This was a place I definitely wanted to check out, and I was looking forward to it. The restaurant was located just a 10-minute drive from where I stayed, close to the seafood bowl restaurant I visited last night. I arrived at the restaurant, Izuka Suisan Main Store, right at its opening time of 8:30! They also have a branch at New Chitose Airport, where I have eaten before. However, I had always wanted to try the "freshly fried" items at the main store. It was a dream come true! As I looked around the store, I noticed they also had soft-serve ice cream. So, I decided to treat myself and also got a treat for my dog, Hana-chan. The main attraction was, of course, the "freshly fried kamaboko." I ordered a set of six items: vegetable tempura, crab mayo balls, octopus balls, cheese rolls, corn tempura, and scallop tempura. They fry them right after you order, so it takes a bit of time. While waiting, I enjoyed the soft-serve ice cream in the car. It had a rich flavor and was delicious. When my wife and Hana-chan finished eating, I went back to the store to get the freshly fried kamaboko. It was piping hot! I savored each bite while it was still hot. Freshly fried kamaboko is the best! Although all the items were delicious, the crab mayo balls were my favorite. They had crab mayo inside the kamaboko, and it was the most delicious kamaboko I have ever eaten. The scallop tempura, however, lacked the scallop flavor I was expecting, and I found the octopus balls and cheese rolls to be more delicious. We shared the set of six items, and we were quite full after that. With a hearty breakfast, I am ready to drive energetically today (laughs). Freshly fried kamaboko was amazing! I would love to come back here again someday. It was delicious! Thank you for the meal!

I went to a restaurant in Muroran for lunch, hoping to have some seafood, but it was temporarily closed. Since it was a late lunch, I decided to fill my stomach with some food until dinner. I found their specialty kamaboko. They fry it on the spot. I ordered the deep-fried kamaboko with a large scallop inside, and the Spicy Popai, which is thick bacon wrapped in spinach-flavored surimi. Both dishes were satisfying and delicious, with the scallop and bacon standing out in each dish. Thank you for the meal.

In April 2023, I visited the famous seafood shop, Dembozu Suisan, in Monbetsu City. They open at 8:30 am, so I arrived at 8:30 and found several customers already there. You can enjoy freshly fried tempura on the second floor, so I ordered cheese and scallop tempura. While waiting for them to be ready, I went up to the second floor where I could see the harbor and enjoyed the tempura. The cheese tempura was gooey and delicious, and the scallop tempura had big chunks of scallop in it. It was so good that I ended up buying some as souvenirs too. It was a delightful experience.

First visit. I had the fried scallops and octopus here. The tempura had large scallops in it, making it luxurious and delicious. The octopus was also flavorful and tasty. There was seating available for dining in, so I could enjoy my meal leisurely. Thank you for the delicious meal.

The wind was extremely cold on that day, and the children fed seals while the father took photos of drift ice and airplanes. Everyone enjoyed the drift ice on the Galinko boat in Monbetsu. We were too busy to eat proper meals, so we went to a fish cake shop in the port. The shop is known for its specialty that people in Monbetsu always give as gifts. You can also get it at New Chitose Airport, but here you can have it freshly fried on the spot. The second floor of the shop is a dining area where you can also see the factory. There is a corridor where you can see exhibits about the history and present of Monbetsu, showcasing the pride of the region. The crab mayo ball for 300 yen and the seasonal limited edition potato butter for 200 yen were delicious. You can also choose additional items like fish cakes or cheese tempura for around 100 yen each. The potato butter was shockingly delicious, with the rich flavor of the fish cake and the potato butter clashing in an intense way. The richness of the flavors was overwhelming, like watching a home run by Ohtani. The whole family had big smiles on their faces. The crab mayo, with the crab first and then the rich fish cake coming in, was also amazing. If I wasn't driving, I would have wanted to have a drink here. The taste of the fish cake, made firm by the cold sea, is rich. I didn't know that such high-quality fish cakes were available in Monbetsu. Hokkaido is indeed vast.

I had it for breakfast. There are various types of kamaboko, and they were all very delicious. Personally, I liked the scallop kamaboko the best. It had thick scallops inside the kamaboko, and it was irresistible. If you come to Mombetsu, I definitely recommend trying it!

【September 9, 2022】Survey report. Let's release all the accumulated reviews at once! On the way to Soya, I stopped by a restaurant that was highly praised in a magazine called "Hokkaido Touring Best Guide". The schedule for the 9th day of the Hokkaido expedition was from Sounkyo Auto Campground to Kurodake, then to Mombetsu, Soya Misaki, Shiraoi Road, and finally stayed at Hokkaido Soya Friendship Park at 10:47. The purchased items and reviews are as follows ↓↓↓↓ ◆Freshly fried set 1020 yen 4.0 points [Contents] Vegetable tempura, corn tempura, crab ball, octopus ball, scallop tempura, cheese roll, crab mayo ball. You can purchase them freshly fried in front of you after ordering. They were reheated in a frying pan as a snack with alcohol. Each item had a surprisingly firm texture and strong umami flavor, very delicious!! ◆Vegetable ball 3.9 points Discounted from 300 yen to 150 yen due to approaching expiration date. ◆Kamaboko with silver pattern Uni 300 yen 3.7 points A kamaboko made by mixing ground sea urchin into the fish paste. 【Overall evaluation】If they were delicious even after reheating, they must have been incredibly delicious when eaten hot and freshly fried on the spot. Definitely going back for more!!

I visited a kamaboko shop in Monbetsu during a holiday in late July 2022. The shop is located in a prominent building in Monbetsu fishing port, surrounded by various seafood processing businesses and factories. It took me quite some time to drive there from Wakkanai, but it's only about a 15-minute drive from Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport. The shop was busy when I visited on a Saturday at 12:30 pm, with a dedicated parking lot for about 8 cars. The shop offers a variety of kamaboko products for purchase, including freshly fried options. There is also a second-floor eat-in area where you can enjoy your kamaboko on the spot. The shop is popular among locals and tourists alike, offering a selection of kamaboko sets and individual items to choose from. I ordered the "Freshly Fried Set" with a total of 7 pieces, which included popular items like "Hotahota-age" and "Mega Sausage." While the set was convenient, I realized that ordering individual items might be more cost-effective. Overall, the kamaboko shop was a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a unique dining experience with a variety of kamaboko products to enjoy.

I boarded the Garinko boat to see the drift ice. After finishing, I felt a little hungry so I visited to buy kamaboko. I ordered kamaboko with scallops, potatoes, and octopus mixed in. It seems like you can also eat in, but I ate in the car. It was freshly made and hot, so delicious! It seems they also have a store at New Chitose Airport, so next time I'll buy it as a souvenir! Thank you for the meal♪

When you go to Abashiri, you must try some kamaboko!! Of course, let's compare the kamaboko from "Detsuka Suisan" and "Marusen Kobayashi Shokuhin-ten"!! Let's gooo (*´∀`)♪ So, first up is "Detsuka Suisan". Despite the pandemic, there were quite a few tourists inside the store. I decided to try some freshly fried kamaboko. They offer a set of 8 pieces for 1100 yen (tax included), but since I was traveling alone, I ordered a vegetable tempura for 165 yen (tax included) at the register. The lady at the register seemed quite unhappy and didn't even say thank you when I ordered. The vegetable tempura was hot and crispy, with a good fish flavor. However, I couldn't shake off the memory of the unfriendly lady at the register. After eating the tempura, I decided to buy some "Monta's fried kamaboko" for 1022 yen (tax included) as a souvenir. Surprisingly, the lady at the register suddenly changed her tone and said "Thank you very much♪". Well, she's easy to read! I'll probably live a long life (laughs).

Drive Cup ¥935★★★★★*Enjoy various freshly fried fish cakes. (2021.05.22.)[Product Information/Smart Magazine HOKKAIDO, by Misato Kaneko]*The Drive Cup set includes 7 types of freshly fried fish cakes, perfect for a snack on the go or when you're feeling peckish.*Other Information:*Dining space available.*Self-service water provided.*Wet wipes available.*Restroom on site.*No charging available (no power outlets).*Customer service is average.*Cleaning and interior setup is average.*Crowd levels vary depending on the season and time, but there were no lines for entry or checkout.*There is an eat-in space on the 2nd floor where you can enjoy free drinks (tea, coffee, water). The 3rd floor rooftop offers a panoramic view of the harbor, and you can also take a factory tour. You might find a bag full of cheese offcuts for ¥500, if you're lucky. (2021.05.22.)[Store Introduction]*Since our establishment in 1930, we have been making fish cakes in Monbetsu, facing the Sea of Okhotsk, with a focus on ingredients and manufacturing methods. Fish cakes made in Monbetsu. Monbest delivers them.1930: Tadayoshi Izutsuka started a fish cake manufacturing business in Monbetsu at the time.1951: The company was reorganized into a corporation and the name was changed to "Chu Izutsuka Fisheries Co., Ltd."1971: The store and factory, which had been separated, were consolidated on one site and a new store was built. Live frying demonstrations are a permanent feature at the storefront.☆★★Moriname Shop★★☆*Personally recommended on Tabelog "Best Fish Cakes (Product)" is here! (NO.1 is "Chu Izutsuka Fisheries Main Store" in Hokkaido)

Famous fish cake shop near Mombetsu Port in Mombetsu City. I visited to try their fish cakes while in Mombetsu for business. The first floor is a sales space with various products besides fish cakes. Fish cakes are fried fresh after ordering, and there are many types to choose from. You fill out an order form with your preferences and pay first. This time, I bought "Hotahota-age (385 yen)", "Cheese roll (330 yen)", "Octopus ball (55 yen)", "Crab ball (55 yen)", etc. It was ready in about 5 minutes. There is an eat-in space on the second floor, so I enjoyed them there. All the fish cakes were delicious, but my personal favorite was the "Hotahota-age". The prices were reasonable, so I recommend this spot when sightseeing in Mombetsu.

At New Chitose Airport, there is a well-established kamaboko shop. Customers can look at the showcase in the store, fill out an order form (with the option to choose fried or non-fried), hand it to the cashier, and wait to be called. Although I didn't use it this time, there seems to be an eat-in space on the second floor. Spicy Popai: ★★★ Thick bacon wrapped in spinach-flavored surimi, giving it a satisfying texture (the bacon actually sticks out a lot, but the photo was taken after taking a bite). Buttered Potatoes: ★★★★★ This one is a must-try! The potatoes are fluffy and incredibly delicious. Hot Hotage (fried fish cake) Corn Tempura Whole Shrimp

I came to Mombetsu on the second day of my 2-day trip to Asahikawa, with a simple reason - to see the sea angels! The shop I visited is labeled as a seafood shop, but it is actually a kamaboko (fish cake) shop. After having lunch, I stopped by. There is plenty of parking in front of the shop. As I entered, I was impressed by the clean interior. The 2nd floor is an eat-in space, while the 1st floor is the shop area. Besides the packaged kamaboko, there was a section for discounted products (like 1kg of scraps for 680 yen). I chose some kamaboko and also ordered the popular Crab Mayo Balls for 270 yen each. They asked if I wanted them fried or as they were, so I got both. The staff fried them and I waited inside the shop to receive them, then enjoyed them in the car. The Crab Mayo Balls were round and heavy, bursting with flavor. They were filled with plenty of snow crab, making it a luxurious treat. The combination of crab, mayo, and kamaboko was perfect. I wish I had bought more! It was already 2 pm, so I quickly left Mombetsu and departed from the Sea of Okhotsk after a 3-hour stay. Back home, I had the kamaboko at room temperature, and they were all delicious. I liked the taste more than a famous local kamaboko shop called KMA. Since they are also sold at New Chitose Airport, I am thinking of going there just to buy kamaboko.

Deotsuka Suisan. When you come to Monbetsu, this is the place for souvenirs! The freshly fried food is delicious. We enjoyed it on the second floor! There are many autographs on colored paper! We also saw the signatures of Yotteke Maru and Minia. When it comes to Monbetsu, Deotsuka Suisan is a must-visit. The recommended dish is definitely the crab mayo balls. Due to the pandemic, orders are taken by filling out a form. It's reassuring to be able to purchase safely.

Located in Nemuro Port, there is a fish paste shop called Izutsuka Suisan. They also have a branch at New Chitose Airport. You can have your fish paste fried on the first floor and enjoy it on the second floor while overlooking Nemuro Port. Although the fish paste may be a bit pricey, considering the free tea and coffee available for dine-in customers, it offers good value for money. I highly recommend trying the Crab Mayo Balls.

I arrived in Mombetsu. When I came to Mombetsu, I had decided to eat tempura. I love tempura, you know! I arrived a little after 11 o'clock. I had planned to buy tempura to eat at night, but I decided that I wanted to eat it here as well. Eating freshly fried tempura is the best, isn't it! I ordered a cheese roll for 165 yen. I received the freshly fried tempura and went up to the second floor. I will eat it in the rest area on the second floor. The view of the sea is nice from here! Well, let's dig in. The tempura is piping hot! The outside is crispy. The tempura with cheese is gooey. Freshly fried tempura is really delicious. There was free coffee and tea in the rest area. Of course, I had some. It's nice to have this kind of service, isn't it? It's not very common these days. In the evening, I grilled a vegetable ball for 270 yen. The tempura here doesn't have any artificial sweetness or additives, which is great. It was delicious! Thank you for the meal!

This is Shutsuka Suisan near the port of Monbetsu. It's a shop that specializes in kamaboko (fish cake). It's quite crowded here. They offer souvenirs and kamaboko sets, but the highlight is that they fry the kamaboko after you order it, so you can enjoy it hot. After having lunch, I ordered the most popular crab mayo ball. When it's ready, they call your number and you can pick it up to eat on the second floor. It's hot, so be careful when eating, but even so, the freshly fried kamaboko has a fluffy texture and is delicious. As I was leaving, I noticed many local license plates in the parking lot, showing that this shop is popular among locals. It seems they also have a branch at New Chitose Airport.

At the restaurant called Demachi Suisan in Memanbetsu, you can enjoy freshly fried seafood on the second floor dining area. You can place your order and make payment on the first floor, and your food will be ready quickly. On the second floor, there are disposable chopsticks, plates, and soy sauce available for self-service. You can also enjoy complimentary coffee and tea. The kamaboko (fish cake) is delicious, especially the one with crab and cheese.

This place in Monbetsu received a high score in the lunch ranking. We chose some kamaboko sold individually in the store and had them fried. The ones with cheese and crab mayo were the best, I could eat many of those. I also tried the takoyaki balls because I like pickled ginger. My husband had the vegetable tempura with potatoes, which he likes. It was very filling. We also tried a bacon dish with a lot of pepper, it was a bit pricey at around 400 yen, but delicious. The second-floor dining area was comfortable, with free water and tea, and a nice view of the sea. I didn't expect to find kamaboko at a lunch place, but I was pleasantly surprised. They also sell the famous Monbetsu smoked products here, which are amazing. Don't miss out on those!

<About the shop> Established in 1930, this is a specialty fish cake shop. The founder, Chukichi Izutsuka, started the shop by steaming fish cakes on a wood stove and grilling bamboo rings with leftover fire in the town of Monbetsu. The current owner is Yokei Izutsuka, the third generation. The fish meat used is caught in the Monbetsu port in the Okhotsk Sea or is frozen surimi of Alaskan cod of SSA rank designated for use by fishing vessels. Vegetables are purchased from the Monbetsu fruit and vegetable market with dirt still attached and processed in their own factory. Scallops are processed by Marumi Minehata Shoten, a scallop processing company in Kitami. Starch is 100% from Tokachi, Hokkaido. Only Ako's Ten'en salt is used. <Products> - Freshly fried fish cake set - Shelf life: 7 days from the manufacturing date - Scallop tempura: Approximately 5.8cm (vertical) x 6.5cm (horizontal) x 1.8cm (thickness), about 34g - Vegetable tempura: Approximately 9cm (diameter) x 1.2cm (thickness), about 65g - Corn tempura: Approximately 5.5cm (vertical) x 7cm (horizontal) x 1.7cm (thickness), about 44g - Crab ball: Approximately 3.7cm (vertical) x 4.7cm (horizontal) x 2.2cm (thickness), about 26g - Octopus ball: Approximately 3.7cm (vertical) x 4.7cm (horizontal) x 2.2cm (thickness), about 26g - Cheese roll: Approximately 8.5cm (length) x 4cm (width) x 2.6cm (thickness), about 62g - Crab mayo ball: Approximately 6cm (diameter) x 2.5cm (thickness), about 58g