This is Dashi Chazuke-en, a Japan-wide chain specialising in dashi chazuke, a traditional dish where rice is topped with various ingredients and served with a savoury dashi broth.
All dashi chazuke orders come as sets, including two side dishes and pickles (described below), along with complimentary refills of dashi. Diners can select their preferred rice portion size at the time of ordering: 150 g, 180 g, or 280 g.
Tai Dashi Chazuke (¥1,200).
This dish—sliced red sea bream with sesame sauce—is the most popular dish at the Sendai location. The fresh slices of sea bream were coated in a spicy sesame sauce and garnished with coriander. On its own, the fish’s freshness was evident, though the robust sauce became overwhelming after a few bites. When combined with the dashi, however, the lightly spicy, nutty, and umami-rich broth mellowed the sauce, creating a delightful balance. The rice held its shape well, enhancing the texture of this light yet flavourful dish.
Tsuke Sushi No Ryōshi Kaze (¥980).
This dish—fisherman’s soy-marinated raw tuna—is the second most popular dish at the Sendai location. It featured a simpler preparation that showcased the quality of the fish. The clear fish-based dashi paired beautifully with the marinated tuna, creating a light and satisfying meal.
The accompanying tofu with a miso sesame sauce offered an enjoyable softer texture and nutty flavour, while the dried daikon pickles were crisp, refreshing, and mildly savoury, and the burdock and carrot offered a crunchy texture with a gentle spiciness. All three side dishes complemented the chazuke.
This visit to the Sendai branch was as enjoyable as our first experience at their Fukuoka location in 2019. The meals were healthy, light, and simple, yet exceptionally satisfying. The affordable pricing made it an excellent option for a quick and fulfilling meal.
Dashi Chazuke-en (だし茶漬け えん) is located at 2F S-PAL Sendai East Building, 1-1-1 Chuo, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture 980-0021, Japan.