Saba Sandwich
A Turkish classic reborn in Kashiwazaki, Niigata – the exceptional “Saba Sandwich”!

About Saba Sandwich

The Saba Sandwich (サバサンド, Saba Sand) is a beloved local specialty of Kashiwazaki City in Niigata Prefecture. This culinary delight is a reimagining of a Turkish classic, tailored to suit Japanese tastes. Its story begins in 1997, when members of the Kashiwazaki-Turkey Friendship Association were inspired by the local saba sandwich during a visit to Turkey. Upon returning to Japan, they added a unique twist by frying the mackerel, creating a version that resonated with the local community.

In Turkey, the original saba sandwich, known as "Balik Ekmek," is a popular street food from the Eminönü district of Istanbul. Grilled mackerel is paired with bread, onions, and lettuce to create this simple yet flavorful dish. In Kashiwazaki, this traditional recipe evolved into its own distinctive style by utilizing crispy fried mackerel.

The Kashiwazaki-style Saba Sandwich features North Sea mackerel fried to golden perfection, layered with crisp onion slices and fresh lettuce, all encased in a specially made, delightfully soft bread. The seasoning is kept simple with just salt, pepper, and a touch of lemon juice to enhance the natural richness of the mackerel. Packed with nutritional benefits, mackerel is an excellent source of high-quality protein and provides healthy fats like EPA and DHA, making it a great option for health-conscious food lovers as well.

You can enjoy this unique creation at places like the Japan Sea Fisherman’s Cape or the Yoneyama Service Area on the Hokuriku Expressway when visiting Kashiwazaki. Don’t miss the chance to savor this B-grade gourmet food with a story – the Saba Sandwich, born in Turkey and perfected in Kashiwazaki!