Unagi, Japanese freshwater eel, tends to be more expensive than eel from overseas.
However, “Makiyaki Unagi Ginza Onodera HONTEN,” a restaurant in Akasaka, is changing the long-standing image that domestic unagi is expensive.
The restaurant uses only domestic eels. Yet, they offer reasonably priced unagi bowls for under 1,000 JPY.
“国産うな玉丼,” Domestic Unagi Tamago Don 980 JPY (tax included)
The eel at Makiyaki Unagi Ginza Onodera HONTEN is delicious right down to the aroma
At Makiyaki Unagi Ginza Onodera HONTEN, the grilled eel (kabayaki) is cooked over firewood, resulting in a soft and juicy texture. This is because the moisture in the firewood acts as steam, locking in the umami.
The effect of firewood grilling isn’t just limited to the texture. The burning firewood smokes the eel, adding a pleasant aroma to the kabayaki.
This smoky scent that wafts up is also part of the deliciousness of the grilled eel at the restaurant.
It’s a unique characteristic of Makiyaki Unagi Ginza Onodera HONTEN, different from eel kabayaki often cooked over charcoal.
Makiyaki Unagi Ginza Onodera HONTEN uses only Japanese eels
The sauce used for eel kabayaki is as crucial to the taste as the grilling method. It could be said that the sauce most reflects the restaurant’s commitment and individuality.
At Makiyaki Unagi Ginza Onodera HONTEN they add red wine, which is rarely used in typical unagi sauces.
The details of the ingredients and proportions of this special sauce are a closely guarded secret. It has sweetness and a strong richness, yet maintains an exquisite balance that doesn’t overpower the eel’s umami.
Eel is affordable yet genuinely delicious at Makiyaki Unagi Ginza Onodera HONTEN
While the restaurant is quite particular about taste, the dishes at Makiyaki Unagi Ginza Onodera HONTEN remain very reasonably priced.
The “Domestic Unagi Tamago Don” (an unagi and egg rice bowl), available only for lunch, is priced at just 980 JPY (tax included).
The unagi, with its crisp, grilled skin, bursts with umami as you bite into it, while the thick, juicy meat releases a rich, savory flavor from its natural oils.
When paired with the sweetness of the egg yolk, the flavor becomes even richer.
Enjoy the contrast of the textures from the runny egg yolk and whites as you savor the dish!
During dinner, they offer the “Domestic Mini Unagi Don” without the soft-boiled egg topping. It’s also priced at 980 JPY (tax included), making it an easy order at an affordable price.
They also offer à la carte dishes, so it’s recommended to order this miniature unagi rice bowl to finish off your meal.
To fully enjoy unajū, the “Domestic Unaju Special” is a must-try
“国産うな重 特上,” Domestic Unaju Special 4,400 JPY (tax included)
If you want to indulge in eel more luxuriously, the go-to choice is the “Domestic Unaju Special.” Unajū is a type of unagi dish where grilled eel is layered on top of rice, typically in a lacquered box. At Makiyaki Unagi Ginza Onodera HONTEN, the weighty kabayaki is impressively large, even extending beyond the edges of the box.
One whole eel kabayaki
The dish features a large portion of grilled eel, so big that it hangs over the edge of the traditional box, leaving a strong visual impact. Even after cutting the eel into generous portions, the box is still filled with plenty of eel, giving you the luxurious feeling of endless bites of deliciousness.
Don’t forget about the sanshō (Japanese pepper) provided at the table, and the gari (pickled ginger) served with the unaju.
The sansho adds a refreshing flavor, while the pickled ginger really brings out the sweetness of the sauce.
While this unaju is very filling, if you vary the taste with sansho and pickled ginger, you’ll finish it in no time. By the end of the meal, you’ll be satisfied both physically and emotionally!
Makiyaki Unagi Ginza Onodera HONTEN achieves budget-friendly prices through self-service
The secret to achieving low prices while using Japanese eels lies in streamlining store operations. One aspect of this is the introduction of self-ordering by customers.
By scanning a QR code placed on the table with a smartphone, customers can view the menu and place orders. The restaurant has also incorporated self-service for payment, with a system where customers pay at an unmanned register right near the entrance.
The menu can be switched from Japanese to other languages such as English and Chinese, allowing the restaurant to cater to a wide range of customers.
Makiyaki Unagi Ginza Onodera HONTEN’s interior
Digital equipment has been introduced in the kitchen, enabling automatic cooking and plating. The restaurant has also simplified cooking procedures to the extreme, among other cost-efficient efforts visible throughout.
Makiyaki Unagi Ginza Onodera HONTEN’s exterior
The restaurant balances cost reduction and deliciousness. The appeal of the restaurant is certainly not just its low prices.
For those who want to casually enjoy genuinely delicious unagi, Makiyaki Unagi Ginza Onodera HONTEN might be the ideal restaurant, bar none!
Information
| Store name | 薪焼うなぎ 銀座おのでら本店 Makiyaki Unagi Ginza Onodera HONTEN |
|---|---|
| Address | Calendrier Building 1F, 4-2-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Akasaka-mitsuke Station 3-minute walk from Exit 10
Akasaka Station 3-minute walk from Exit 1 |
| Phone number | 03-6426-5122 |
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Payment |
|
| Hours | 11:00-15:00（last order 14:30）, 17:00-22:00（last order 21:30） |
| Closed | No fixed holidays Unscheduled holidays |
| Seating | 18 seats 8 counter seats, 10 table seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://onodera-group.com/unagi/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of September 2024.
