Our Tokyo (II): Food Adventure
こんにちは Konnichiwa!
You guys cannot deny that the Japanese cuisine is well loved by many around the world! When we were dining in Tokyo, we were completely spoilt for choice. The freshness and authenticity of Japanese food WILL leave one breathless and coming back for more.
There are just too many gustatory gems in Tokyo. Obviously we didn't and couldn't visit every food stall/gourmet restaurant/café but we will be highlighting some of our favorite places to dine at. This is our very own version of Tokyo Food Adventure, (but to each their own of course).
You ready? (Drumroll, please)
1. TORIMIKURA
Torimikura has one of the best yakitori don. The meat is delicately grilled to perfection and when you bite it, you can feel the freshness of meat teasing your tastebuds and you're just like "mmm more please!" The combination of salt, seasoning and soya sauce makes the meat extremely tender and delicious.
Torimikura is a small traditional convival restaurant and holds a maximum seating capacity of about 20pax. We know what you're thinking... Yes it's small, but cozy! The only drawback is the presence of long queues outside the restaurant. But aren't all good things worth the wait? This is one experience you simply cannot miss, and we're not just talking about food. The chefs and staff there were so friendly! Torimikura is located at Omotesandō, along a street near Harajuku. If you happen to be shopping in Harajuku, do check this place out!
Address: 6-2-10, Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Directions: A 2-minute walk from Omotesandō Subway Station/Ginza Line
2. TEMPURA DAIKOKUYA (大黑家)
Tempura Daikokuya (大黑家) does not sell your everyday tempura. It's probably one of the most famous tempura shops in Tokyo. The tempura served here are flavoured by their famous tempura black sauce (hence the name). The tempura are served on top of a huge rice bowl; their set meals come with small assorted dishes. Did I mention that the portion is so huge that their website actually has this quote saying: "Daikokuya is the type of restaurant a grandmother could bring her grandchild to and share one portion."
Our favourite was the Ebi-Tendon; four massive tempura prawns served with rice in bowl, (highly recommended for big eaters [like us] hahaha). There's also the mixed tempura rice bowl which consists of two tempura prawns, mixed tempura and kisu fish. Do take note that there are two Daikokuya outlets in the area ( the original Daikokuya and its franchise). Check out the website below for the address of the main outlet.
Tip: Explore the street leading to Sensō-ji temple for local street food (think mochi, Japanese ice cream and other traditional snacks). Also, as the street is part of the temple, most food stalls require the consumption of food & drinks to be done within the vicinity of each stall.
Address: 1-38-10 Asakusa, Taito-ku (Near Sensoji Temple)
Directions: An 8-minute walk from Asakusa Station
Website: http://www.tempura.co.jp/english/
3. TSUKIJI ITADORI UOGASHI-SENRYO
Located in Tsukiji Fish Market, this traditional restaurant is actually a sushi bar! However, it is famous for their Ganso Kaisen Hitsumabushi-Don (mixed seafood bowl or you may know it as Chirashi-Don):
Just looking at that amazing bowl makes you wanna put large spoonfuls of that uni, ikura, and sashimi cubes into your mouth right? But hang on right there... There are actually 3 ways to eat this dish and steps you have to follow in order to do so! All you need is patience haha!
Step 1: Mix some wasabi with soya sauce and pour it into your don.
Step 2: Move the uni to the left side of the bowl and split the dish into two equal portions.
Step 3: Now scoop the right portion (without the uni) into a separate bowl for your first consumption.
Step 4: The server will next mix the remaining portion (with the uni) before separating it further into two different portions.
Step 5: Scoop the larger portion into the bowl for your second consumption.
Step 6: When you're done with the second consumption, move the smaller portion into the bowl, the server will then add some hot broth in it. The heat from the broth will cook the fish and you will end up with something that resembles fish porridge!
Calling all sashimi lovers, you will love this place!
Address: 4 Chome 10- 14 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
4. GO!GO!CURRY!
If you just want to grab a quick (yet fulfilling) bite, Go!Go!Curry! is the place to Go! to (geddit? hahaha). They basically drown (in a good way) your rice with Japanese curry, and top it off with fried chicken or prawns, your pick. You could also throw in some sausages or eggs; the combination is entirely up to you! Rennie ordered the Small (photo above), which is just nice for one person. For Joel, he had the Special/(Extra) Large (photo below). We were taken aback by how massive this portion was. Portion could feed 2-3pax and we're not even kidding.
There are tons of Go!Go!Curry! outlets all over Tokyo. The one we went to was in Shinjuku, can't remember the exact address but there are more outlets located in the area. If we're not wrong, the outlet in Singapore has ceased operations but nevertheless, it's just a totally different experience having it in Tokyo!
5. YAKINIKU JUMBO SHIROKANE (焼肉ジャンボ 白金)
You guys... This place. BEST MEAL we had this trip! Yakiniku JUMBO Shirokane is a one-michelin star restaurant which serves only Japanese Black Wagyu (A5) which is specially examined and selected by a specialist. All hail the greatness of A5 Kuroge Wagyu (the highest rank of Japanese beef)! The aroma of perfectly marinated beef slices sizzling on the grills not only permeated through the restaurant but also penetrated through the doors and onto the street. It's one inviting and alluring smell if we do say so ourselves! This restaurant really deserves the one-michelin star accolade.
We were joined by Russell and Mischa and the four of us couldn't stop going "Ooh soo good!" and "Oh my God this is amazing!" as we put those heavenly slices of beef into our mouths. You could also order salads, soups, side dishes, and other carbs (think cheese ramen *100 exclamation marks*). Om Nomz level: Off The Scale.
Address: Dai-ichi Azabu Bldg. 1F, 3-1-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo