Japanese hot pot cooking, known for its rich flavors and communal dining experience, is a must-try in Tokyo. From the savory sweetness of sukiyaki to the delicate broth of shabu-shabu, these dishes offer warmth and comfort in every bite. In this guide, we’ll introduce some of the best spots to enjoy authentic Japanese hot pot! Solo sukiyaki and shabu-shabu dining…
Skewered dishes, known as kushiyaki, became popular in post-war Shibuya. As the name suggests, “kushiyaki” refers to dishes where vegetables, meat, and fish are skewered (“kushi” means skewer) and grilled. Yakitori, grilled chicken skewers, are one such type of kushiyaki. These skewers, which supported the development of the city through food, can definitely be considered a Shibuya soul food. Reflecting…
Izakayas are casual Japanese pubs offering a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy great drinks, and dishes such as delicious chicken skewers and fresh seafood. In this guide, we’ll introduce some of the best izakayas in the city, where you can enjoy a memorable evening of food and beverages! Affordable all-you-can-drink yakitori bar: Yakitori Marukin Shinjuku Honten “Yakitori Marukin Shinjuku…
Tempura, with its crispy, light coating and juicy texture inside, is a must-try when traveling to Japan. From classic tempura rice bowls to luxurious wagyu and uni tempura, the city offers a variety of ways to enjoy this beloved dish. In this guide, we’ll introduce the best spots to experience Tokyo’s finest tempura! Giant shrimp tempura bowls in Asakusa: DAIKOKUYA…
Tokyo is a haven for food lovers, and it’s no exception for those seeking plant-based dining options. From innovative sushi to hearty ramen and vegan izakaya experiences, this city offers a diverse range of restaurants catering to vegan tastes. Discover some of the best vegan-friendly spots in Tokyo, where creativity and flavor shine in every dish! Vegan sushi restaurant that…
Tokyo is a culinary paradise, offering something for everyone—including those seeking halal-friendly dining options. From rich, flavorful ramen to premium wagyu beef, discover some of the best halal-certified restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine with peace of mind! Spicy halal chicken and ramen: Honolu Ebisu Looking for ramen that combines spice, halal authenticity, and fried chicken? “Halal ramen…
Located in the Yushima area of Tokyo, just a short walk from Ueno Station, “Shisen Tantanmen Aun Yushima” (hereafter referred to as “Aun”) is a name known by every enthusiast of tantanmen (the Japanese version of Szechuan dandan noodles)—a legendary establishment. Today, shops specializing in dandan noodles are not uncommon. However, Aun has been serving customers since a time when…
The Asakusa district of Tokyo has several long-established cafes that have been in business for many years. For workers and residents in the area, these cafes that are open from morning to night serve as a place to relax and unwind, often feeling like a second kitchen. Leading this category is “Cafe de Raak,” located in the Asakusa Shin-Nakamise Shopping…
The “Food Sample Making Café” in Asakusa is definitely a must-visit for travelers to Tokyo. A special experience awaits, where you can not only craft your own food replicas but also enjoy the same dish as the sample you made! Try your hand at making your own omurice food replica! Food samples, model replicas of a restaurant’s menu items, are…
When it comes to cuisine to enjoy alongside sightseeing in the Asakusa neighborhood of Tokyo, monjayaki (a pan-fried batter-based dish) is a must-try. In this article, we’d like to introduce a restaurant with a unique twist on the classic dish we found in this historic district, where numerous famous monjayaki restaurants line the streets. “カマンベールもんじゃ,” Camembert Monjayaki 1,300 JPY (tax…
Yōshoku (Western-inspired Japanese cuisine) has evolved to a status where it can now be considered its own distinct genre of Japanese food. Asakusa is lined with famous yoshoku restaurants, and “Restaurant Omiya Asakusa,” which has been in business for over 40 years, is one of them. While every dish could be considered a signature menu item, the “Hamburger Steak Demi-Glace…
Founded in 1979, “Monburan Asakusa” is one of the most popular restaurants in Asakusa’s competitive dining scene. Their specialty is juicy hamburger steaks made exclusively with Japanese beef. Select from six nationally-themed sauces One of the distinctive features of Monburan’s famous hamburger steaks is their selection of six sauces. Each sauce represents a different country: France, Netherlands, Russia, Mexico, Italy,…
In Asakusa, Tokyo, nestled in the backstreets behind the Nakamise Shopping Street, which stretches from the iconic red Kaminarimon gate to Sensō-Ji Temple, there’s a perfect spot for breakfast. The name of the restaurant is “Ume to Hoshi.” Their signature offerings are set meals featuring rice cooked in a traditional hagama (rice cooking pot), paired with a variety of umeboshi…
Stepping into “Asakusa Monja Teppan Daikichi” (hereunder referred to as “Teppan Daikichi”), with its retro charm and welcoming atmosphere, feels like a journey back in time. This cozy restaurant is a place that truly captures the essence of Asakusa—a neighborhood known for blending Tokyo’s old-world charm with vibrant modernity. At Teppan Daikichi, you can try two of Japan’s most popular…
Jingisukan, a Japanese transliteration of Genghis Khan, is a unique dish of mutton or lamb grilled on a dome-shaped skillet. It’s a signature delicacy of Hokkaidō, a major island in Japan’s northern region, and many visitors to the area seek it out. Founded in 1954, “Jingisukan Daruma Ueno Okachimachi” (referred to hereafter as “Jingisukan Daruma”) is a renowned establishment with…