Discover the hidden gems in Tokyo’s meals scene from a hidden onigiri store on the practice station to mouthwatering eel and the best Wagyu beef
In Tokyo, the place modernity and custom intertwine, hidden meals gems await round each nook. As I explored this vibrant metropolis, I found that typically the perfect eating experiences stem from probably the most sudden discoveries.
Listed here are my prime meals picks to dine in Tokyo that you just can not miss.
Chikuyotei Ginza: A style of custom
Our first full day in Tokyo—beginning in Ginza—was a whirlwind of exploration.
As we climbed the steps of the metro, we observed a small line of locals forming exterior a restaurant. With our curiosity piqued, we determined to hitch them, regardless of having no concept what the soon-to-open restaurant supplied.
As if by destiny, the second we lined up, the doorways of Chikuyotei Ginza opened, welcoming us into what would quickly turn into one in every of our most memorable eating experiences in Tokyo.
The ambiance was serene and welcoming, with a standard Japanese aesthetic that instantly set a comforting tone. As we have been seated, we rapidly found that Chikuyotei Ginza focuses on one in every of Japan’s most beloved dishes: unagi (grilled eel). The menu was easy but promising, that includes varied unagi preparations that spoke to the restaurant’s deal with high quality and custom.
The unagi donburi, a basic dish of succulent grilled eel served over a mattress of steamed rice, was a revelation. Every chunk blended textures and flavors, with the tender eel meat virtually melting in our mouths. The tare sauce, a candy and savory glaze, added depth and complexity with out overpowering the pure richness of the unagi.
Accompanying sides, together with a light-weight miso soup and pickled greens, supplied a refreshing distinction and cleansed the palate between bites.
Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu: An interactive beef cutlet extravaganza
After an extended day of touring Tokyo, we discovered ourselves in Shibuya, hungry and craving one thing substantial. We stumbled upon Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu and a fast look inside revealed a crowd of locals—a promising signal.
With solely a 15-minute wait, we determined to provide it a strive. Since opening in Kyoto in 2014, the restaurant has constructed a strong fame and expanded its attain throughout Japan and past, all pushed by a mission to share gyukatsu (beef cutlet) with the world.
Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu’s gyukatsu is a real delight. Each bit of beef is expertly breaded and fried to an ideal golden brown. In contrast to conventional tonkatsu (pork cutlet), gyukatsu is served uncommon inside, permitting the pure flavors of the tender beef to shine. The presentation was impeccable, with the crispy cutlets served alongside quite a lot of accompaniments, like rice, miso soup, cabbage salad, and a number of dipping sauces.
One of many highlights of eating right here is the interactive expertise. As we took our seats, we have been greeted by a small private grill at our desk, able to be fired up for the final word gyukatsu indulgence. Every desk is provided with a small private grill, permitting diners to cook dinner their gyukatsu to their most popular degree of doneness.
For the complete expertise, I order the Wagyu Gyukatsu Zen The aroma of the scorching wagyu beef was completely intoxicating, promising a taste explosion with every chunk. It’s characterised by average fats and a advantageous texture, permitting you to benefit from the sweetness and richness of Japanese wagyu beef.
The distinction between the crunchy coating and the juicy, uncommon meat was beautiful. The meat was extremely tender, bursting with taste, and the breading was gentle and completely seasoned. The dipping sauces, starting from tangy ponzu to the basic salt and pepper, enhanced the meat’s pure flavors with out overpowering them.
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Nikusho Kogiya Entei: A wagyu beef indulgence
Nestled on the third ground of a constructing within the bustling restaurant-lined streets of Nishigotanda, Shinagawa, Nikusho Kogiya Entei beckons carnivores with guarantees of Ku-certified A5 black wagyu beef delights.
After a day spent nursing probably the most brutal hangovers of my life, I sought the final word pick-me-up, and if something may revive me, it was this.
Drawn in by tantalizing pictures of completely marbled cuts of meat adorning the storefront, we opted for Nikusho Kogiya Entei over the plethora of yakiniku eating places lining the road. We eagerly ordered what some would possibly name an extreme quantity of meat for 2, however with costs this tempting, how may we resist?
We selected a set meal boasting a staggering 9 completely different cuts of meat, every providing a novel taste profile, texture, and degree of marbling. From the second the scorching meat hit the grill, we knew we have been in for a deal with.
Every reduce, expertly ready and served with precision, showcased the unparalleled high quality of Ku-certified A5 wagyu beef. Whether or not it was the melt-in-your-mouth ribeye, the succulent sirloin, or the flavorful brisket, each chunk was a symphony of savory goodness.
We couldn’t resist including an order of beef tongue to our feast, and we have been glad we did. Impossibly tender with simply the correct quantity of chew, it was a pleasant addition to an already indulgent meal.
Not solely did the wealthy flavors and succulent textures of the meat revive my weary physique, however by the top of the meal, I discovered myself totally recovered from my hangover.
The Onigiri Store at Gotanda Station
Tucked away behind MyStay Lodge in Gotanda Station is a hidden gem of an onigiri store. This mom-and-pop institution, run by a one-woman present, exudes allure and authenticity from the second you step inside. All through my journey, I had been eagerly anticipating the chance to do that quaint store, however for 2 weeks, it remained elusive, its tantalizing menu exterior teasing me every time I handed by.
It was solely on my final day, as I waited for my automobile service to whisk me away to the airport, that luck lastly smiled upon me and I witnessed the store’s door open. Seizing the second, I stepped inside and was greeted by the pleasant aroma of freshly made onigiri.
Choosing the salmon onigiri, I used to be not upset. Every chunk was a mirrored image of the care and experience poured into its crafting. The rice was completely seasoned and held collectively good, whereas the salmon filling was bursting with taste. It was clear that these onigiri have been made with love and a focus to element, a far cry from the mass-produced variations present in comfort shops.
As I savored the previous couple of bites of my onigiri, I couldn’t assist however really feel a way of satisfaction and contentment. This straightforward but scrumptious meal was the proper ending to my journey stuffed with Tokyo’s hidden meals gems, leaving me with fond recollections and a yearning for extra.
