Jakoten — Fried Fish Cake Street Food

Jakoten (じゃこ天) is Ehime's signature fish cake made from small fish (jako — tiny sardines or anchovies) ground whole with bones, mixed with minimal flour, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Unlike kamaboko (steamed fish cake), jakoten has a coarser texture from the ground bones and a stronger, fishier flavor. It's eaten as street food, served warm with soy sauce and grated ginger, or added to udon and oden.

The dish originated in southern Ehime fishing villages where small bycatch fish were transformed into preserved food, now elevated to regional specialty status.