Albap

A vibrant rice bowl topped with multiple types of fish roe, vegetables, and sesame oil.

Albap is a celebratory bowl that layers the visual abundance of the sea over rice — pollock roe (myeongtae-al), flying fish roe (tobiko), sea urchin (uni), salmon roe, and sometimes seasoned raw crab roe are arranged in small mounds over the rice, surrounded by shredded perilla, cucumber, and sesame oil. The dish became popular in Korean seaside cities and has since moved into upscale casual restaurant menus as a signifier of fresh-ingredient quality. Each roe has a different popping texture and salinity — tobiko bursts with a mild brine, salmon roe releases a richer, fattier flavour, and pollock roe is more intensely savoury. The visual arrangement before mixing is considered an art form at higher-end establishments. Albap is often ordered as a luxurious but accessible alternative to raw fish platters for diners who want the freshness of seafood without confronting whole pieces. Mixing thoroughly and eating immediately while the roe is still cold and popping is essential.