Umami bites

“Yamaguchi KyōdoRyōri Double Roppongi” (hereinafter referred to as “Double Roppongi”) is a popular tavern and restaurant where you can enjoy fugu (pufferfish) dishes and local sake from Yamaguchi Prefecture. It’s known for offering authentic cuisine at reasonable prices, attracting a steady stream of patrons. A luxurious Japanese pufferfish dish best enjoyed with sake The restaurant sources torafugu (Japanese pufferfish) daily…

In the heart of Tokyo’s busy Roppongi district, “Karaage-Senmon Roppongi Kimisei” has become a staple for hungry business workers. Renowned for its senmon (specialty) in karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken), the restaurant attracts a crowd daily, offering both dine-in and take-out bentō (boxed meal) options. “Assorted Fried Chicken Set Meal”: a trio of popular flavors The “Assorted Fried Chicken Set Meal”…

In Japan, okonomiyaki has been a popular and casual dish for a long time. Often described as a “savory pancake,” the dish is cooked on a griddle right before your eyes and is loaded with meat, vegetables, and sometimes noodles. True to its name, okonomi meaning “what you like” in Japanese, it offers a variety of ingredient combinations. The individuality…

As of 2023, Japan is seeing an increase in shops that offer kakigōri, a Japanese shaved ice dessert, throughout the year. One such place is “KAKIGORI CAFE&BAR yelo” (hereunder referred to as “yelo”) in Roppongi, Tokyo, which attracts crowds of shaved ice lovers all year round. The popular shop presents the idea that kakigōri is not just for cooling off…

“Mo-Mo PARADISE” is a restaurant chain that has expanded its presence worldwide, with a focus on Asia, including Thailand and Indonesia. In Japan, it has two locations, one near Shinjuku Station’s East Exit and another in Kabukichō, where you can savor hotpot dishes made with domestically sourced beef. The standout feature of Mo-Mo PARADISE is undoubtedly their all-you-can-eat hotpot with…

Omelette-rice, also known as omurice, is a Japanese dish consisting of an omelette made with fried rice—usually chicken fried rice—and thin, fried scrambled eggs. It’s loved by generations from children to adults. While it’s a mainstream dish here in Japan, it’s still a minor presence in other countries. Umami bites writer Bensky recounts that, until he first visited Tokyo, he…

At a great price of around 4,000 to 5,000 JPY per person, “Hina Sushi” is a fantastic place to head to for delicious sushi at a friendly price in Shinjuku. While you can order sets of sushi or seafood bowls, many visitors come for the all-you-can-eat sushi experience, making Hina Sushi a popular spot among both Japanese and overseas tourists….

Situated in the bustling Shibuya district of Tokyo, “Nihonrettōsakaba KAMIGOTO” serves up specialties from Kamigotō, a town in the northern part of the Gotō Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture. The restaurant prides itself on a variety of dishes using fresh seafood and local delicacies, directly sourced from Kamigotō. The nihonrettō in their name means “Japanese archipelago.” As for sakaba, it literally…

Sushi, a beloved Japanese cuisine that has won hearts worldwide, offers an array of styles from the classic nigiri to the diverse chirashi, catering to all tastes. In the heart of Tokyo’s trendy Harajuku neighborhood, Gonpachi NORI-TEMAKI Harajuku (hereunder referred to as ‘Gonpachi NORI-TEMAKI’) embraces this variety with a relaxed yet delightful twist. Here, sushi enthusiasts can indulge in the…

Tucked away in Tokyo’s Shibuya ward, “nurikabe cafe SSS” offers a charming escape, an enchanting atmosphere and outstanding cheesecakes that have earned acclaim on social media. The ‘SSS’ in the name, pronounced esurī, stands for its “Shibuya” location while hinting at its “Specialty” offerings and unique “Space” with a secret hideaway vibe. “minichii（ピスタチオ）,” minichii (Pistachio) 380 JPY apiece (tax included)…

“KYOTO SARYO SUISEN” is a highly popular destination in Japan for lovers of all things matcha. As of October 2023, they have seven locations in Kyoto, Tokyo, and Kanagawa prefectures, offering a range of matcha-infused sweets that are beloved by many. Additionally, each branch offers exclusive menu items, and the location on the first floor of the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building…

As of 2023, a hambāgu craze is taking Japan by storm, with specialty shops sprouting in every nook across the country. Known to the English-speaking world as hamburg steak or hamburger steak, it’s a succulent patty typically made from a mix of ground meat and savory seasonings, served without the bun that characterizes its fast-food cousin. “Hamburger Steak Restaurant Hamburg…

Situated within Shibuya Hikarie, a commercial complex with a direct link to Shibuya Station and bustling with a variety of cafes and dining establishments, you’ll find a pearl of a restaurant. “8TH SEA OYSTER Bar Shibuya Hikarie” (hereinunder referred to as “8th Sea Oyster Bar”), which opened in October 2023 on the 7th floor, is an oyster-lovers’ paradise. Packed with…

Nestled in a serene neighborhood just a leisurely stroll from Shibuya Station in Tokyo, you’ll discover the inviting “Beans Garage Coffee.” Renowned for their divine egg sandwiches and aromatic coffee, it’s the go-to retreat for a soul-soothing treat. A creamy delight overflowing with gooey scrambled eggs A favorite among many, Beans Garage Coffee’s signature treat is their “Shibuya Egg Sand”…

Standing out in the fiercely competitive Shibuya ramen scene is “Ramen Fromage Due Italian TOKYU PLAZA SHIBUYA” (hereinafter referred to as “Due Italian”), a shop that has caught the Michelin Guide’s attention for three consecutive years. Here you can experience a novel bowl that marries Italian flavors with traditional ramen. “らぁ麺生ハムフロマージュ グラン,” Special Topping Cheese Ramen 1,680 JPY (tax included)…