Salmon vs Salmon Belly Sushi: Taste and Fat Content

Salmon belly (harasu, 鮭腹) is the fattiest part of the salmon — richer, softer and more buttery than the regular fillet. Regular salmon is leaner, firmer and cleaner. Both are among the most-ordered sushi in Hong Kong.

The difference. Salmon fillet: leaner, firmer, clean flavour — about 200 kcal per 100g, according to one nutrition source. Salmon belly (harasu): high fat, soft and rich — about 280–320 kcal per 100g. Mercury: salmon is on Hong Kong's low-mercury list.

Salmon fillet

The main side of the fish. It has an orange-pink colour, firm bite and mild richness. It is the default "salmon" on belt plates and in takeaway sets — Sushiro's 6 pieces of salmon at HKD 65, or its 10-piece Salmon Sushi Set for 1 at HKD 85.

Salmon belly

The belly fillet runs along the underside of the fish. It has visible white fat lines, a soft, almost melting texture and a buttery flavour. It is prized for sashimi and delicious seared (aburi), when the fat caramelises. Sushiro's premium sets list broiled fatty salmon; sen-ryo's aburi lunch set includes salmon belly.

Fat and calories

Belly is higher in calories because it is higher in fat. One nutrition source puts salmon belly at about 280–320 kcal per 100g against about 200 kcal for a lean fillet. The fats are mostly unsaturated, including omega-3. Figures vary by farm and season.

Aburi: seared salmon

Seared salmon and seared belly are Hong Kong favourites. A torch melts the surface fat and adds smoky sweetness. Try it with a dab of mayo or a squeeze of lemon.

Order both. Eat plain salmon first, then belly, then seared belly — lean to rich, so each tastes distinct.

Pregnancy and salmon: Hong Kong's Department of Health lists salmon among lower-mercury fish. But pregnant women should still avoid raw fish — choose cooked salmon instead. See sushi for pregnant women.

Farmed vs wild. Most sushi salmon in Hong Kong is farmed, often from Norway. Farmed salmon is fattier than wild. Ask if origin matters to you.

Common questions

Is salmon belly healthier than salmon?

It has more fat and calories, but also more omega-3.

What is harasu?

The Japanese name for salmon belly.

Where else can I look?

See our sushi fish guide.

Compiled by our editorial team from Japanese seafood and sushi references, chef-informed tuna guides, Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety and Department of Health guidance, and chain menus, retrieved September 2026. Fat percentages are approximate and vary by fish, season and source. General information only, not medical or dietary advice.