Tokyo is home to many yakiniku (grilled meat cuisine) restaurants.
There are various types, from chain restaurants offering large quantities of meat at low prices to high-end establishments serving branded beef in luxurious settings.
Hontosaya is a renowned yakiniku restaurant located in a back alley of Asakusa. They offer rare, high-grade beef at accessible prices!
“Special Bone-in Karubi” with meat hanging from the bone!?
The “Special Bone-in Karubi,” (Japan’s version of Korean kalbi or galbi) with thick meat hanging from the bone, is a signature dish of “Hon to Saya”.
Regular customers have affectionately nicknamed it “Octopus Karubi” due to its octopus-like appearance.
The Special Bone-in Karubi, with its beautiful red meat evenly marbled with fat, is visibly high-quality at first glance.
“特上骨付きカルビ,” Special Bone-in Karubi 3,245 JPY (tax included)
When grilling this signature dish, place it on the grill with the bone and cooked over charcoal until the surface is crispy.
Before the meat is fully cooked, cut the bone from the meat. Then, once the karubi is thoroughly cooked, dip it in tare (a dipping sauce used for yakiniku) and enjoy.
Hontosaya’s unique dipping sauce is sweet and savory, perfectly complementing the karubi, and making you reach for “just one more bite!”
The thick meat releases its juices the moment you bite into it. It’s even more delightful when you place the karubi on a separately ordered bowl of rice.
The meat is placed on the charcoal grill by holding the bone part with tongs
On the first floor of Hontosaya, tables are equipped with shichirin, Japanese clay charcoal grills. Using shichirin, which retain the intense heat of the charcoal, is one of the restaurant’s commitments to deliciously grilled meat.
Cut the meat hanging from the bone with the provided kitchen scissors
“Premium Salted Beef Tongue” with a crispy texture and juicy flavor
The “Premium Salted Beef Tongue,” with its vivid color and impressive thickness, is a dish that raises expectations from the moment it’s brought to the table.
The tongue is quickly grilled on both sides, making it easy to bite through, releasing a burst of meaty juices. Squeezing the accompanying lemon over it adds a refreshing tartness that spreads over your palate.
“上タン塩,” Premium Salted Beef Tongue 2,750 JPY (tax included)
Hontosaya’s beef tongue has a soft texture despite its thickness, thanks to the use of high-quality meat. It’s a dish you’ll want to savor endlessly for its texture and juiciness!
“Premium Sirloin with Gui” eaten wrapped around green onion
“Premium Sirloin with Gui” is a menu item loved by many regular customers of Hontosaya.
“Gui” in refers to “Gui-Negi,” the restaurant’s unique green onion preparation seasoned with sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
Wrapping the Gui-Negi with the grilled sirloin adds the refreshing flavor and crunchy texture of green onions.
“上ロースグイ,” Premium Sirloin with Gui 2,915 JPY (tax included)
The premium sirloin at Hontosaya is beautifully marbled, making it look almost like karubi. However, it is surprisingly light and easy to eat. Savor it by enveloping the lightly grilled green onions with it!
Squeezing a bit of lemon over it will add a nice tart accent.
With such a diverse menu, you’re sure to find a favorite dish
At Hontosaya, where portions are generous, you can also order half sizes of each dish. This is a plus point, as it allows you to try various types more easily.
Side dishes like cold noodles in beef bone soup are also popular, and are recommended to enjoy alongside the yakiniku.
Tables are set with chili vinegar made with vinegar and green chili peppers, which the restaurant recommends for dipping grilled beef tendon and tripe. It’s mild spiciness adds to the restaurant’s unique and enjoyable dining experience.
The charm of Hontosaya is that no matter what you order, you’re guaranteed delicious meat! Some people enjoy premium karubi with rice, while others enjoy top quality sirloin or tripe, which are less fatty, with alcohol.
Trying out and comparing various dishes is quite the fun experience, and you’re sure to discover a favorite dish!
Information
| Store name | 本とさや Hontosaya |
|---|---|
| Address | 3-1-9 Nishi Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Asakusa Station Short walk from Exit A2
Tawaramachi Station 7-minute walk from Exit 3
Asakusa Station 10-minute walk from Exit 6
|
| Phone number | 03-3845-0138 |
| Reservations | Accepted via phone number |
| Payment |
|
| Service charge/Table charge | None |
| Hours | 12:00-15:00（last order 14:30）, 17:00-23:00（last order: food, 22:15, drinks 22:30） |
| Closed | December 31st |
| Seating | 100 tatami room seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | http://hontosaya.com/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of July 2024.
