Isoage Marutenn

Wandering down Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street, the savory scent of frying oil regularly draws passersby to a stop in front of Isoage Maruten Sugamo. The storefront display is packed with freshly fried fishcake specialties, ranging from hearty skewers to individually portioned patties folded with assorted fillings.

The standout choice for snacking while exploring the neighborhood is the Tako-bo, an octopus skewer. Generous chunks of octopus are enveloped inside the fluffy, springy surimi paste, providing a substantial and satisfying chew. Other favorites on sticks include the Ebi Mayo-bo, which pairs the snap of plump shrimp with rich mayonnaise, and the Cheese-bo, stuffed with cheese that melts under heat.

Beyond skewered items, the shop offers an extensive assortment of flat fishcake cakes and ingredient-laden patties. Each showcases distinct textures, from the fluffy, buttery sweetness of Jaga Butter-ten to the crisp crunch of Shoga Renkon-ten (ginger and lotus root) and the sweet bursts of corn in Morokoshi Cheese-ten. Rotating seasonal varieties provide seasonal appeal as well, including spring Hamaguri Nanohana-ten (clam and rapeseed blossoms), summer Ika Edamame-ten (squid and edamame), and autumn Sake Maitake-ten (salmon and maitake mushrooms).

For home side dishes or souvenirs, bite-sized Chigiri-age packed with fillings like bamboo shoots or edamame and the Tsudoi assorted gift set featuring smaller portions of popular items are practical options. Accepting transit IC cards and various smartphone QR payment methods, the shop makes an effortless stop while walking through Sugamo.