Category Archives: Japanese

{  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!




{  Kin-no-torikara  }

kin no torikara

Kin-no-torikara is a street food spot along the Shibuya-center-gai that sells karaage aka. fried chicken. There’s a couple locations but this is the first location that opened in Tokyo. It’s always crowded with young adults for a quick snack and it’s surprisingly pretty good for 280yen. You can get 1.5x for 380yen, and double the amount for 500yen. What’s awesome is they have all sorts of condiments to add to your fried chicken. The toppings are all ranked by popularity so you can see which ones people like — I tried most of them! My favorite topping is the original spice + mayo combination. It’s a nice quick snack to grab if you are in Shibuya.

Address // 25-3, Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-3464-5585
Website // www.shimanaka.co.jp/contents.php?id=119

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{  Sushi Sei – 寿司清本店  }

Sushi Sei - 寿司清本店
Sushi Sei - 寿司清本店

Sushi Sei (寿司清 本店) is located in the middle of Tsukiji Market in a highly competitive sushi district which is right next to the Tsukiji Fish Market. People come here to eat the freshest sushi early in the morning to get the best of the best.

We randomly walked by this restaurant after checking out Tsukiji Fish Market and got very lucky that we were able to sit down at the counter without making reservations. Apparently Sushi Sei has a 2nd floor with table seating only, and a new location somewhere nearby –  but this original location has the highest rating and they certainly had fresh fish.

We happend to pick a good time to go since they had a special New Years 11-piece sushi set menu for 2000 yen (the average price for a similar lunch set in this area is 3000~4000 yen). We ended up ordering a couple extra pieces aside from the special because we wanted even more of the yummyness. I’m sure all the sushi around this area is good but if you happen to walk by Sushi Sei, I recommend it (but make sure you sit at the counter!).

Address // 4-13-9, Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-3541-7720
Website // http://www.tsukijisushisay.co.jp/

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