Gontran Cherrier’s Tiong Bahru Bakery in Singapore Boulanger Gontran Cherrier‘s Singapore outpost is very popular. As a baker I find his offerings very interesting. A dense red miso bread and an intense squid ink baguette (see photo below). I love his croissant with visible, crispy layers. I would show a photo but I can never…
Gyokueido in Ningyocho 人形町の玉英堂
Gyokueidou 玉英堂 Chuo-ku, Nihonbashi Ningyocho 2-3-2 中央区日本橋人形町2-3-2 03-3666-2625 9:30 – 21:00 (Monday – Saturday), until 17:00 (Sunday and holidays) closed the last Sunday of each month http://www.ningyocho.or.jp/shop/a28.html (Japanese) Commanding the corner, this branch of a Kyoto shop dates back 400 years. Gyokueidou is famous for two sweets, its dorayaki of pancakes stuffed with azuki paste…
Toukai in Ningyocho 人形町の東海
Toukai 東海 Chuo-ku, Nihonbashi Ningyocho 1-16-12 中央区日本橋人形町1-16-12 03-3666-7063 9:00 – 19:00, closed Sunday and holidays no website For almost 100 years Toukai has been a popular wagashi shop in Ningyocho. Be sure to pick up their signature Japanese-style waffles. There is a small selection of other wagashi confectionaries. Across the street is a well-stocked sake…
Tsukushi in Ningyocho 人形町のつくし
Tsukushi つくし Chuo-ku, Nihonbashi Ningyocho 2-1-12 中央区日本橋人形町2-1-12 03-3664-7357 8:00 – 20:00 http://www.ntv.co.jp/burari/030329/info02.html (Japanese) Tsukushi is a kanmidokoro (sweets café) that offers the classics of anmitsu and its many variations. There are sweets to go, but the real reason to come here is to sit and in the café to indulge in their signature purin, a…
Yasaiya Mei at Omotesando Hills やさい家めい
When I am craving Japanese vegetables one of the first restaurants that comes to mind is Yasaiya Mei in Omotesando Hills. While the restaurant specializes in produce it also serves meat and seafood. While classified as a “washoku” or Japanese restaurant, the menu often includes Western-style dishes like bagna cauda or a cheese fondue. The…
Gotta Get – Nama Shichimi 生七味
My latest craving is this great shichimi paste from the Kubara Honke Group. This nama shichimi is a paste of shichimi or seven spice. A little bit in miso soup for breakfast adds just the right spice to the savory soup. I also like it with some roasted chicken or yakitori. It is a thick…
Sushi on Sunday in Tokyo
*** updated 2016 November As Tsukiji Market is closed on Sundays many sushi restaurants also take the opportunity to give the staff a day off. That doesn’t mean that sushi isn’t eaten on Sundays in Tokyo. There are several places to look to for sushi on Sunday and national holidays. Check out hotels, department stores,…
Demystifying an Udon Menu
How do you like your noodles? Hot or cold? What temperature do you want the broth? Or, perhaps no broth at all? The texture of the noodle changes with the temperature. The umami changes depending on the type of broth or dipping sauce. While some connoisseurs may insist on only eating it a certain way,…
July Seasonal Japanese Seafood ７月旬の魚
Some of our personal favorites include ayu (salted and grilled), shitabirame (meuniere), shijimi (miso soup), benisake (salted and grilled), and for sashimi – surumeika, kinmedai, takabe, and isaki. Most of the seafood have links to photos. Ainame 鮎並 fat greenling (Hexagrammos otakii) Akashita birame 赤舌鮃 red-tongued sole (Cynoglossus joyneri) Awabi 鮑 abalone (Haliotis sorenseni) Ayu…
Summer Foods in Tokyo
A reader of Food Sake Tokyo recently contacted me regarding her upcoming trip to Tokyo. She asked if there were certain foods she should try in the summer in Japan. Here is my list of favorite Japanese food during the steamy months of July and August. If you can only have one dish, then make…
Kozue at the Park Hyatt Tokyo
Kozue at the Park Hyatt Tokyo under the helm of talented chef Kenichiro Ooe is a wonderful traditional Japanese restaurant with amazing views of Mount Fuji on a clear day. Lunch was a gorgeous affair filled with seasonal spring May seafood and vegetables. First course – Yomogi (mugwort) tofu garnished with shirasu, umeboshi neriume, gomadare (sesame…
Gotta Get – Yuzusco Yuzu Tabasco
I am a condiment addict. I need to get things in order as our fridge is overflowing with tubes and jars. When working for a travel company I remember having lunch with an automotive executive on our way to the airport. This well-dressed, worldly man pulled out a small bottle of Tobasco from his briefcase….
Ten Udon Shops in Tokyo
Udon noodles are everywhere I look. TV programs, food magazines, and newspapers are all covering the different types of udon noodles, ways of eating it, and where to go in Tokyo. My fall back restaurant has always been the chain store Hanamaru. Mainly because it was close to where I was working, it’s cheap, and…
Tokyo Sky Tree Solamachi Food Shop Highlights
Tokyo Sky Tree is the city’s most popular tourist destination. The world’s tallest tower (for the time being) the communication tower replaces the landmark Tokyo Tower. Solamachi, at the base of Tokyo Sky Tree, is very exciting mall to visit with so many shops it’s hard to come up with a short list. It has…
June Seasonal Japanese Seafood ６月旬の魚
June Seasonal Seafood The arrival of ayu is a sign that summer has arrived. Simply salted and grilled is the most popular way of serving this tender-fleshed fish. Kawahagi is a funny looking fish. The skin is so thick, hence the name kawahagi, or leather jacket. We love this fish as sashimi. If we’re lucky,…
Gotta Get – Taberu Rayu Two
Taberu Rayu is at every supermarket I visit in Japan. What started as one product by one company has exploded to many variations. One of the most interesting ones I have come across is the basic taberu rayu without the oil. As you can see by looking inside the jar, it’s very different from the original…
Tokyo Sky Tree Shops – Ganso for Plastic Foods
Great news for tourists visiting the Tokyo’s hottest destination, Tokyo Sky Tree. You don’t have to go to Kappabashi to get your plastic food samples. Ganso Shokuhin Sanpuruya has a branch in the new Solamachi shopping mall. The original store is in Kappabashi and is very popular. Here you’ll find the great plastic food samples that…
Gotta Get – Taberu Shoyu
The popularity of taberu rayu has been a great food trend to observe. First was to see all of the copycat versions imitating the original taberu rayu. Now, there are many new products that are similar in style but made from totally different ingredients. One of our new favorites is this Saku Saku Taberu Kobashi Shoyu from Kikkoman. The oil…
Tokyo Foodie Tips
What can a foodie do to prepare for their trip to Tokyo? I get asked this question often and have put together a list of my recommendations here: 1. Pick up my book, Food Sake Tokyo, published by The Little Bookroom. The first half of the book covers the basics of Japanese food and beverages….
Popular Omiyage – Tokyo Banana 東京ばな奈
Walking through Tokyo Station it is hard to miss the booths selling Tokyo Banana. It’s a very omiyage. I’ve received it as a gift twice in the last few months. The banana-shaped cakes are individually wrapped. It’s a soft sponge cake filled with a banana cream custard. New flavors are introduced from time to time….
May Seasonal Japanese Seafood ５月旬の魚
May Japanese Seasonal Seafood Many of the seafood from March are still in season in April. The cold waters still bring fish rich with fat that shines in sashimi or is nice for grilling. Asari clams are great for making into a quick vongole style pasta. Nishin can be salted and grilled. And perhaps my favorite this…
Haneda International Airport Restaurants
Having worked for a travel company for a decade I have spent countless time at airports around the world. Once my luggage has been checked in I really enjoy the free time before boarding the plane. Airports are great for people watching, and if you are lucky, another opportunity for a nice meal. Haneda’s international…
Shibuya Hikarie
Shibuya’s newest addition to the skyline is Hikarie. The restaurants are on floors six and seven. Lots of interesting spots including Umauma Ramen from Hakata serving hitoguchi (bite-size) gyoza and skewered and grilled chicken skin alongside ramen. Kashiwa for okonomiyaki and teppanyaki. Sendai’s famous Rikyu for grilled gyutan (beef tongue), Maisen tonkatsu, and much more….
Bills at Tokyu Plaza Omohara
Opening April 18th is Bill Grangers newest restaurant bills in Tokyu Plaza Omohara. What a brilliant naming for this corner that sits between Omotesando and Harajuku. The old Gap building for anyone who is familiar with this crossing. The entrance on the corner of Omotesando and Meiji Dori is big and will naturally bring in…
New Candyland at Tokyo Station
Opening tomorrow in the basement of Tokyo Station is Tokyo Candyland (Tokyo Okashi Rando). The three main tenants are Calbee, Morinaga, and Glico, big snack manufacturers in Japan. At Calbee you can have potato chips hot out of the deep-fryer. The area is located in the basement outside of the Yaesu central exit. While it’s…
April Seasonal Japanese Seafood ４月旬の魚
April Japanese Seasonal Seafood Many of the seafood from March are still in season in April. The cold waters still bring fish rich with fat that shines in sashimi or is nice for grilling. Asari clams are great for making into a quick vongole style pasta. Grilling salted fish heads of buri or tai…
Gourmet Fair at Tokyu Toyokoten in Shibuya ウマすぎグルメ祭
This looks like it will be a great fair. The Umasugi Gourmet Fair at Tokyu Toyokoten. (loosely translated as too delicious gourmet fair) A wide variety of food including Chinese soup dumplings, karaage (juicy Japanese fried chicken), ramen, and much more. Tokyu Toyokoten in Shibuya. 8th floor. Note that the event closes at 6:30 p.m….
Hokkaido Food Fair in Ikebukuro 春の北海道うまいもの会
Ramen, uni donburi, hairy crab shumai, and much more seafood. Sweets from egg custard, Marusei butter sandwich, Royce chocolate potato chips and more at the Hokkaido Food Fair in Ikebukuro Seibu. Event is from Thursday, March 22nd to Tuesday, April 3rd on the 7th floor of the South (Minami) building. Note that the event closes…
Shikoku Food Fair at Shinjuku Odakyu 四国・山陽の観光と物産展
Starting today, March 21st to Tuesday, March 27th at Shinjuku Odakyu on the 11th floor is the Shikoku Food Fair. Highlights include seafood, fresh fruit, and of course udon noodles. There are a few eat-in counters including katsuo tataki donburi (see photo above), ramen, and udon. Note that the event closes at 5 p.m. on…
Tokyo Cheap Eats
Tokyo is a great city for eating well on a budget. The first thing to look for is restaurants that specialize in a dish, like ramen, tonkatsu, or soba. Also, remember the word “teishoku” which is like the daily special or set meal. It is often includes rice, miso soup, pickles, a main dish and…
Popular Omiyage – Baumkuchen
This photo of baumkuchen comes from the Juchheim website. Baumkuchen is a very popular omiyage, or gift, in Japan. It can be found at all depachika. This German cake is made of thin layers of cake that are baked onto a spool. At first sight the cake is a delight on the eyes as the…
Kyoto and Kyushu Food Fairs
Wagashi, vinegar, nama yuba, and much more to be had at the Kyoto Fair at Ikebukuro Tobu. One of my favorite products in my pantry, kuro shichimi (photo) is from Hararyokaku. The black shichimi is used the same as regular shichimi, but for me it has a more mellow, rounder flavor. Thursday, March 15th to…
Kagoshima, Iwate, and Kyushu Food Fairs in Tokyo
Three great food fairs starting Wednesday, March 14th through Tuesday, March 20th. Don’t miss the shochu at the Kagoshima Fair at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi’s 7th floor. Show your support for Iwate at Nihonbashi Takashimaya’s 8th floor. If you are in Shinjuku, then don’t miss the Nagasaki castella cake, Satsuma-age fish cakes, and Nagasaki champon noodles at…
Tohoku Event at Ikebukuro Tobu
Tohoku Event at Ikebukuro Tobu
Thursday, March 8th to Tuesday the 13th, Ikebukuro Tobu will be sponsoring a Tohoku event promoting food, sake, and crafts from the Tohoku region. Highlights include local jizake and ramen from Kessenuma.
Event details can be found here. The event is on the 8th floor and closes at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Go and show your support for Tohoku.
Kyoto Food Fair at Nihonbashi Takashimaya 第26回 美食の京都展
http://www.takashimaya.co.jp/tokyo/top/img/info_120307_tokyo.pdf
Wagashi, bento, and much more from Kyoto are at the Kyoto Food Fair from Wednesday, March 7th to Monday, March 12th on the 8th floor of Nihonbashi Takashimaya. Note that the event closes at 6 p.m. on the final day.
Towari Soba Shochu 十割蕎麦焼酎
Part of the beauty of shochu is that it is made from a variety of base ingredients. While sweet potato (imo) and barley (mugi) are very popular, it is worth exploring the others, such as buckwheat (soba). This Towari is rich and intense. The aroma of buckwheat is undeniable. This comes from the unique koji…
March Seasonal Japanese Seafood ３月旬の魚
March is a delicious month for seafood. The cold waters still bring fish rich with fat that shines in sashimi or is nice for grilling. Asari clams are great for making into a quick vongole style pasta. Grilling salted fish heads of buri or tai is quick and simple and the perfect accompaniment to sake…
Jougo Kokuto Shochu じょうご黒糖焼酎
Another good shochu to start with for shochu novices is a kokuto shochu which is made from sugar cane. It’s inherent sweetness is soft on the palate. This is from Amami Oshima south of Kagoshima. Koji: shiro (white) koji – making it a light, delicate shochu alcohol: 25% suggested drinking method: on the rocks distillation:…
Ohmi Food Fair at Nihonbashi Takashimaya 第24回 琵琶湖夢街道 大近江展
Ohmi wagyu is considered by some to be the best wagyu that Japan produces. Here is your chance to try it in a bento. Other highlights include ayu from lake Biwako and regional wagashi (confectionaries). The event runs from Friday, February 24th to Thursday, March 1st. Nihonbashi Takashimaya on the 8th floor event space. Note…
Antenna Shop Food Fair at Shinjuku Keio 京王新宿店でアンテナショップ＆ご当地グルメ展
Friday, February 24th to Tuesday, February 28th, Shinjuku Keio on the 7th floor event space is holding a gourmet fair of antenna shops featuring food and beverages from throughout Japan. Click here to see photos of some of the many offerings. Note that the event closes at 5 p.m. on the final day.
Wine Fair at Shinjuku Isetan
Isetan in Shinjuku is hosting an international wine fair starting Wednesday, February 22nd to Monday, February 27th. The event takes place on the 6th floor and closes at 6 p.m. on Monday. Highlights include a wide selection of Japanese wine, including my favorite Japanese winery, Coco Farm and Winery in Tochigi. There is of course…
Gotta Get – Nosetare Rayu Oroshi のせタレラー油おろし
We are addicted to taberu rayu, the mild chili oil filled with fried garlic chips. At the store this area of condiments has blossomed into other products, including this very interesting rayu oroshi. Oroshi is simply grated items, usually vegetables. Popular grated vegetables include wasabi for sushi, ginger for topping tofu, and daikon for serving…
Tokyo Izakaya and Standing Bars
Grabbing a drink after work with colleagues or friends in Tokyo is great fun as there are so many options to choose from. These are some of my favorites from Food Sake Tokyo. Saiseisakaba This friendly tachinomi (standing bar) is located on the back streets of Shinjuku Sanchome. Designed with Showa era items, it feels…
Karaage at Ranman Shokudo in Ebisu
Japanese fried chicken, karaage, to me is so much better than American fried chicken because it is usually boneless and is always tender. Karaage is usually marinated in sake and some other seasonings before being deep-fried. The sake helps to tenderize the meat. I am recipe testing karaage for Postmark Chef in the USA and…
Japanese Tea
As you’d expect of a people whose tea culture extends back hundreds of years, the Japanese enjoy every type of cha imaginable—pungent, sweet, soft, grassy, clean and earthy. Leaves can be plucked, steamed, packed, processed (dried and rolled) and refined (stems and debris removed), or ground for matcha and roasted forhoujicha. To get the most out of…
Antenna Shops in Nihonbashi
Antenna Shops in Nihonbashi In a recent survey of Tokyoites the main reason why they go to antenna shops is to pick up regional food products. The next popular answer was that it was interesting to explore antenna shops followed by picking up brochures for future trips to that prefecture. The other big answer was…
February Seasonal Japanese Fruits and Vegetables 2月旬の野菜
Sansai, Japanese mountain vegetables, start to come into the market this time of year. Growing up, my mother and her Korean friend, Ki-san, would forage for warabi (fiddleheads of bracken) in the forest in Minnesota. There was always a short window to pick these as they grow very quickly. Once home the fiddleheads were washed…
Tokyo Soba Restaurants and Soba Menu
Here are some of my favorite Tokyo soba restaurants. This first appeared in Metropolis magazine. Soba is in the midst of a renaissance. The humble buckwheat noodle has been receiving an increasing amount of attention from local TV shows and lifestyle magazines, and a further boost has come from the Slow Food movement, which emphasizes…
February Seasonal Japanese Seafood ２月旬の魚
As it is cold throughout most of Japan, February is a wonderful time for hot pots (nabe). Monkfish (ankou) is one of Shinji’s favorite nabes. We always save the liver and serve it separately. It’s very easy to steam – see a simple recipe here. Wakasagi or shirauo are both lovely when lightly battered and…
January Japanese Seasonal Fruits Vegetables
Following is a list of seasonal fruits and vegetables in Japan this month. Root vegetables in particular are plentiful this time of year. Daikon is one of my favorites as it is can be used in so many dishes. It can be julienned for a salad, simmered and dressed with a sweet miso dressing, in…
Food Sake Tokyo 