Monthly Archives: January 2012

{  Azabushokudo  }

Azabushokudo

Azabushokudo is hard to find because it’s located in the middle of a residential area on the basement level of random building. If you weren’t looking for it, chances are you would pass by it and never notice it. This place was highly rated for their Omurice (Egg omelet filled with rice) so we decided to check it out. The place is so cozy, I imediately felt at home. I really liked that they weren’t trying to make the place look fancy or high-end despite being located in a high-end neighborhood. There is a down-to-earth quality to the place where you almost feel like it could be your mother’s cooking.

There were three different sauces that you could choose with your omurice: Ketchup, Demi-glace sauce, and White sauce. We tried the ketchup and the demi-glace and they were both good. I don’t know why but eating here gave me a nostalgic feeling. The tomato salad was surprisingly  refreshing and one of the highlights of the meal. Definitely will be going back to try their other dishes!

Address // B1F, 4-18-1, Nishiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-3409-4767
Website // n/a

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{  Ippudo Ramen  }

Ippudo Ramen
Ippudo Ramen

Ippudo ramen is famous for their tonkotsu-based (pork) soup which originated from Hakata, Japan. They are located through out Japan, and in recent years, they have branched out to locations internationally such as Hong Kong, New York, Singapore, and Seoul (though their international locations have slightly different menus).

Depending on the location, there are lines out the door, and during lunch it’s usually hard to get a seat. If it’s your first time, I recommend you try their “akamaru” or “shiromaru” ramen with a side of gyoza – so good! If you are craving a spicy ramen, try their “Ippudo karakamen” — for which you can specify different levels of spicyness (I can only go up to level 3!). I also love that they have a wide variety of condiments and side dishes so you can mix up the flavors. For example, they have takana, ginger, crushed sesame seeds, garlic etc. The moyashi (a free side-dish) that is on the table is slightly spicy but is one of my favorite things to eat before having ramen.

PS: Check out what you get when becoming an Ippudo Premium Member

Address // 1-3-13, Hiro, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-5420-2225
Website // www.ippudo.com

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{  Yurakucho Yakitori Nenohi  }

Yurakucho Nenohi
Yurakucho Nenohi
Yurakucho Nenohi

I asked a friend if they could take us out to an ultimate Japanese salary-man experience along with some good food and we ended up at “ga-do shita” (“underneath the railroads”) in Yurakucho. I’ll have more pictures just of “ga-do shita” in a different post – here.

There’s a ton of options all packed into a small area hidden among small alleyways, but we decided to check out this Yakitori place called “Yurakucho Nenohi”. The place was filled with Japanese Salary-men who had just finished work and were all enjoying their beer and yakitori. The food was all good and cheap – about 160yen each for Yakitori. The place is very small so be prepared to literally sit right next to a few strangers. The restaurant also allows smoking so if you are a non-smoker, it might get a little smoky. Actually, the place is already smoky with all the Yakitori smell so make sure you wear something you don’t mind getting stinky in!

Address // 2-3-3, Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-3571-9132
Website // n/a

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{  Yurakucho Ga-do Shita  }

Ga-do Shita
Ga-do Shita

Yurakucho’s “Ga-do Shita” is an area with many Izakayas and Yakitori restaurants hidden away literally underneath the railroad tracks. As a result, when you visit this area you can expect to hear the JR and bullet trains passing by above you. Most people traveling on the trains would have no idea what they’re passing over, but in this somewhat mysterious part of Tokyo lie some hidden spots.

We visited Ga-do Shita on a day after it snowed in Tokyo so it was quite empty, but it is typically packed with salary-men drinking away the night. During the summer time, everyone sits outside in the open space and it becomes very lively and loud.

Check out Yurakucho Nenohi if you’re in the area. We enjoyed it!




{  Mame-Hico  }

Cafe Mame-Hico

I’d been wanting to check out this coffee shop located in a random hidden spot in Shibuya for some time. They are famous for their coffee and I tired their cafe au lait and cheese toast for a snack. It was a warm cozy space with lots of people chilling by themselves either studying or reading a book.

I wasn’t amazed with their cafe au lait but it was pretty good. It’s great that they don’t mind if you stay for hours as we were there for quite a while just taking a break. One thing I didn’t understand, however, is their menu. They have a very weird sense of humor in their descriptions of each item…

Anyhow, if you want a nice quiet space to relax not too far from the Shibuya bustle, come check out this coffee shop.

Address // 37-11, Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-6427-0745
Website // http://www.mamehico.com/mamehico/

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