1. Ichiran Ramen
Ichiran ramen only serves one type of ramen - tonkatsu. It has over 10 outlets in Tokyo itself and the website, thankfully, is in English complete with addresses and a map depending on which outlet you'd like to visit. I visited the Shibuya outlet!
Ordering is done through a machine, so if your Japanese is as pathetic as mine, pictures are your best friend. Choice of toppings and payment are made through the machine. Along with a tiny chit that comes out of the machine, the waiter will pass you a sheet for to fill up your preference of noodles (firm, slightly firm, etc), spicy level and garlic level. You're then ushered to a booth and your order chit and form is passed through a little hole, and the bowl of ramen is brought to you through the same hole.
There is a third form that stays with you for additional ingredients if you wish to order at your booth; maybe in the middle of your ramen you decide it needs more meat/spring onions/mushrooms/egg or even noodles. All of this is done without either customer or server seeing each other. Pretty genius I must say!
The ramen's broth was perfection in a bowl. I selected firm for the noodles and the first level of spiciness. I would have liked for it to be a tad more spicy but it was a good balance for me. The pork was oozing with flavour; so good that my mom had an add on of meat. No Tokyo trip is complete without life-changing ramen!
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Ichiran ramen and its outlets (English website) click HERE.
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| Korabuta, loin |
Maison Tonkatsu is the holy grail when it comes to tonkatsu. The menu can be a little overwhelming and confusing when everything looks more or less the same. Always ask for the english versions of menus, and do note that in Tokyo dinner time is always more expensive than lunch time. The same meal that costs 3000 yen ($32 sgd) could cost 990 yen ($11 sgd) during lunch. Lunch would be the time to go all out at fancy restaurants and hold back this urge during nightfall.
The menu has different types of pork but the korabuta and loin are the ones you should be going for. The meat is far from tough and the batter is thin, unlike some where majority of what you're eating is batter. The meal comes with rice, miso soup and salad. Wholesome, complete. Your tummy will definitely be happy with this meal.
The main outlet for Maison Tonkatsu is at Omotesando but there's outlets at Shibuya and Shinjuku too. I had my meal at Hikarie in Shibuya, opposite BIC Camera.
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Maison Tonkatsu's website in English
Address for outlet at Hikarie:
〒150-0002 Tokyo, Shibuya Shibuya Hikarie 渋谷2-21-1 渋谷ヒカリエ6F
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| Upon entering, small souvenir shops line the outer market. This stall sold re-usable tote bags, chopsticks and quaint lil umbrellas for a fraction of the price in departmental stores! |
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| The restaurant we had our sashimi meal, 8 pieces for about 3000 yen ($32 sgd). |
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| Tamago on a stick, 120 yen (approx $1.40 sgd) |
Restaurants at the market are tiny, one with a maximum occupancy of 12-15 pax. This makes the experience with the chef, a very intimate one. The sushi is done in front of you and it is amazing to observe the art of what goes into that one sushi.
The Japanese way of enjoying sushi would be to eat it in an entire mouthful. The portions are huge compared to what we get in Singapore, less rice, more sashimi. Wasabi is placed on top of the rice to give a little kick to our taste buds.
I did not know half of the sashimi that was going into my mouth but it was so, SO good.
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Tsukiju Fish Market
5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0045
Nearest station: Tsukijishijo (Oedo Line direct from Shinjuku)
Follow the sign boards that lead you right straight to the market. Upon exiting the train station, a guard will be there giving out maps of the market in English.
4. Breizh Cafe
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| Brown sugar and butter | Salted caramel with vanilla ice cream |
A tea time set at Breizh Cafe consists of a savoury or sweet crepe and a drink off the menu. If we had not already eaten lunch we would probably be diving into more than just two. These crepes are made to perfection, they're thin, moist, soft and albeit huge, do not leave you feeling sick.
These crepes are perfect for a mid-day snack among hectic shopping, or to refuel from walking through Tokyo's bustling and busy train stations. Perfect as brunch, dessert or even as a meal with the wide array of savoury options.
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Breizh Cafe
5-24-2 Sendagaya | Shinjuku Takashimaya 13 F, Shibuya 151-0051
Takashimaya Times Square (New South Exit from Shinjuku Station)
Level 13
5. Hantejiya (Korean Pork BBQ)
Hantejiya was located just opposite my hotel and this was one of the last meals we had in Tokyo. Irony, as it was Korean BBQ in Japan. Nonetheless, no regrets. I've been to Seoul and this, was as authentic as it gets.
If I could just let you smell the aroma of the BBQ-ed pork (more known as samgyeopsal).....
The prices are very affordable, an entire meal of BBQ pork (1 portion), kim chi soup and korean pancake came up to about $30 sgd. The restaurant was packed and full of life. You'll definitely be leaving smelling like BBQ pork yourself but trust me, it is worth it. I dare say this was one of the best meals!
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Hantejiya(韓豚屋 新宿サザンテラス店)
Shinjuku Southern Terrace Odakyu Southern Tower 3F, 2-2-1,
Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-8583
Nearest Station: Shinjuku (South Exit), connected via a bridge.
6. Krispy Kreme
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| The same bridge that connects you to Hantejiya/Odakyu Southern Tower on the right of this picture. If you're coming from the station, it would be on your left. |
200 yen works up to about $2.20 sgd and we would not want to compare Singapore dollars with the Ringgit. Why is there such a discrepancy in quality? Is it the dough? The baker? Why?? Anywho, Tokyo is the only place in the world (that I know of) to get cream cheese donuts and they taste heavenly... Why not grab one, two or maybe a dozen while you're at it!
7. The basements of Takashimaya, Isetan, any departmental store
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| 10 pieces for 1080 yen, a complete steal. A wide array of meat, quail eggs, pickles, mushroom and prawn to name a few. These cost about $3-4sg a piece when Isetan Shaw has a fair... |
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| Seafood tempura, consisting of scallops, onions, prawns, veg and sotong. |
The basements of department stores in Tokyo is quite literally, food heaven. It is filled with stalls selling anything and everything that encompass the Japanese cuisine. It is usually divided into two distinct sections.
The first would be takeaway - breaded meats, tempura, yakitori (think Tori-Q), unagi, sushi, salad, chicken wings, cold pasta, croquette, bento sets... you name it they have it. The second section comprises of sweets and treats that serve as the best kind of souvenirs for those back home. Chocolates, biscuits, waffle crisps, nuts, crackers and the list goes on. Packed ever so nicely and individually wrapped, they do make the best gifts.
The basement is as chaotic as you think, but it is a great place to get lost in. Sample all kinds of food! Takeaway a whole bunch and bring it back to the hotel for dinner and/or supper. I find this a great way for dinner eats since restaurants charge thrice when its that time of the day. Its a great way to savour small portions of different types of Japanese food and decide which deserve seconds.
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And with that, the first post of my Tokyo trip is done :)
I would like to think this has made you very very hungry (sorry!) and more knowledgable on where to eat in Tokyo; do look forward to my other posts regarding Tokyo's shopping and my overall experience during my stay.
Till then!
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