Tokyo Eats: favorite spots that make your taste buds go WOW!
- sinjahaag
- 30. Dez. 2024
- 11 Min. Lesezeit
Aktualisiert: 10. März
Tokyo is a true food temple of overwhelmingly huge offers of food indulgence. From sweet & savoury snacks, desserts, ramen & udon dishes up to local specialties, such as Monjaki, you certainly will not have to fear any sort of starvation. For any taste and dietary form, Tokyo will provide a respective answer and offering. My personal highlight locations and dishes are collectively compiled below. Give them a try and thank me later!
Chiyoda - Sotokanda: custard- filled Magikarp Taiyaki
I unfortunately need to admit that my buying behaviour has always been easily influenced by cute- looking appearances. Having been a Pokemon Fan since a child, these Magikarp Taiyaki of course captured my heart in storm when bypassing them on the street! And not only did they look cute but they tasted fantastic!
Taiyaki are a traditional Japanese snack, usually filled with "Anko" (red bean paste). They come along hot, fresh and crispy on the outside with a tender filling; almost like a filled waffle. As their shape usually comes in form of a fish, they are often referred to as (literally translated) "fish waffles". So, the further development of a fish towards a Magikarp Pokemon version, in fact, is not too far off from its origin.
The Magikarp Taiyaki are available with two fillings: milk chocolate and custard cream filling. Based on the recommendation of the lovely lady serving behind the counter, I went for custard cream and boy, she did not disappoint me! The Taiyaki consists of a soft and slightly crispy dough on the outside with a warming creamy vanilla custard filling on the inside. A heavenly dessert you must try! Consume them hot & fresh and come back for seconds, if you cannot get enough.
Next to the Pokemon-themed Magikarp, other Taiyaki options in a simple fish form are at-hand to be tested. These Taiyaki also include savoury fillings, such as red bean, premium cream, chestnut & red bean, soy bean flour & cornflakes as well as a chili dog fillings. I would have loved to try them all!
To buy the Magikarp Taiyaki or any other delicacy offered at the stall, only cash is accepted.
Do yourself a favour and give them a taste test. I am certain, you will love them!
Address: Gansozushi 1-chōme-16-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tōkyō-to 101-0021, Japan
Costs: 220 Yen per piece
Shibuya - Yoyogi: Carbonara Udon at Udon Shin
When doing some research on Instagram regarding food highlights in Tokyo, you will probably stumble across a well-known ramen restaurant in Shibuya, called "Udon Shin"- a Ramen chain whose popularity went through the roof after introducing their most popular dish amongst locals & tourists on the menu: their Carbonara Udon.
Udon Shin itself is an old, small restaurant with limited numbers of 10 seating opportunities and usually long queues in front of its entrance. Simply stopping by to get a spot whenever you desire doesn't work at Udon Shin, as their interior is ALWAYS booked out. In other words, anyone who wants to come to the table here has to either a) book a fast lane ticket online or b) withdraw a ticket number from the machine in front of the restaurant (waiters in front will be kind enough to get you sorted in case you do not know what to do).
Any withdrawn ticket obtains a QR code that updates your still outstanding waiting time every few minutes. Depending on your wait, in my case >2 hours, you can then simply walk around town and/or continue with some sightseeing activities on your list.
Once your waiting time has come to an end you should be punctual in returning back to the restaurant (you have +/- 10 minutes usually before the reservation becomes invalid). Now, it is finally time for food! Nope. Not quite. Again, you will need to queue in line first. The waiter will step outside handing you the menu and returns after a couple of minutes to take your order. This way, everyone entering the restaurant is directly being served without losing any time. So overall quite en efficient process. Plus, whilst waiting, you can already sneak-peak through the kitchen window, watching cooks in their Ramen making process.
The agony of choice begins with the menu. This is characterised by a wide variety of delicious handmade Udon variations, mostly topped with butter, pepper and raw egg, plus a choice of smoking hot, freshly fried tempura item of choice.
I was curious to see what the waiter would recommend as his personal choice when making his way towards me whilst queuing in front of the restaurant. The answer was quick and simple: Carbonara Udon. Okay, here we go then! And boy, what a great decision he made for me!
The taste of Carbonara Udon is outstanding due to its velvety soft buttery taste with a creamy note of parmesan, which, in its combination, round off the dish beautifully. The portions are quite big to take and all noodles are served in a porcelain bowl with spiral, almost artistic shape.
The taste of Carbonara Udon truly is unique to try, as it combines a rich and creamy texture, topped up with a pinch of crunch via crispy tempura toppings and freshly chopped spring onions. As for my personal taste, I was lacking a bit of salt and spice (pepper and chili), but you can add and pimp up your dish a gusto with different spice options available at the counter and tables.
Would I recommend it to someone who has never tried it before? Certainly! Is it the best Ramen I have ever had? No. There are many other delicious varieties in Japan to savour through but this one definitely sticks to mind due to its Italian twist and the fact that actual cheese (not common in Japanese cuisine) is integrated!
Even if the long waiting time may seem daunting at first, a visit to this restaurant is definitely worth it and should not be missed by udon lovers looking for a unique, rich and flavourful taste they will not be getting anywhere else but in Japan!
Costs: 1000 - 2000 Yen
Tantan Hanten: Tantan Noodles on fire
This restaurant I found per incidence whilst exploring the streets and neighbourhood area of my hostel. I took a photo to remember the location since the food on the picture looked super appealing to me. Of course I returned to try and wow, these dishes were superb!
Tantan Hanten is famous for serving Tantanmen. A term that actually is based on the Chinese "Dan Dan" Mian or Noodles. These are flavourful noodle dishes originating from the Sichuan cuisine, containing both boiled vegetables and minced meat. A falvourful, absolutely tasty Ramen dish with a pinch of spice!
Entering Tantan Hanten, you firstly need to pick and choose your dish of desire via a vending machine (cash only!). If you are already waiting in line (the place is popular and usually also crowded), the waiter will call you up front to make your choice, so that you will be served with your food directly once you enter the seating area. I have not seen any tourists but me and my friend here but noticed that especially for lunch, this place is a hot spot for locals to come to!
Each seat is separated with a plastic wall separation and you are handed out sloppy bibs prior to eating. You also can decide the level of spice in your soup. I went for a spicy version, whereas my American friend chose no spice at all. Both soups were heavenly made, consisting of chewy Ramen noodles in a smoky hot broth topped with oil, crunchy bamboo sprouts, green veggies and a tender minced meat ball sprinkled with sesame seed. I demolished the entire bowl all at once in no time and I am sure, you will too, if you give this place a try!
Address: 東京都千代田区神田錦町1-23-8 1F
Costs: 1000 - 2000 Yen
Asakusa Monja Kanoya: Monjaki & Okonomiyaki individually prepared at your table!
I came across this store whilst walking the streets of Asakusa, initially looking for another restaurant I had researched for my friend, Erika, and I to try. My store of choice was, of course how could it other be, closed only on that particular day! But as the saying goes: who knows what it was good for, right? When bypassing the menu of Asakusa Monja Kanoya I spotted the dish "Monjaki" and was directly curious. Having had Okonomiyaki several times before, I never had tried this respective dish, which on top, belongs to one of Tokyo's specialities. So we gave it a go and truly had the best night ever with a lot of laughs and excellent foods!
Let's briefly have a look onto the distinction between Monjaki vs. Okonomiyaki first:
Monjaki belongs to one of Tokyo's specialty dishes. It is usually prepared with flour, dissolved in water, and additional ingredients of choice, e.g. cabbage, fish, pork, beef, cheese, cooked on a hot BBQ plate. Compared to Okonomiyaki, Monjaki is less dense in texture and falls appart once scratching it from grill to transfer onto your plate. It is a thin layer of cooked meats & vegetables you can mix and mingle, rich & flavourful to enjoy. I also found it lighter to eat and enjoy, as it was not covered in a layer of thick sauces and mayonnaise, like the typical Okonomiyaki.
Okonomiyaki, in comparison, is referred to as Japanese Pancake- not in a sweet but savoury form. "Okonomi" stand for taste, whatever you desire, whereas "yaki" refers to grilled, cooked. A quick and easy dish which is popular amongst both locals and tourists. Just like the Monjaki, Okonomiyaki are usually prepared on a hot iron plate. The basic ingredients are flour, dashi, cabbage, eggs and spices, your fillings of choice (usually some sort of meats or fish). You can also add noodles or rice, if desired. Typically, it gets covered with a special Okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise and crushed, dried tuna flakes. Its texture is more thick and dense and can be cut apart like a pizza. Ideal for sharing.
Walking into the store of Asakusa Monja Kanuya, you are welcomed by staff and brought to a table with a Teppan (hot iron plate). The restaurant is huge, providing two stories for guests to sit and enjoy their food. Despite initial difficulties in scanning the menu via QR code, we managed to order both Monjaki and Okonomiyaki, paired with a glass of draught beer and highball (traditional drink in Japan, usually consisting of Japanese Whisky + soda water).
Not long after our order, our lovely waiter came to our table. As an appetiser, you are being served a freshly made, fluffy Japanese omelette. Afterwards, the preparation of the Monjaki begins: herefore, the cabbage is layered in form of a circle onto the hot plate, whilst the rest of the ingredients are put in the centre; once cooked, the flour-egg-spice- mixture is added in the middle of the cabbage circle, required to simmer for a few more minutes before it is ready to indulge. The Okonomiyaki, in contrast, was prepared in the kitchen and came along on a separate plate to share. Both dished were incredible tasty, though, I liked the Monjaki a tiny little bit better!
Us not knowing what was happening in front of our eyes, since we were neither familiar with Teppan nor Monjaki, we kept asking a lot of questions to our waiter, whilst he was cooking in front of, coupled with loud laughter, making jokes and having a fantastic time, which eventually made him and further members of the staff laugh loudly as well (shortly followed by a eye-twinking "shhh, not so loud"). We truly had a blast!
Once you exit the restaurant, the staff will spray some sort of perfume-mix onto your clothes to neutralise the smell of the BB plates.
If you have never tried traditional Monjaki, or simply would like to try indulging on some hot iron plate dishes, this is a place of heart I can warmly recommend!
Address: 2-chōme-8 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Costs: 2000 - 3000 Yen
Shinpachi Shokudo Asakusa: traditional Japanese Bento Breakfast
Are you curious to give Japanese traditional breakfast a try? Then this place in Asakusa is a must- visit during your itinerary! Shinpachi Shokudo serves authentic traditional Japanese Teishoku with miso fish, starting from 7am in the morning. Teishoku is a set of menu usually combining several smaller dishes. Most commonly, you will find a bowl of rice, soup, pickles and a mean dish (meat, fish) with vegetables.
If you would like to grab a set breakfast menu Shinpachi Shokudo, you can do so for only 5 US Dollars. However, as the store opens at 7am, you will need to get in line once the store opens, as the set menu items will be sold out in the matter of no time (just like in my case). In case all breakfast menus are already sold out, you will still be able to put together your own plate of Teishoku with your personal items of choice. I went with rice, raw egg, a block of tofu and some peanut-covered stir-fried beans.
All orders are taken via an iPad and you are being served with hot tea for free. A truly nice experience in a cozy, small and casual restaurant taking you back into the ancient days of Japan. If you do have a chance to try the famous miso glazed fish, please do so for me!
Costs: 1000 Yen
Vegan Ramen at TeamLab Planets
Now, this might sound a little confusing: a Ramen dish right in front of a tourist main attraction?! Yes. You might be thinking: isn't it more expensive than purchasing a Ramen dish anywhere else? And again, I will need to say: yes. But not overly. We are speaking of 1800 Yen of heavenly thick and creamy Ramen goodness!
TeamLab Planets provides a little Ramen shop right in front of its entrance gates, where you will be able to purchase drinks, little snacks and sweet treats, such as cake & muffins, just like a heart-warming dish, which especially on colder days- or in my case, as I was starving- is a game changer: a vegan, veggie loaded Ramen. The noodles come in a thick and creamy broth containing oat milk at its base for a pinch of sweetness, combined with miso sauce, tahin (sesame paste), ginger and garlic. Topped with colourful, fresh vegetables, such as mushrooms, tomatoes and broccoli, the total combination is a dish from heaven that will fill you up for a couple of hours.
Have yourself a cup of delicious, heart-warming vegan Ramen when visiting TeamLab Planets. A refreshing alternative to mostly meat-based dishes you'll find around Japan.
Address: Japan, 〒135-0061 Tokyo, Koto City, Toyosu, 6 Chome−1−16 teamLab Planets TOKYO Costs: 1800 Yen
Yamagasa no Ryu: Tonkotsu Ramen deliciousness
This Ramen place was recommended by one of the hostel staff I was talking to when trying to find some authentic local dining locations. Located in Taito, Yamagasa no Ryu is famous for its delicious thick & creamy Tonkotsu- and Tsukemen Ramen.
What's the difference in a nutshell?
Tonkotsu: is a typical Japanese Ramen dish and soul food, based on a slowly simmered pork bone broth, which oftentimes takes up to 18 hours. Due to its richness in taste and texture, Tonkotsu usually does not provide too many additional toppings other than some thinly slices of pork meat, spring onions, pickled ginger and chilli.Tsukemen: compared to the typical Ramen dish combining both broth and noodles in one cup, Tusukemen separate these items, meaning a bowl of hot broth is served with a separate plate of cold boiled noodles which you dip into a, next to the noodles situated, bowl of hot broth. Sometimes, additional toppings, such as tempura, pickled vegetables are served on the side as well.I personally went for the star of the restaurant- the traditional Tonkotsu Ramen. A filling, heavenly warm and rich Ramen dish with tender meat, spring onion, chewy mushroom and pickled ginger that I topped up with lots of chili flakes and oil. The meat just falls apart in your mouth and goes well along with the thick hearty broth. An experience for all your senses!
Entering the store, you order your dish of choice via a vending machine and pass your order to the waiter. You then take a seat and only wait for a few minutes prior to being served with a bowl of deliciousness. Many locals come here for lunch- and dinner, seats are limited. You might be handed out a paper sloppy bips to not spill the broth onto your clothes. Enjoy your soup and thank me later!
Costs: 1000 Yen
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