Food and Drink

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A Hidden Soba Shop with No Sign: SUBA VS Fuses Wine and Noodles in Shibuya

When people hear the words “tachigui soba” (standing soba restaurants), many probably picture a no-frills, casual eatery. However, “SUBA VS,” which opened in Shibuya in September 2024, is a new concept in standing soba shops where soba meets wine. Its stylish interior and creativity put a new twist on standing soba restaurants, and have been garnering attention on social media….

400 Sold a Day! These Taiyaki Are a Must-Try Ginza Street Food

Taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries with a sweet filling) is one of Japan’s most iconic street foods, making it perfect both as a gift and for eating on the go. When enjoyed fresh off the griddle, the outer crust is delightfully chewy and hot, while the inside is almost bursting with anko (sweet red bean paste). Just one bite brings instant joy…

Seasonal Sushi Course in Ginza—You Won’t Believe the Price!

At “GINZA SUSHI BANYA KAI,” you can savor a full course meal composed of exquisite sushi and seasonal dishes. What sets this restaurant apart is its unique dedication to a single, carefully curated course menu. The course consists of 20 meticulously prepared dishes, with sushi as the centerpiece, all crafted with exceptional skill and dedication by the chefs. Sample of…

萬馬軒 橙 池袋店 味噌ラーメン

Ikebukuro’s Hidden Gem for Miso Ramen: Manbaken Daidai!

Miso ramen, which originated in Hokkaidō, is now enjoyed throughout Japan as a standard ramen type. Over time, it has evolved in various regions, and these days, it’s not uncommon to find specialty shops offering modern twists such as tsukemen (dipping noodles) and mazesoba (soupless ramen). “味噌ラーメン,” Miso Ramen 990 JPY (tax included) Located in the bustling area around one…

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Where to Eat the Most Creative Soba Dipping Noodles in Shibuya!

Tsukesoba is a modern style of soba where the noodles are dipped into a variety of flavorful broths before eating. At “Shibuya Tsukesoba Osaji,” (stylized with a “.” at the end) which opened in November 2024, you can enjoy innovative tsukesoba like nowhere else in a modern and stylish setting. Traditional Japanese soba, such as zaru soba or mori soba,…

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Ramen Lovers, Don’t Miss This Hawaiian-Inspired Spot in Ikebukuro

The Ikebukuro area, one of Tokyo’s major entertainment districts, is a fierce battleground where many ramen shops compete. Among them, “Menya Hulu-lu” has carved out a unique position and maintained top-tier popularity for over a decade. Menya Hulu-lu is located roughly a ten-minute walk from the west exit of Ikebukuro Station, one of Tokyo’s biggest transportation hubs. Removed from Ikebukuro’s…

味噌ラーメン

Craving Ultra-Rich Miso Ramen? Hokkaido’s Asahikawa Style Awaits in Ikebukuro!

Hokkaidō, one of Japan’s coldest regions, has long embraced hearty, warming bowls of ramen. Among its most famous ramen hubs is Asahikawa, a city known for its fierce competition in the ramen scene. One standout shop that traces its roots to Asahikawa is “Asahikawa Miso Ramen Bankara” (referred to hereafter as “Bankara”). For the purposes of this article, we will…

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Tokyo Soba Spot Loved for 50+ Years – Don’t Miss Their Top Menu Picks!

Standing soba restaurants, known as tachigui soba in Japan, are a uniquely Japanese fast food concept, serving one of Japan’s representative dishes – Japanese soba noodles – quickly and efficiently. “Sobadokoro Kameya” (referred to hereafter as “Kameya”) is one of the capital’s quintessential popular soba restaurants. The Okachimachi branch, located near Ueno’s Ameyoko shopping street in Taito-ku (Taito Ward), is…

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What Sets Mazesoba Apart from Ramen? A Look at the Must-Visit Shibuya Restaurant

Shibuya, a trendy Tokyo area where food culture constantly thrives and evolves, is home to “soba MAREN Shibuyaten” (hereafter referred to as “soba MAREN”) a restaurant offering distinctive mazesoba crafted by a Japanese cuisine restaurant. Mazesoba (often referred to as “soupless ramen” outside of Japan) is a noodle dish mixed with a rich sauce or oil, instead of being served…

Tsukishima’s Must-Try Monjayaki: Loaded with Fresh Tuna, Shrimp & Oysters!

Monjayaki, a savory pancake-like dish, originated in Japan during the Showa era (1926-1989) as a snack popular among children. In its early days, it was made by mixing wheat flour with water, seasoning it, and cooking it on a griddle. Initially a simple, low-cost treat, monjayaki has transformed over time. Restaurants now serve monjayaki with unique, original concepts that go…

Where Celebrities Go for Monjayaki: Tsukishima’s Seafood-Filled Favorite

If you’re looking to try monjayaki, a traditional dish from Tokyo, there’s no better place to visit than Tsukishima Monja Street, located near Tsukishima Station. With over 50 monjayaki restaurants lined up, you’re sure to find the perfect one that suits your taste. Monjayaki is a popular dish that features pan-fried batter mixed with ingredients like cabbage, meat and seafood….