Hanpen, chikuwa, and satsuma-age are all Japanese processed fish-paste products, but their characteristic heating methods differ. Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) describes hanpen as a boiled product, chikuwa as a type that is commonly grilled, and satsuma-age as a deep-fried product.
At Zaruyaki Yongsanro Sinyongsan, the menu lists hanpen as `한뺀`, grilled chikuwa as `야키치쿠와`, and satsuma-age as `사쯔마아게`. The fish species and other ingredients used in these particular products have not been published, nor has the restaurant stated whether it grills or reheats them further. The sections below therefore explain the general food categories separately from the restaurant’s confirmed menu information.
Japanese fish cake types are easiest to compare by heating method
MAFF explains that kamaboko in the broad sense covers not only the familiar molded fish cake but also products such as chikuwa, satsuma-age, and datemaki. The category includes foods made by grinding fish into a paste and setting it through steaming, grilling, boiling, or deep-frying.
Even within this category, texture varies with the heating method, the amount of air incorporated, and the product’s shape. When comparing hanpen, chikuwa, and satsuma-age, it is more useful to begin with `boiled, grilled, or deep-fried` than to focus on a single fish species.
Hanpen is a soft, aerated fish-paste product that is boiled
In its description of Tokyo-style hanpen, MAFF explains that fish paste is mixed with ingredients such as yam, aerated, and then boiled. This is why typical white hanpen is known for a light, fluffy texture. Regional versions can differ in ingredients and appearance, as illustrated by Shizuoka’s black hanpen.
Public information does not establish whether Zaruyaki’s `한뺀` is white hanpen, whether it contains yam or egg, or which fish species it uses. A general description of hanpen’s soft texture should not be treated as confirmation of the ingredients in the product served at the restaurant.
Yaki chikuwa is chikuwa with a grilled surface
Chikuwa is a hollow, tube-shaped fish-paste product. MAFF gives examples including ago chikuwa, whose surface is grilled to produce a firm skin and aroma, and botan-yaki chikuwa, named for its browned grill marks. In `yaki chikuwa`, the word *yaki* indicates that the chikuwa has gone through a grilling step.
For the yaki chikuwa sold at Zaruyaki, the menu name, quantity, and price can be confirmed. The fish species, degree of browning, and any reheating after an order is placed have not been published. Fish and production methods associated with chikuwa from another region should therefore not be attributed to Zaruyaki’s product.
Satsuma-age is fish paste shaped and deep-fried
MAFF’s traditional-food reference describes satsuma-age as fish paste combined with ingredients such as tofu or egg, shaped, and fried in oil. The fish and additions vary, and some versions contain ingredients such as squid or burdock root.
That is a general description of satsuma-age, not an ingredient list for Zaruyaki’s menu item. It does not mean that Zaruyaki’s product contains tofu, egg, or burdock root. Anyone with an allergy should ask about the current product’s fish species and the possible presence of egg, soy, wheat, as well as cross-contact.
Use texture and serving quantity to choose among the three
The following quantities and prices were displayed on Zaruyaki’s Catchtable menu when checked on September 10, 2026.
| Menu label | General category | Listed quantity | Price checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanpen (`한뺀`) | Boiled hanpen | 1 piece | KRW 3,800 |
| Yaki chikuwa (`야키치쿠와`) | Grilled chikuwa | 1 piece | KRW 3,800 |
| Satsuma-age (`사쯔마아게`) | Deep-fried satsuma-age | 2 pieces | KRW 3,500 |
If you prefer something light and soft, start by considering hanpen. If a grilled surface appeals to you, look at yaki chikuwa. If you want a deep-fried fish-paste product, satsuma-age may be the most relevant category. Actual size, texture, and accompanying sauce can vary, so judge them by the serving offered on the day of your visit.
Check Catchtable Global for the latest menu quantity and price. Before visiting, you can also review current business information on Naver Map and Zaruyaki’s official English website.
Frequently asked questions
Are hanpen, chikuwa, and satsuma-age all made from fish?
In general, all three are processed products made from ground fish paste. The fish species and secondary ingredients—such as tofu, yam, or egg—can vary by product, and Zaruyaki has not published a detailed ingredient list for its versions.
How many pieces does Zaruyaki serve, and how much do they cost?
On Catchtable as checked on September 10, 2026, hanpen and yaki chikuwa were each listed as one piece for KRW 3,800, while satsuma-age was listed as two pieces for KRW 3,500. Check the menu again when ordering for the current quantity and price.
How should I check allergens in these fish-paste products?
Depending on the product, ingredients besides fish may include egg, soy, wheat, or yam. Zaruyaki has not published the ingredients in the products it uses or information about cross-contact through cooking utensils, so ask the staff before ordering.