Tokyo: Bird Land yakitori, Ginza

Lucky enough to manage to make a reservation by visiting the restaurant and did that in person, we turned up on time for a journey into the world of grilled chicken Japanese way. We chose to have a set meal of house recommended skewers, appetisers and rice with braised chicken and egg on top along with pickles and chicken soup served towards the end of the meal. Beer was our option while locals seemed to prefer wine. All different parts of chicken had their distinctive flavours and were all very enjoyable. If you do prefer not to have any giblets, then a la carte might be a better way for you.

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B1F, Tsukamoto Sozan Bldg, 4-2-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

http://ginza-birdland.sakura.ne.jp

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Tokyo: Kappo Nakajima 新宿割烹 中嶋, Shinjuku

Popular even among the locals, this place has seen long queues of people wanting to have a taste of their food for years. Not far from the famous Shinjuku Gyoen  National Garden, this would be a good stopover for lunch as it is of very good value considering it is also a Michelin starred restaurant. They serve set meals at lunchtime that come in a combination of main dish, side dish, pickles, rice and soup. We also had a flask of sake. Mains to choose from included braised fish, grilled or fried, sashimi and stew in a pot. Very enjoyable but do be prepared to wait and be asked to sit with others at the same table.

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http://www.shinjyuku-nakajima.com/eigyou.html#main

B1F, Hihara Bldg, 3-32-5 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

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Tokyo: 風見麺 Kazami Soba, Ginza

Found this on google while searching for places to eat noodles in the area of Ginza and thought it might be worth a try. We joined the queue with the rest lining up outside for approximately 20 minutes. Then placed our order via the ticketing machine like in most of other similar places. The braised pork was tender and the soup was flavoursome as it boasted it used sake as an essential element in the soup base. Really enjoyed this meal and the Sapporo beer.

 

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東京都中央区銀座6-4-13 浅黄ビル 1F

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Tokyo: 鶴屋吉信 Tsuruyayoshi Coredo Muromachi

While in Japan, I wouldn’t miss the chance to enjoy Japanese-styled sweets and traditional afternoon tea. Sticky rice balls and cakes come in the soup made of adzuki beans. The creamy texture and flavour make it all the more delectable. The accompanying tea has a roasted fragrance that balances the taste of the sweetness, creating a nice melody in your mouth.

 

 

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https://www.tsuruyayoshinobu.jp/shop/pages/tenpo_tokyomise_top.aspx

 

Tokyo: Tonkatsu Ponchiken ポンチ軒, Kanda

We were lucky to get in just in time to grab two of the last available portions for dinner time. Even though it was a weekday, the restaurant was not any less packed with diners who knew what to appreciate in such a lovely place where the chef was persistent in delivering food the traditional way. Think cut pork loins deeply fried, crispy skin plus juicy tender meat, with a glass of beer, what else would you ask for?

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https://www.ponchiken.jp/?utm_source=google_my_business%2F&utm_medium=google_my_business&utm_campaign=google

2-8, Kandaogawamachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

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Tokyo: Ramen Yakumo 八雲, Meguro

Quite a walk from the nearby metro station, the place is worth the journey though as you will be enjoying a bowl of noodles in soup that is carefully prepared and cooked with passion. The soup is very clear (both salt and soy sauce based) and braised pork is so tender that it melts in the mouth. Apart from that, you can also have a taste of wonton which is rarely seen in a bowl of ramen. This is listed on the top 100 ramen places around the islands and recommended on the Michelin Guide as well. Queuing is common.

 

 

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3-6-15 Higashiyama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo

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Japan: Dining at Tokyo station

On a busy weekend evening, the station might be a good place to find food if you have not booked a table elsewhere. Yakitori (grilled chicken parts) is one of the all time favourites when speaking of Japanese food. So it is less likely to go wrong with this. This place was very lively, crowded with customers of all different backgrounds – great to experience a local daily life scene. On the way back, we spotted this cannoli place and simply could not go away with getting a couple. Very satisfying for a sweet tooth.

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Shigenoi

繁乃井　東京駅黒塀横丁店

https://www.nre.co.jp/shop/tabid/222/Default.aspx?brnid=27

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Eataly

Home

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Japan: Iwa Sushi Ginza, Tokyo

This is the new branch of Sushi Iwa Ginza that we had a chance to dine in. We called the restaurant on the day and were told that it was full for lunchtime but they just opened another branch where we would be able to sit in. The chef was very friendly in letting us know what kind of fish we were eating and the staff were attentive and even showed us the name and picture of the fish by pointing to them in a book. The fish I found most impressed by was Kohada. I don’t think I’ve had this type before and it had a delicate flavour of umami. All the nigiris were very delicious and the lunchtime  omakase menu was of great value indeed.

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1F, Miura Bldg, 8-4-4 Ginza, Chuo-ku

https://gm.gnavi.co.jp/shop/0117013702/

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