What is Chutoro and how does it differ from Otoro in Japanese Bluefin Tuna?
Chutoro (中トロ) is the mid-belly cut of Bluefin Tuna — the balance point between Akami's clean lean intensity and Otoro's deep, concentrated fat. It carries marbling throughout without being as rich as Otoro, making it the most nuanced cut for many experienced sashimi eaters. Available from Goto Islands Bluefin at Sashimi DC, Rice Market, 1608 14th St NW, Washington DC.
This Week's Stock — What's In, What's Short
Good availability this week. The richest cut from Goto Islands Bluefin — fatty, buttery, never CO-treated.
Large reception orders have drawn down supply significantly. Limited quantity — order early if you want it.
Dark red-purple, clean and bright. No CO treatment. Best days are Thursday–Friday right after Wednesday arrival.
Chutoro — Why It's Low
A few large orders for embassy receptions have absorbed most of this week's Chutoro allocation. This is the nature of working with a finite amount of fish from a single weekly shipment — when institutional orders come in, the cuts go fast. Otoro and Akami are both in good supply and in excellent condition.
If Chutoro is what you're after, check the shop early — what remains may sell out before the weekend.
Sasshu Salmon — Short This Week
We received a smaller quantity of Sasshu Salmon (薩州サーモン) this week. Our processor in Kagoshima conducted a rigorous quality inspection before shipping and found a few fish with mi-ware (身割れ) — a condition where the flesh separates along the muscle grain, typically caused by stress at harvest or handling. Fish in that condition don't ship.
This is the quality control we trust and rely on. A smaller batch with every fish in good condition is the right call. Sasshu Salmon availability will be limited while stocks last.
Bafun Uni — Small Boxes Again This Week
Hokkaido Bafun Uni (馬糞ウニ) is in again this week, available in small boxes. Deep orange, concentrated, intensely sweet — the denser of the two Hokkaido Uni varieties we carry. No alum treatment or minimal alum. Stock is limited; it goes when it goes.
Best days to order this week: Thursday and Friday. Fish arrives Wednesday — Thursday and Friday are when all cuts are still available. Popular items like Chutoro and Uni sell out early in the weekend.
This Weekend — AAPI Fish & Wine Pairing with Winemakers
AAPI Heritage Month · May 16–17, 2026
Fish & Wine Pairing with Winemakers
In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, Sashimi DC and Rice Market are hosting two evenings of fish and wine pairing with winemakers of East Asian heritage — sashimi platters, unlimited pours, and winemakers in the room. Bottles available to purchase with signatures.
Tickets still available. Full details and booking on the events page.
Two sessions, two venues over the weekend. This event has been months in the making — the combination of sourcing fish from Japan and working with winemakers who specifically understand how wine pairs with raw fish is not something you find in a lot of places. We're glad it's finally here.
Hours This Weekend — Possible Closures
We may need to close the shop on Friday and/or Sunday for event preparation, depending on staffing. If you're planning to stop by in person those days, check our Instagram (@keita_sashimi_dc) for same-day confirmation. Online orders and delivery will operate normally on days we're open.
Saturday hours are unaffected — the event is in the evening and the shop will be open as usual during the day.