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 (Japanese pickled plums) and dishes that go perfectly with rice.
Start your day with a breakfast set meal at Ume to Hoshi
Only available from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, the “‘fuwa fuwa egg’ breakfast set meal” is a standout on their menu.
The centerpiece of the set is the fuwa fuwa egg (fuwafuwa meaning airy and fluffy), a modern reinterpretation of an egg dish that was popular during the Edo period.
“浮浮卵の朝定食,” ‘fuwa fuwa egg’ breakfast set meal 1,000 JPY (tax included)
The fuwa fuwa egg is exceptionally soft and jiggly, with a texture that’s delightful, but its flavor is even more remarkable. The secret to its taste is irizake, a traditional Japanese seasoning made by simmering sake with kombu (kelp), umeboshi, and katsuobushi (bonito flakes).
Though irizake fell out of use after soy sauce became popular in the Edo period, it’s recently gaining attention again for its lower salt content and versatility in various dishes.
The fuwa fuwa egg made with irizake has a subtle aroma of sake, and when you take a bite, the sweetness and umami of the dashi spreads on your palate.
The rice that accompanies the fuwa fuwa egg is also a highlight.
The carefully blended rice combines three premium Japanese varieties—Kumanomai (Kumano rice), Tsuyahime, and Nanatsuboshi—from Wakayama, Yamagata, and Hokkaido prefectures, respectively. This blend was specifically chosen to bring out the best flavor and texture when cooked in a hagama pot.
The perfectly balanced blend of rice at Ume to Hoshi is absolutely delicious. Add the fuwa fuwa egg, soaked with rich dashi, and you’ll experience an unforgettable harmony of flavors in every bite!
The “‘Otomo mikuji’ set meal”: a fun dining experience available all day
If you’re looking for something beyond the fuwa fuwa egg breakfast set, the “‘Otomo mikuji’ set meal” is another fantastic choice.
“おともみくじ定食（大黒天）,” ‘Otomo mikuji’ set meal (Daikokuten) 1,320 JPY (tax included)
This set meal has a playful twist. You draw a shamoji (rice paddle) from a jar in the style of a mikuji (fortune slips available at Japanese shrines or temples), and the three accompanying side dishes are determined based on the design of each paddle depicting the Seven Lucky Gods (a combination of deities with Buddhist, Taoist and native Japanese origins who play a central role in Japanese mythology).
The seven options have the name of each deity—Daikokuten, Bishamonten, Ebisu, Jurōjin, Fukurokuju, Benzaiten, and Hotei—and each offers a unique combination of side dishes.
Rice paddles used to determine the side dishes in the ‘Otomo mikuji’ set meal
During our visit, we drew Daikokuten, which came with tororo (grated Japanese mountain yam), sujiko (immature salmon roe in their casing), and chirimen okaka (dried whitebait with bonito flakes).
These sides perfectly enhance the flavors of the rice, and whichever combination you draw, the result is exceptional.
If you happen to draw something you don’t like or can’t eat, don’t worry—you can simply draw again.
Daikokuten’s three side dishes (left to right): tororo, sujiko, and chirimen okaka
The Otomo mikuji set also includes rice, tonjiru (pork miso soup), a choice of umeboshi, and a mini serving of the fuwa fuwa egg.
There are 16 types of umeboshi to choose from, each carefully selected from across Japan. Options range from the sweet Shirara, which even those who dislike sour plums can enjoy, to adventurous varieties like yaki ume (grilled umeboshi) or kimchi ume marinated in a sweet kimchi sauce.
Another great feature is that rice refills are free at Ume to Hoshi. Mix and match your side dishes and umeboshi to create the perfect combination and enjoy your meal to the fullest!
Hearty lunch set meals to satisfy your hunger, served from 11:00 AM
In addition to breakfast, Ume to Hoshi offers an enticing lunch menu from 11:00 AM, which includes such excellent offerings as the “Plum vinegar Japanese fried chicken” set meal. The main dish is unique to the restaurant.
“梅酢の唐揚げ定食,” Plum vinegar Japanese fried chicken 1,430 JPY (tax included)
This version of karaage (Japanese fried chicken) features Daisen chicken, a premium brand from Tottori prefecture. The chicken is cut into large pieces, marinated in plum vinegar for over two hours, and seasoned with a special touch.
The result is incredibly juicy chicken with a subtle tang from the plum vinegar, leaving a refreshing aftertaste. The fat isn’t overwhelming and rather brings out the sweetness of the dish. The plum vinegar keeps the chicken moist and tender, even after some time.
Freshly fried, it offers a perfect combination of a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior.
For an extra flavor boost, try topping the chicken with a little umeboshi. Since the chicken is marinated in plum vinegar, the tangy plum enhances the flavor, giving it a perfect balance of tartness.
Take home a taste of Ume to Hoshi
The first-floor shop at Ume to Hoshi offers a selection of umeboshi for purchase. Find your favorite flavor to take home, either as a treat for yourself or as a thoughtful souvenir.
Pairing freshly cooked rice with just umeboshi can transform a simple dish into something extraordinary.
Umeboshi can be purchased at the first-floor shop
Experience the rich flavors of Japan at Ume to Hoshi, a culinary treasure that will make your trip to Asakusa truly unforgettable!
Information
| Store name | 梅と星 Ume to Hoshi |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-2-4 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Asakusa Station 3-minute walk from Exit 6
Asakusa Station 5-minute walk from Exit A1
|
| Phone number | 03-4400-8620 |
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Payment |
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| Service charge/Table charge | None |
| Hours | Tue-Fri. 9:00-17:00 (last order 15:00) Sat., Sun. & nat’l holidays 9:00-17:00 (last order 16:30) |
| Closed | Monday |
| Seating | 14 counter seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://ume-hoshi.jp/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of November 2024.
