Luxury diners with a yen for seafood and some yen to burn should consider heading to Shinjuku Isetan to eat its latest creation: the Tokusen Kaisen Jyuni Hitoe Maki. Priced at 10,800 yen ($96,) the seaweed wrap that surrounds it is further covered in edible gold leaf.
The gilded maki isn't particularly easy to find, which adds to its luxury allure. Located in the basement of Shinjuku Isetan, it takes some prior knowledge to get one's hands on it. Interestingly, the seafood grocer opts to package its luxury roll in the same plastic as more standard maki rolls — apparently an attempt to prevent the price of the roll from being even more eye-popping.
The large, handheld roll — called ehomaki — is filled with over a dozen different types of seafood, including tuna, puffer fish, red sea bream, oval squid, and more.
Gold-Plated Sushi Rolls
Shinjuku Isetan Offers a Sushi Roll Wrapped in Edible Gold Leaf
Trend Themes
1. Luxury Seafood Dining - The trend of offering extravagant and expensive seafood dishes, such as gold-plated sushi rolls, cater to high-end diners seeking unique culinary experiences.
2. Edible Gold Leaf - The use of edible gold leaf in food, including sushi rolls, offers a luxurious twist to traditional dishes and creates an upscale visual appeal.
3. Exclusivity and Scarcity - The concept of offering limited edition or hard-to-find food items, like the gilded maki roll in Shinjuku Isetan, adds a sense of exclusivity and intrigue for customers.
Industry Implications
1. Fine Dining - Upscale restaurants and fine dining establishments can explore incorporating luxury seafood dishes, such as gold-plated sushi rolls, to attract high-end clientele and set themselves apart from competitors.
2. Hospitality and Tourism - Luxury hotels and resorts can offer exclusive culinary experiences, like serving gold-plated sushi rolls, to appeal to affluent travelers looking for unique dining options.
3. Food and Beverage Retail - Specialty seafood grocers or gourmet food stores can tap into the trend of offering unique and high-end seafood products, including gold-plated sushi rolls, to cater to discerning customers seeking premium food items.