Food and Drink

つけそば

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,…

豆乳担々麺

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…

そば

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…

まぜそば

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….

Discover New Monjayaki Flavors at Tamatoya in Tsukishima: A Must-Try Experience!

In Tokyo’s Chūō-ku (Chuo Ward), Tsukishima Monja Street stretches for approximately 500 meters, lined with over 50 restaurants dedicated to monjayaki, a popular dish featuring a pan-fried batter mixed with ingredients like cabbage, meat and seafood. From classic flavors beloved for generations to creative, modern variations, you can discover a diverse range of monjayaki experiences on this street. Tamatoya: a…

Japanese convenience store FamilyMart cat day goods: tiramisu

Japanese Convenience Store FamilyMart Celebrates Cat Day With 21 Amazing Feline-Themed Products!

February 22 is recognized as “Cat Day” in Japan due to a wordplay connecting 2 (pronounced “ni” in Japanese), and “nyan” or “nya,” onomatopoeias for a cat’s meow, with the three twos in the date suggesting multiple meows. Each year, as the date approaches, various cat-related products are released, and special events are held across the country. “Meow Mission: Family…

Ramen Sub-Genres in Japan: A Guide to Modern Styles Beyond the Classics

Ramen is always evolving. While many are familiar with the four main styles—shōyu (soy sauce), shio (salt), miso (fermented soybean paste), and tonkotsu (pork bone)—there’s a vast world beyond these classics. If you’re new to ramen, consider reading our detailed guide on classic ramen styles. In Japan, new ramen sub-genres are emerging, capturing the attention of many diners. For insights…

How to Enjoy Sushi in Japan: Etiquette and Practical Tips

Sushi is a key part of Japanese culinary artistry, emphasizing fresh ingredients and harmony of flavors. Whether you are dining at a quick and casual kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurant or at a more high-end sushi restaurant, knowing a few key customs and tips can help you appreciate your meal and respect the traditions that surround it. Preparing for your…

How to Eat Yakitori Like a Local: Skewers, Seasonings, and Manners

Yakitori, or grilled chicken skewers, is a beloved Japanese dish that brings together simple ingredients and bold flavors. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned fan, understanding the basics of yakitori—its various types, delicious condiments, and proper etiquette—will enhance your dining experience. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to enjoy yakitori to the fullest! The…