This is Unagi Ichirou, a stall at the Saturday Night Markets in Eastwood.
Unagi Chips (Tare) ($5.00)
Made from the leftover spines of freshwater eel used for the stall’s unagi dons, these offered a striking interplay of textures. The small amounts of flesh surrounding the spine absorbed the sweet–salty tare and remained tender, while the spine itself delivered a crisp, almost brittle crunch. The contrast was highly engaging, and the tare lent a warm depth that kept each bite compelling. This functioned as both a snack and an unexpectedly satisfying way to experience unagi in a different form.
Overall, this was a simple but distinctive preparation with excellent textural interest and strong flavour, well worth seeking out at the market.
Unagi Ichirou operates as a stall at Eastwood Night Markets, held at Eastwood Plaza every Saturday from 16:00 to 22:00.