I learned from a review by Mairebi-san, who is active mainly in Otaru from June 13th to 15th, that there is a special "kamaboko" that is only made for 3 days a year at Kamaei Hanazono store. Otaru, being a port town, has many shrines. One of the Otaru's three major shrines, Suitengu Shrine, located on a small hill in the bustling district of Hanazono, holds its annual festival from June 13th to 15th. Kamaei is famous for its "pan rolls," but the Kamaei Hanazono store creates a special "Curry Pan Roll" every year for the Suitengu Shrine festival. This year's special is the "Shrimp Curry Pan Roll" for 280 yen. It is only available at the Hanazono store and is a rare kamaboko with plenty of shrimp and cheese, lightly flavored with curry. With the situation improving due to COVID-19, there is more foot traffic in Otaru, and this year's Otaru is also hosting the "Shiomatsuri." The Suitengu Shrine festival coincided with the Hokkaido Shrine Festival in Sapporo. Next week, the Ryugu Shrine festival in Otaru will also take place. Otaru is gradually regaining its lively atmosphere after a long time.

Every year, during the festival at Suitengu Shrine, the Curry Pan Roll is sold exclusively at the Hanazono store. This year, it will be available from June 14th (Wednesday) to June 16th (Friday). It's quite rare! Today, I was able to leave work early without overtime, so I stopped by Kamaei-san on my way home to buy it. The usual items were inside the building as usual, but the Curry Pan Roll was placed on a table outside the store. This year, it's an Ebi Curry Pan Roll. I bought one for 840 yen for a pack of 3. It came with a scratch card, and when I scratched it with a 10 yen coin, it said "Sorry, try again." Too bad! I had it as a side dish for dinner when I got home. The curry flavor was subtle, but it did leave a hint of curry aftertaste. The firm texture of the shrimp and the gooey cheese combined well and made it delicious. Thank you for the meal!

On the 4th day of my trip back to Hokkaido, I started in Otaru! Unusually, I didn't include breakfast at the hotel and checked out. Since I was just going back home that day, I decided to visit a place I wanted to go without any plans. "When in Otaru, I always get Kamaboko from Kamome as a souvenir for my family." Originally, I planned to visit the main store where tourists gather, but I ended up being late and it was already past 10 am, so I went to the Hanazono branch near the hotel instead! When I arrived at the store, I thought, "Not many tourists come here, right?" It's located in a quiet area, and the spacious interior was comfortable... There were few customers, so it felt like a hidden gem Kamome store. I decided to buy a souvenir and something to eat right away... ● Mayonnaise sandwich 225 yen ● Fried kamaboko (variety set of 5) 1000 yen The main lineup was not much different from the main store, so I bought a variety set for my family at the Hanazono branch, and a mayonnaise sandwich to eat right away. It was nice that the sandwich was slightly warm! "The mayonnaise sandwich might be my favorite among the classics?" The combination of mayonnaise and kamaboko surprisingly matched well (´･ᴗ･`) And the crispy edges are delicious (laughs) This is a must-try menu for mayonnaise lovers who will get addicted to it! My family was delighted when I brought back the variety set to my home (≧∇≦)b I ate Maruten and the ones I didn't recognize that night. It's also available at New Chitose Airport, so for those outside of Hokkaido, you can try it at the airport. It was delicious, thank you for the meal~♪ [Tabelog] ☆3.24 [Tanuki Rating (lunch)] ★Overall... 36 points ★Atmosphere... 7 points ★Food... 7 points ★Signature menu... 8 points ★Cost performance... 7 points ★Likelihood to repeat... 7 points

On January 17, 2020, I discovered this place on my way to visit Takarasushi for lunch. I decided to stop by on the way and ended up buying some items on my way back. The staff member had been working there for a long time and was very kind and helpful. I asked for recommendations, did a little research online, and bought some snacks for tonight at the hotel: Mayo Sandwich - 216 yen: The most popular among women, and it lived up to the hype. I ate it cold and it was delicious. It's quite big and very filling. I could eat it all day because it's so tasty. I became an instant fan. Bread Roll - 216 yen: The most popular among men. While I personally preferred the Mayo Sandwich, this was also really good. It's quite innovative to wrap it in bread. It was also delicious and goes well with beer. Crab Shumai - 194 yen: This one was okay. It was a bit firm in texture. It was tasty, but compared to the other two, it was just alright. The recommended popular items were indeed delicious. The items don't have a long shelf life, so if you want to take some as souvenirs, they are also sold at department stores in Sapporo Station, as the staff member kindly informed me. I will definitely buy some to take home! I will make sure to visit here again when I come back to Otaru. Thank you for the meal!

Kamaei's Hanazono main store has been rebuilt into a new building. The construction has been ongoing since spring this year, and the new building, which is larger than before, was reopened on November 22nd last month. By the way, it used to be called "Hanazono main store", but now it's called "Hanazono store". It's no longer the main store. The new store is very shiny and beautiful. I bought a bread roll and kinpira. I ate them at night. I really like kinpira. The bread roll might taste better when eaten fresh.

2019/12 First visit to "Kamaei" The "Kamaei" series, which started from our home's easy cooking series, has led me to want to visit various shops since I have a connection to Otaru. "Kamaei Marui Imai Sapporo Store" "Kamaei Mitsukoshi Sapporo Store" "Kamaei Sapporo Esta Store" "Kamaei Sapporo Tokyu Store" "Kamaei Sunport Store" "Kamaei Shin-Sapporo Sanpiaza Store" Of course, the main base is Otaru. This shop used to be the main store of "Kamaei". Located in the bustling area of Otaru's "Hanazono". The building has been rebuilt and looks beautiful now. "Mayo Sandwich" 216 yen A popular mayo sandwich that is a perfect match for bread rolls. The crispy skin with mayo and fish cake is irresistible. "Tofu Kenchin" 183 yen Fluffy fish cake intertwined with tofu. It's delicious no matter when you eat it. There were no unique limited items from the old main store, but they have transformed into a wonderful shop that is reminiscent of the old main store.

This is the main factory and shop of a popular kamaboko shop along the Otaru Canal in Otaru. Established in 1905, Kamaboko specialty store "Kamaei" offers freshly fried kamaboko that you can eat on the spot or take home. You can sample freshly made kamaboko in the store, and during my visit in September, the sample was a delicious kamaboko with mushrooms. There is a space at the back of the large shop where you can see the factory through glass, and you can also watch videos of the kamaboko manufacturing process. They also have a luxurious version of kamaboko called "Kani Kora" (1600 yen + tax), which is a crab shell topped with real snow crab meat. A unique product they offer is the "Pan Roll" (200 yen + tax), an original product of Kamaei invented by the former president, Koso Sato, in 1962. I tried the famous Pan Roll, and it had an interesting texture that didn't feel like bread. The idea behind the Pan Roll was to create a kamaboko that could be eaten like a snack, which led to the innovative method of wrapping fish paste in bread and frying it, resulting in a completely new and unique texture that was not found in traditional kamaboko.

It is located on a relatively narrow street, but it seems to be the main store. The building is new, with a spacious central area inside, which is nice. I visited to buy souvenirs, but I was told that items cannot be kept at room temperature. Since it would be awkward to leave without ordering, I decided to order. I tried the "tofu kenchin" and "pan roll". They were served slightly warm after a short wait. I wasn't expecting much, but they were surprisingly good. The former is indeed a fish paste, but it has a unique sweetness (probably from the fish) that pairs well with the tofu, creating a fresh and surprising taste. The latter has a bread-like outer layer, but you can still taste the high-quality fish inside. It's completely different from the usual fish cakes. It was a great experience that broadened my perspective.

I visited during my trip to Otaru ☆ The building was newly renovated and looked beautiful. I was happy to get a 20% discount for the grand opening. I had tried the bread rolls at New Chitose Airport before, so this time I tried the "Mayo Sandwich" ☆ The crispy fried bread texture combined with the soft and moist filling is innovative. The mayonnaise inside also goes well with it! I think it's a taste that both kids and elderly people would enjoy. I personally liked it too and enjoyed it very much ♪ Thank you for the meal ☆ I would like to visit again soon (^_^)

During a drive back from Otaru, we stopped by here and had the limited edition Japanese-style hot dog as a snack. The batter was greasy... both my friend and I discreetly peeled off the batter and ate it haha. The sweet potato tempura was delicious though!

【Point】A gift set packed with popular items from Kamaei. You can enjoy various flavors, making it a great gift idea. 【Content】 - Kaimeiraku Gift Set, 3,996 yen This assortment includes five popular items: crab legs, grilled scallops, sake kamaboko, shrimp kamaboko, and sea urchin kamaboko. The base kamaboko is delicious, and with the luxurious ingredients used, you can't go wrong! Personally, I like the sea urchin kamaboko the best. It's best to slice it slightly thin before eating. Thank you for the delicious meal!

On a certain holiday, I was in Otaru. I happened to come across the "Hon-ten" of Kamaboko Sugi-san on a slightly inconspicuous street, and it was a pleasant surprise. The interior of the shop was a simple space with refrigerated cases and showcases, which was not very typical of a main store. So, I had to think carefully before choosing from the menu, as I always end up buying the same things if I don't. Among the items that caught my eye that day, I tried the "Limited Edition Castella Tempura (194 yen)"... Wow! It was so sweet! It was more like a sweet rolled omelette than castella, with a texture closer to kamaboko. If you go a little further, it could almost be considered a "fish-flavored dessert". The "Tofu Kenchin (183 yen)" was the most flavorful and impressive of the items I purchased this time. It had a slight sweetness with shiitake mushrooms, burdock, carrots, kampyo, and hijiki, and the tofu flavor was not overpowering. The "Hira Tempura (194 yen)" is a popular choice at Kamaboko Sugi, and it's a must-buy! It was big and, of course, sweet. If it's not sweet, is it really Kamaboko Sugi? Lastly, the "Maitake and Burdock Tempura (216 yen)" was flat and large, with maitake mushrooms and burdock inside. The tempura itself was mildly sweet, which was good. Even though I always mutter "sweet" every time I buy something, I still end up buying more. Thank you for the meal.

In June 2016, when I passed by the main store of "Kamae" on Hanagin-dori in Otaru, I noticed that they were selling a special item called "Curry Bread Roll" for the duration of the Suitengu Shrine festival. It was the last day of the festival, so I decided to buy it along with their exclusive "Chigiri-age" snack. The Curry Bread Roll had finely chopped potatoes and carrots inside, which blended well with the mild curry flavor. Personally, I found it enjoyable but not as exciting as their regular bread rolls or the shrimp roll I had tried before. The "Chigiri-age" snack, weighing 100g and priced at 216 yen, had a moist texture and a delicious taste with crab and onions mixed in. It can be enjoyed as a side dish with rice or as a snack with drinks. I wonder if other stores in the city also offer such exclusive items. I'll have to check them out sometime.

After enjoying Otaru beer and taking a stroll along the canal back to the hotel, we decided to head out for some drinks again in the evening. We went to a drinking alley beyond the shopping street, but before visiting the first bar, we stopped by this place. A while back, when Osamu Mukai appeared on a show, he brought back a souvenir called Pan Roll. I had been curious about it for a while. It was featured at some Hokkaido product exhibition or something, but the crowds were too much for me to wait in line. This time, my wish finally came true. The shop is a bit far from Otaru Station, but it's easy to find as it's just past the railway crossing on the Hakodate Main Line. The exterior still looks new, but it gives off more of a traditional Japanese confectionery shop vibe than a fish cake shop. The atmosphere inside and the staff also feel more high-end than your typical fish cake store. As I looked through the display case, there it was, the Pan Roll (216 yen). I decided to buy one to enjoy as a late-night snack back at the hotel after our night of drinking in Otaru. When I held it, it felt quite heavy. Interestingly, even before tasting it, I had a vague idea of what it might taste like. This is because my hometown of Nagasaki also has a similar food called "Hatosh." It's a dish in Nagasaki cuisine where shrimp paste (sometimes minced meat nowadays) is steamed and fried between slices of bread. I had a feeling it might be similar to that. When I tried it, the inside was more like seasoned white fish paste rather than fish cake. It did have a Hatosh-like flavor to it. However, the bread seemed to have absorbed some oil, leaving a slightly greasy taste. It was very delicious, but I'm not sure if I could eat more than three at a time. It could work as a fast food option, but it might also be a nice snack for a home drinking session. Thank you for the meal.

In December 2015, I had kamaboko from Kamaei in my hometown of Otaru, so I decided to make my ozoni with it as well. I tried adding chikuwa and squid balls to oden, and it turned out to have a good flavor. In August 2015, I received kamaboko as a gift and I enjoyed the fried kamaboko more than the assorted kind. In December 2013, I went to Kamaei to buy kamaboko for the end of the year. The silver scale rolls were delicious as always, and I appreciate the traditional way they are made. In December 2012, my mother, who used to send me kamaboko, passed away, so this year I made ozoni in Otaru. I was relieved that the taste of my husband's family's ozoni and my family's ozoni were not so different. For ozoni, it has to be kamaboko. I didn't know that the road next to Kamaei was called Hanamei Street. I wonder if it was named after Kamaei. In December 2011, my mother in Otaru sent me kamaboko from Kamaei, so I asked for my husband's favorite silver scale rolls. Despite the popularity of the pan rolls, everything from Kamaei is delicious. The silver scale rolls, which are not very noticeable, are hidden gems. They are bite-sized kamaboko wrapped in silver paper, with about 10 pieces for around 1000 yen. When you compare this to the price of two pan rolls, the pan rolls seem to be more appealing, but the silver scale rolls have smoked salmon scattered throughout the fish paste, and cheese mixed in like the filling of a rice ball. The aroma of the smoked salmon is strong and goes well with the cheese. Since neither the pan rolls nor the silver scale rolls have a long shelf life, the staff at the shop didn't seem too eager to have my mother send them, as she mentioned. My husband, of course, happily ate them, saying "Oh, this is good." In September 2011, I walked along Hanazono Ginza after a long time. There were old shops, disappeared shops, changed shops, and even a care home built where the game center used to be. When I arrived in front of Kamaei, I wanted to buy pan rolls. When I asked for two pan rolls, the staff asked if I wanted each one in a separate bag. I guess many people eat them right after buying because they are so delicious. I checked their website and found a section on pan rolls. Since they don't have a long shelf life, they cannot be ordered for delivery. It was interesting to read about how to enjoy cold pan rolls. It's so delicious to have kamaboko as a snack when you're a bit hungry on the way back from shopping.

On September 22, 2015, I have been commuting by car from Sapporo to Otaru since this spring due to a job transfer. I mostly work indoors and bring my own lunch, so I only pass through Otaru without exploring much. I often come back late, so I rarely have the opportunity to walk around Otaru. On this day, I visited the town after buying a cake at Tachi Blanche. I also stopped by Kamaboko Kamae, a long-established kamaboko (fish cake) shop founded in 1905 during the Meiji era. They have branches not only in Otaru and Sapporo but also at New Chitose Airport. The main store, Hanazono Honten, is located in the entertainment district of Hanazono-cho in Otaru, surrounded by sushi restaurants, ramen shops, and bars. Inside the store, they mainly sell fried kamaboko, as well as vacuum-packed products convenient for souvenirs and gifts. I bought several types of fried kamaboko for tonight's sake snacks. When I got home, I shared them with my wife and eldest son (except for my second son who doesn't like processed food). Hmm, it's delicious! I wonder who first made fried kamaboko. I think as I enjoy them. Oops, they disappeared in no time. I should have bought more. Now I feel like trying the kamaboko from the other famous kamaboko shop in Otaru, Ohyakuriwamoto. It was delicious. Thank you for the meal!

Yesterday, the guests we guided to the restaurant Kanehiro left for their journey home today. The wife went to pick them up in Sapporo in the morning, then took them to Otaru for sightseeing, and finally sent them off to Chitose. It seems they enjoyed their time in Otaru, indulging in delicacies like sea urchin. The souvenir the wife brought back was kamaboko from Kamaei! I'm not sure of the exact product name since she bought it, but it included tempura-style and pan rolls. The pan rolls were delicious as always! I tried them with just a little soy sauce, and they were great! The tempura-style was octopus-based, and it had a really good flavor! Kamaei never disappoints with their taste. I wanted to go to Otaru myself (haha), but I received a delicious souvenir instead! Thank you for the feast!