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 griddle dishes: okonomiyaki, a savory pancake packed with ingredients, and monjayaki, a sizzling batter-based treat with a fun, hands-on cooking style. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned foodie, this spot promises a fun and interactive dining experience that lets you grill your meal right at your table.
Okonomiyaki packed with three savory ingredients
One must-try dish at Teppan Daikichi is the “Buta Soba Tamago-ten” okonomiyaki, featuring tender buta (pork) belly, chewy soba (noodles), and a perfectly fried tamago (egg). This hearty dish is full of flavor and satisfaction.
“豚・そば・たまご天,” Buta Soba Tamago-ten 913 JPY (tax included)
Start by grilling the pork belly slices on the teppan (griddle), and at the same time, fry an egg—provided in a separate dish—sunny-side up. While these cook, focus on mixing the batter in the provided bowl.
“The key to making it delicious is mixing the batter thoroughly.”
With this advice from the staff in mind, you’ll find yourself putting extra care into mixing the batter. Make sure to incorporate plenty of air for a fluffy texture, and once it achieves the right consistency, spread it evenly on the griddle.
Place the grilled pork belly on top of the batter and let it rest. Patience is key here—wait until the edges of the okonomiyaki firm up.
After a few minutes, use the spatula to check the underside. Once it has a beautiful golden crust, as you can see in the photo, it’s time to flip!
The trick is to do it confidently. Insert spatulas on both sides and flip the pancake forward in one swift motion. Finally, top your creation with the sunny-side-up egg and move on to the finishing touches.
Generously apply sauce and mayonnaise from the condiments provided at your table to enhance the flavor. The sizzling sound and the aroma of sauce as it crisps on the hot griddle are so irresistible, it’s enough to make your mouth water with anticipation.
Cut the okonomiyaki in half with your spatula, and watch as the egg yolk tantalizingly oozes out. The fruity sauce and tangy mayonnaise pair perfectly, creating a rich flavor profile.
The noodles in the batter add a pleasantly chewy texture, giving the dish an additional layer of enjoyment. It’s so good you might find yourself finishing it in no time!
The seafood-packed “Kaisen-ten“
Next up is the “Kaisen-ten,” an okonomiyaki made with an assortment of seafood ingredients. If the Buta Soba Tamago-ten is packed with the flavors of the land, the Kaisen-ten is a celebration of the sea’s bounty.
“海鮮天,” Kaisen-ten 1,133 JPY (tax included)
Its ingredients include clams, squid, shrimp, scallops, sakura shrimp, pickled ginger, cabbage, tempura bits, and shredded surume-ika (dried squid). The crisp crunch of cabbage and the chewy texture of fresh seafood create a delightful mix, making the Kaisen-ten a true feast for the senses.
The batter, infused with the flavors of dried squid and sakura shrimp sourced from Tokyo’s Tsukiji Outer Market—Japan’s most famous marketplace—has a lingering, savory taste. Combined with the rich sauce and mayonnaise, it’s a dish that pairs beautifully with a cold beer.
Don’t miss the monjayaki—a perfect pairing with drinks
Being located in Asakusa, Teppan Daikichi sees many visitors from around the world. One particularly popular dish among both Japanese and international guests is the “Mentaiko Special Monja.”
“明太スペシャルもんじゃ,” Mentaiko Special Monja 1,452 JPY (tax included)
Monjayaki is made by finely chopping ingredients with a spatula, pouring a soup-like batter over them, and grilling it to perfection. A long-standing favorite among locals, it offers a slightly different taste at every restaurant, with each place adding its own unique flair to the dish.
At Teppan Daikichi, the recipe is specially crafted with drinks in mind, featuring a slightly stronger flavor, thanks in part to the use of mentaiko (spicy cod roe). The monjayaki features a tangy Worcestershire sauce base enhanced by bonito stock, offering a perfect balance of umami and richness.
Once the monjayaki develops a golden, crispy edge, scoop up a portion with the spatula. The first thing you’ll exclaim the moment you taste it is, “Delicious!”
The rich umami of the mentaiko, its subtle spiciness, and the refreshing aroma of perilla leaves combine beautifully. The balance of saltiness and depth of flavor is absolutely perfect.
A cozy, welcoming atmosphere at Asakusa Monja Teppan Daikichi
At Teppan Daikichi, the cooking is self-serve, letting customers enjoy preparing their meals. However, if the staff aren’t too busy, they can cook for you. You can also ask for help adjusting the heat or even inquire about the best way to prepare the dishes—it’s no trouble at all.
Interior of Teppan Daikichi
Part of the charm of the shop lies in its retro decor, with handwritten menus and an ambiance that feels like stepping into a classic Japanese drama. Combined with the staff’s warmth and helpfulness, every visit becomes a memorable experience.
It’s easy to see now why we described it as a place that “truly captures the essence of Asakusa” at the start of this article.
Exterior of Teppan Daikichi
Information
| Store name | 浅草もんじゃ てっぱん大吉 Asakusa Monja Teppan Daikichi |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-14-2 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
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| Access |
Asakusa Station 4-minute walk from Exit A1
Asakusa Station 5-minute walk from Exit 3
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| Phone number | 050-5869-5165 |
| Reservations | Accepted Phone |
| Payment |
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| Service charge/Table charge | None |
| Hours | Mon., Thur-Sun. 11:30-23:00 (last order: food 22:00, drink 22:30) Tue., Wed. 17:00-23:00 (last order: food 22:00, drink 22:30) |
| Closed | No fixed holidays Unscheduled holidays |
| Seating | 41 seats 19 table seats, 22 tatami room seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://www.instagram.com/teppandaikichi2/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of November 2024.
