Tensuke Market: Must-order items!

I will have to admit that of all central Columbus hotspots, Tensuke Market is where I find myself the most! Super quick food from Tensuke Express keeps me from hunger and if I’m really in a rush, the market has large assortments of onigiri, sushi, and bento boxes ready to go! With so many choices at Tensuke, Kathy and I have rounded up our top 5 Tensuke Market/Express favorites:

1. Cha-shu Tonkotsu Ramen

Cha-shu Tonkotsu Ramen (with no bean sprouts)

Although the egg isn’t perfectly half-boiled like other ramen shops, the perfectly cooked noodles, creamy broth, and flavorful meat compensate for it!

2. Chicken Karaage

Chicken Karaage

You can find this in the market area near the bento boxes, but we love ordering them freshly fried in the express café! Top it off with a little lemon juice and BAM. Juicy fried cuts of dark chicken meat that hits every taste bud on your tongue. It’s so simple yet so delicious.

3. Tako Yaki (Octopus)

One of the first street foods I tried during my time in Osaka, Japan were takoyaki balls. When I found out these were on Tensuke’s menu, I had to order them! These babies are filled with octopus and topped with a tangy takoyaki sauce, dried bonito (these flakes are constantly moving – but don’t worry it’s not alive!) and Japanese mayo.

Tako Yaki

4. Sushi

You can’t have a Japanese market without great sushi! With great prices and flavor, our favorites are: spicy salmon roll, seafood firework roll, crispy spicy tuna roll, and salmon nigiri (this one is a hit/miss depending on how long it’s been refrigerated).

Seafood Firework Roll

5. Onigiri (not pictured)

You’ll find these little triangular rice balls in the marketplace near the bento boxes. They have an assortment of fillings – our favorite are the salmon ones. These rice balls are quite popular, so best of luck if you’re stopping in the afternoon! There’s a method to the madness with their packaging. The seaweed and rice are separated by two plastic sheets, preventing the seaweed from getting soggy and keeping it crisp! Make sure you learn how to open them beforehand or you may find yourself with a seaweed confetti.