Japanese convenience stores aren’t just handy shops with wide product selections open 24 hours a day. Of course, that alone is convenient enough. But from morning coffee to hearty lunches, light snacks, and even full-scale dinners, the range of food is so impressive that you could practically get through an entire day eating only from a convenience store. On top…
Otakibashi Street, located near Shinjuku Station’s West Exit, is one of Tokyo’s most competitive ramen districts. In this area, “Misoya Hachiroshoten” (pronounced “hachirō shōten”) stands out with its distinctly original miso ramen that boasts enduring popularity. The restaurant is operated by “Nantsuttei,” a well-known ramen chain based in Kanagawa Prefecture. This chain is said to have popularized kuro māyu (black…
Hokkaidō, one of Japan’s coldest regions, has long embraced hearty, warming bowls of ramen. Among its most famous ramen hubs is Asahikawa, a city known for its fierce competition in the ramen scene. One standout shop that traces its roots to Asahikawa is “Asahikawa Miso Ramen Bankara” (referred to hereafter as “Bankara”). For the purposes of this article, we will…
Shibuya, a trendy Tokyo area where food culture constantly thrives and evolves, is home to “soba MAREN Shibuyaten” (hereafter referred to as “soba MAREN”) a restaurant offering distinctive mazesoba crafted by a Japanese cuisine restaurant. Mazesoba (often referred to as “soupless ramen” outside of Japan) is a noodle dish mixed with a rich sauce or oil, instead of being served…
Gyoza, Japan’s beloved dumpling dish, offers endless possibilities for flavor and texture. Whether you crave the classic pan-fried variety, innovative twists, or plant-based options, Tokyo has a rich gyoza scene to explore. In this guide, we’ll take you to seven must-visit spots where these delectable dumplings shine. Unique and creative gyoza: Shinjuku Kakekomi Gyoza “Shinjuku Kakekomi Gyoza,” located in Shinjuku’s…
Gyōza dumplings, with their endless variations of fillings and toppings, offer a wide range of flavors. In addition, at “KITTAN GYOZA” in Nakameguro, you can enjoy gyoza that not only taste delicious but also look great on social media posts. Kittan Gyoza’s dumplings are umami-rich and crafted with care The gyoza at KITTAN GYOZA are characterized by their distinct umami…
Ueno, much like Shin-Okubo, is known as one of Tokyo’s more multicultural areas. Not only are there many restaurants with diverse atmospheres lined up, but many people who frequent and gather in Ueno are also multinational. Thanks to that, one of Ueno’s charms is the opportunity to encounter restaurants offering cuisine unusual in Japan. At “SANKYU HALAL JAPANESE FOOD,” you…
Characterized by its spicy and numbing flavors from chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, tantanmen noodles are so popular in Japan that there are restaurants specializing in them. Although it originated from Chinese dan dan noodles, it followed its own path in Japan. “Souryutougyokudo Roppongi” is a popular restaurant in the lively Roppongi district of Tokyo, offering a variety of tantanmen…
Ueno, with its plethora of eateries where you can enjoy alcoholic beverages even during the day, is bustling with people day and night. The scene of strangers sitting shoulder to shoulder on outdoor seats and sharing drinks can be considered a symbolic sight of this neighborhood. For an authentic experience of casually enjoying a meal with alcohol at a Japanese…
Located inside the JR Ueno Station ticket gate, “T’s TANTAN ecute Ueno” (hereinafter referred to as “T’s TANTAN”) is a restaurant that offers vegan-friendly ramen. At T’s TANTAN, the signature dish is the “Golden Sesame Tantan” noodles. Tantan is a Japanese dish resembling ramen that is inspired by the Sichuanese dish Dandan noodles. “T’sセット（金胡麻たんたん麺、全部野菜の焼き餃子１２個）,” T’s Set Golden Sesame Tantan +…
In Japan, dagashiya typically refers to nostalgic neighborhood stores selling dagashi, low-cost candies and snacks made for children. However, in Tokyo’s cosmopolitan neighborhood of Roppongi, there’s a popular tavern named Dagashiya. The owner named it with the desire to create a place enjoyable even for adults. In the evenings, many customers visit to unwind after a day’s work, savoring dishes…
In Ebisu, there’s a restaurant called “Halal ramen & dining Honolu Ebisu” (referred to hereafter as “Honolu”) that offers something still quite rare in Japan – halal ramen. Honolu provides ramen that is free from pork and alcohol, making it suitable for Muslims. The halal-certified “Special Rich Chicken Ramen” is a gorgeous bowl of noodles The ramen at Honolu features…
Gyoza dumplings are wildly popular in Japan, so you’ll find quite a lot of specialty shops dedicated to them. These beloved dumplings originated in China but have evolved uniquely in Japan, becoming incredibly popular. Gyoza are well-loved by locals and have also captivated foreign tourists in Japan. A gyoza and sake bar in Kabukichō that’s open 24/7 At “Shinjuku Kakekomi…
Restaurant operating with a partially revised menu. At Shibuya PARCO, located in the Udagawa-chō area of Shibuya in Tokyo, a wide variety of dining options are available, appealing to all kinds of culinary interests. Situated on the underground level of the shopping complex, Vegan Izakaya Masaka (hereafter referred to as “Masaka”) specializes in vegan cuisine. And no, we’re not just…