Big Neko

Udon Meets Thai Curry!? 3 Must-Try Dishes at Ginza Sato Yosuke

When you think of udon, thick, chewy noodles probably come to mind. But Inaniwa udon, a specialty from Akita Prefecture, is a bit different. Inaniwa udon, considered one of Japan’s three great udon varieties, is best known for its exceptionally smooth and silky texture. Its shape differs from typical udon, being much thinner, known for its pleasant texture on the…

カラシビ味噌らー麺 鬼金棒 池袋店

Tokyo’s Most Intense Miso Ramen? Try the Karashibi Heat at Kikanbo Ikebukuro

Ramen in Japan continues to evolve—but did you know there’s a genre known as karashibi or shibikara? Now a familiar term among ramen lovers, this spicy and numbing category appears to have been popularized by the trailblazer “Karashibi Miso Ramen Kikanbo.” In the restaurant’s name, the word kara comes from the Japanese word karai, meaning “spicy,” and refers to heat…

油そば

Soupless, Flavor-Packed, and Totally Addictive – Don’t Miss This New-Gen Ramen in Shibuya

Soupless ramen varieties like mazesoba (mixed noodles), abura soba (oil noodles), and kamatama soba (hot noodles with egg) are among the popular genres in Japan’s evolving ramen culture. “Shibuya Mazesoba Chops” is a specialty restaurant where you can thoroughly enjoy soupless ramen in Tokyo’s trendsetting district of Shibuya. It’s also conveniently located near Shibuya Station. There are no strict definitions…

特もり

You Won’t Believe This Is Standing Soba — Shinjuku’s Best Budget Bowl?

Soba is one of Japan’s most iconic traditional dishes. If you’re looking to enjoy authentic soba conveniently and at a reasonable price, tachigui soba (standing soba) restaurants are a great way to do so. Located near Shinjuku Station, a bustling area packed with shoppers and tourists, “Shinshūya Shinjuku minamiguchi” (referred to hereafter as “Shinshuya”) is one such stand-and-eat soba spot….

しゃぶしゃぶ

Where to Enjoy Premium Wagyu Shabu-Shabu and Fresh Uni in Shinjuku

Shabu-shabu, where thinly sliced beef is briefly dipped in dashi broth, is highly popular for its simple approach to enjoying the umami of meat and vegetables. It’s one of Japan’s most quintessential hot pot dishes. “Kin no Dashi Shabu Hachiuma Shinjuku Main Store” (referred to hereafter as “Hachiuma Shinjuku”) is conveniently located in the heart of Shinjuku’s Kabukichō area. It’s…

味噌ラーメン

Must-Try Miso Ramen in Shinjuku’s Ramen Battleground

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…

しゃぶしゃぶ

Top Spot in Shinjuku for Wagyu Shabu-Shabu & Sukiyaki!

Japan’s wagyū beef has spread its delicious reputation throughout the world and has become a global brand. Shabu-shabu is a hotpot dish that allows you to enjoy the simplicity of wagyu’s flavor by briefly dipping and swishing it in broth, and enjoying it along with vegetables. Located in the bustling heart of Shinjuku’s Kabukichō district, “shabu-shabu sukiyaki steak NIIMURA” (referred…

Suzukien Asakusa: 200 Years of Matcha Sweets Perfection

Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s premier tourist destinations, buzzes with festival-like energy every day. From visiting Sensō-ji Temple to touring the town on a rickshaw and indulging in delicious local food, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your trip to Asakusa. Among the area’s culinary highlights is “Suzukien Asakusa Honten,” (hereafter referred to as “Suzukien”) a popular shop where lines…

そば

A Hidden Soba Shop with No Sign: SUBA VS Fuses Wine and Noodles in Shibuya

When people hear the words “tachigui soba” (standing soba restaurants), many probably picture a no-frills, casual eatery. However, “SUBA VS,” which opened in Shibuya in September 2024, is a new concept in standing soba shops where soba meets wine. Its stylish interior and creativity put a new twist on standing soba restaurants, and have been garnering attention on social media….

400 Sold a Day! These Taiyaki Are a Must-Try Ginza Street Food

Taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries with a sweet filling) is one of Japan’s most iconic street foods, making it perfect both as a gift and for eating on the go. When enjoyed fresh off the griddle, the outer crust is delightfully chewy and hot, while the inside is almost bursting with anko (sweet red bean paste). Just one bite brings instant joy…

Seasonal Sushi Course in Ginza—You Won’t Believe the Price!

At “GINZA SUSHI BANYA KAI,” you can savor a full course meal composed of exquisite sushi and seasonal dishes. What sets this restaurant apart is its unique dedication to a single, carefully curated course menu. The course consists of 20 meticulously prepared dishes, with sushi as the centerpiece, all crafted with exceptional skill and dedication by the chefs. Sample of…

萬馬軒 橙 池袋店 味噌ラーメン

Ikebukuro’s Hidden Gem for Miso Ramen: Manbaken Daidai!

Miso ramen, which originated in Hokkaidō, is now enjoyed throughout Japan as a standard ramen type. Over time, it has evolved in various regions, and these days, it’s not uncommon to find specialty shops offering modern twists such as tsukemen (dipping noodles) and mazesoba (soupless ramen). “味噌ラーメン,” Miso Ramen 990 JPY (tax included) Located in the bustling area around one…