Each region of Japan has its own iconic local dishes. When people think of Tokyo’s regional cuisine, monjayaki often comes to mind. Monjayaki is a savory Japanese pancake dish made with a thin, runny batter and a variety of ingredients such as meat, seafood, and vegetables that is cooked on a griddle. It’s sometimes referred to as “monja” for short.
In the Tsukishima area, close to the Tsukiji Outer Market in Chūō-ku (Chūō Ward), Tokyo, there are nearly 50 specialized monjayaki restaurants, large and small, lined up along the streets.
One of the long-standing monjayaki restaurants in the Tsukishima area is “Yoshimiya,” which was established in 1954.
(front) “特製もんじゃ,” Special Monjayaki 1,400 JPY (tax included), (back left) “特製塩ダレもんじゃ,” Special Salt Sauce Monjayaki 1,400 JPY (tax included), (back right) “卵とチーズのカレーもんじゃ,” Egg and Cheese Curry Monjayaki 1,480 JPY (tax included)
What makes Yoshimiya so appealing is that you can taste monjayaki made from a recipe that hasn’t changed since the restaurant’s founding.
As a restaurant that has been in operation for many years in Tsukishima, which is said to be the birthplace of monjayaki, Yoshimiya is an essential name when talking about monjayaki.
Yoshimiya’s exterior
The restaurant is run by the third-generation owner, Takao Murata. He inherited the taste of Yoshimiya from his grandmother’s generation.
For those eating monjayaki for the first time, Yoshimiya is a place you definitely want to visit. Let’s explore the charm of Yoshimiya with explanations from the owner, Takao Murata.
Three recommended monjayaki at Yoshimiya
As noted above, monjayaki is a dish made by cooking flour dissolved in water with added flavoring, along with ingredients such as vegetables, seafood, and meat on an iron griddle.
At Yoshimiya, they use three basic ingredients in all their monjayaki dishes: cabbage, tenkasu (crispy tempura bits), and thinly sliced surume ika (sliced dried squid).
Special Monjayaki
The most popular menu item at the restaurant is the “Special Monjayaki,” which adds pork, squid, and noodles to the basic ingredients introduced earlier.
The flavoring of the broth-like batter, known as “dashi,” is seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, and they prepare it fresh as soon as you order.
The batter, seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, has a savory and tangy flavor that defines the classic taste of monjayaki. It is fruity yet leaves a rich aftertaste that spreads across your palate.
The different textures of the cabbage, noodles, and squid add accents to the dish, creating a perfect balance of combinations.
When you cook the batter on the hot plate until it gets a little crispy, the aroma intensifies.
When considering the balance of flavors, I think this is the most classic monjayaki. If you’d like to add your own originality, you can also add extra toppings.
There are 15 types of toppings available, starting from 80 JPY.
If you want more substance, you can add pork for 240 JPY (tax included), or if you prefer a lighter taste, you can order pickled ginger for 120 JPY (tax included). The possibilities for customization are endless depending on your choice of toppings.
Because it’s the standard flavor, it tastes great with any topping!
Special Salt Sauce Monjayaki
Most monjayaki restaurants use Worcestershire sauce as the base flavor. So, I think Yoshimiya’s salt-flavored monjayaki is quite rare.
This is what Mr. Murata had to say about the “Special Salt Sauce Monjayaki.”
Special Salt Sauce Monjayaki
As the name suggests, the batter is seasoned with a salt-based sauce. When compared to the Special Monjayaki, you can taste the difference. It has a lighter richness and a refreshing aftertaste.
(left) Special Monjayaki, (right) Special Salt Sauce Monjayaki
The defining characteristic of the Special Salt Sauce Monjayaki is that the simpler seasoning of the batter highlights the taste of the ingredients.
Particularly noteworthy is the cabbage, which, after being heated on the hot plate, releases a sweetness that fills your mouth.
When sakura shrimp are added, it creates an exquisite taste. Despite the generous portion of Yoshimiya’s monjayaki, you’ll finish it before you know it.
Egg and Cheese Curry Monjayaki
While Yoshimiya mainly offers traditional monjayaki dishes, they also offer more unique creations, such as the “Egg and Cheese Curry Monjayaki.”
Egg and Cheese Curry Monjayaki
The curry-flavored batter has a mild spice and is a flavor that appeals to both adults and children.
After quickly grilling cabbage, sliced squid, tenkasu, and pork on the hot plate, they add beaten eggs to give the dish a mellow sweetness.
Finish by sprinkling melted cheese and, if desired, green nori seaweed.
You should enjoy the combination of melting cheese, slightly set scrambled eggs, and curry-flavored batter while it’s piping hot!
With just one bite, you’ll fall in love with the wonderful combination of flavors.
Monjayaki is usually eaten with everyone gathered around the iron griddle, sharing one serving.
For those eating an entire portion on their own, it may feel quite filling.
For example, if you visit with a group of four, it’s recommended to order two servings of monjayaki along with several side dishes.
At Yoshimiya, staff will cook monjayaki for you, but you can also choose to make it yourself if you prefer
Also, instead of ordering multiple servings of monjayaki at once, it’s recommended to finish one serving first and then choose your next dish.
When sharing between two people, it takes about 20 minutes from the start of cooking to the last bite.
Yoshimiya’s interior
Of course, there’s no problem if you visit alone. Choosing your favorite monjayaki and savoring it by yourself is a real treat for enthusiasts.
Please savor Tokyo’s local cuisine at Yoshimiya, which is said to be the originator of monjayaki in the Tsukishima area!
Information
| Store name | 好美家 Yoshimiya |
|---|---|
| Address | 3-15-10 Tsukishima, Chūō-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Tsukishima Station 6-minute walk from Exit 7
Kachidoki Station 6-minute walk from Exit A1
|
| Phone number | 03-3531-7061 |
| Reservations | Accepted Phone |
| Payment |
|
| Service charge / Table charge | None |
| Hours | Mon. & Wed-Fri. 17:00-22:00（last order21:30） Sat-Sun. & nat’l holidays 16:00-22:00（last order 21:30） |
| Closed | Tuesday |
| Seating | 20 table seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://yoshimiya.tokyo/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of March 2025.
