The fish and shellfish plentifully available in Edo bay were of high quality and were specifically called "Edomae" (in front of Edo), and sashimi (fresh slices of raw fish) of tuna caught in coastal areas became essential as a menu item.
江戸湾内で豊富に採れる魚介類は江戸前の名を生ずるほど優れており、近海で穫れるマグロなどの刺身は献立に欠かせぬものとなった。