When it comes to cuisine, it’s safe to say that presentation is just as important as taste and plays a crucial role in the overall satisfaction of the diner. Located in an area surrounded by office buildings and hotels, “THE RAMEN WAR Nishi Shinjuku” (hereafter referred to as “The Ramen War”) is a ramen restaurant known for its visually stunning…
The Japanese word “kawaii,” meaning “cute,” has come to be a global term and phenomenon spread worldwide thanks to pop culture, including anime and manga. On top of that, you can see the influence of “kawaii” reflected in Japanese cuisine as well these days. Located in Shinjuku, “Shabu-shabu Honpo Shinjuku Usagiya (referred to below as ‘Usagiya’)” is a restaurant where…
Since around 2021, there has been a growing trend among young people in Japan for “Katakana Sushi.” This term refers to sushi restaurants that use katakana characters (one of the Japanese language’s phonetic alphabets, often used for flashy appeal on signs) to write their names. These restaurants are known for their creative menus that deviate from traditional sushi, as well…
Tenkichiya Shinjuku (referred to as “Tenkichiya” below) is a specialty tempura rice bowl restaurant that draws large crowds daily with its signature dish, the “Ten KICHI bowl.” One of the reasons why the Ten KICHI bowl continues to captivate so many people is its outstanding visual impact. “天吉丼,” Ten KICHI bowl 1,650 JPY (tax included) Tenkichiya’s loaded tempura rice bowl…
Shinjuku is one of Japan’s landmark downtown city areas. Starting with Kabukichō, the area is home to a number of restaurants, amusement centers, and commercial facilities. Bustling with people day and night, Shinjuku has earned a “city that never sleeps” moniker. In this vibrant locale, a curry specialty store has been a long-standing favorite, growing along with the community: Mon…
The MENSHO Group, which operates multiple ramen restaurants in Tokyo, has also expanded its presence to the United States with two locations, and the name “MENSHO” has come be known internationally. One of the restaurants within the MENSHO Group is MENSHO San Francisco, which is located on the 7th floor of the commercial complex Shinjuku MYLORD. Among the restaurant’s signature…
In 2020, a restaurant named “Gourmet Curry Bon Goût NEWoMan Shinjuku store” (hereinafter referred to as “Bon Goût”) opened inside the NEWoMan Shinjuku shopping complex, directly connected to Shinjuku Station. The shop’s curry dishes, created by a chef with 40 years of experience in Western cuisine, have garnered attention on social media and turned the restaurant into a popular spot…
AFURI is a ramen restaurant that’s not only available in Japan but also expanded overseas. The restaurant is highly regarded abroad, with many international customers lining up at its doors. Among those many AFURI restaurants, there is one, AFURI kara kurenai, which opened in 2019 in the Shinjuku Subnade underground shopping mall in Shinjuku. It specializes in spicy ramen. The…
There are a few dishes that may be considered the norm in Japan but seen as a bit unusual from people in other countries. One of those is the fruit sandwich. To many Japanese people, the fruit sandwich may seem like a treat born overseas, but it appears to often be more commonly found in Japan. We had Steven, a…
When traveling abroad, breakfast can often be a meal compromised by the rush to complete a packed itinerary. It’s often well worth it, however, to take some time out of your schedule to enjoy breakfast like a local, and try meals that aren’t always available throughout the rest of the day. If you’re visiting Japan, the country has a very…
Any foodie’s itinerary for a trip to Japan will rightfully include classics like sushi, sashimi, and ramen, but one would be remiss to not explore the delectable offerings of 洋食 yōshoku dishes. The term “yoshoku” literally means “Western food” in Japanese, and refers to a category of Japanese cuisine that is influenced by Western-cooking and recipes. Yoshoku dishes are usually…
Rice balls, known as おにぎり onigiri in Japanese, are maybe one of the most versatile and popular ready-to-go snacks in Japan. Wrapped in savory のり nori seaweed, onigiri pack a variety of different tasty ingredients as filling, so there’s bound to be a favorite type for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a snack to eat on the go, take with…
和牛 Wagyū is rich and tender high-quality beef emblematic of Japanese beef cattle breeds. It has become beloved globally by meat lovers and is often regarded with the status of the very top cut of beef in the world. While it’s quite popular in many different countries, there’s nothing like trying the real deal and otherwise unavailable brands in Japan….
No matter how adventurous your appetite may be to try out new gourmet cuisine when traveling abroad, there eventually comes a time when you find yourself craving some comfort food. For many people, that comfort comes from the familiar crunch and flavor of fried food. If you find yourself needing to scratch that itch in Japan, the country’s world of…
Found within the bustling district of Shinjuku, the smaller neighborhood of 新大久保 Shin-Ōkubo may not be at the top of lists found in Tokyo guidebooks, but it’s quickly rising the ranks. Known as Tokyo’s “Korea Town,” Shin-Ōkubo is a vibrant area thriving with cuisine and entertainment that attracts both fans of K-Pop and those just looking to taste some authentic…