Nihonbashi Yukari is one of my favorite restaurants in Tokyo for a kaiseki meal. Chef Kimio Nonaga is the 2002 Iron Chef champion from the original series. I’ve included many Yukari Gozen lunches on this blog and it’s a beautiful way to taste seasonal ingredients exquisitely presented. This lunch in early June starts with a chilled chawanmushi topped with…
Tag: Tokyo
Martiniburger in Kagurazaka
Once while private cheffing for a Japanese executive, my client asked me to make him a “hamba-gu”. I heard “hamba-ga-” an American-style hamburger. I went to Whole Foods and picked up some ground beef and buns. Later that evening when I presented the hamburger he laughed, in a good way. He said (in Japanese), “Yukari-san,…
2013 Best Shio Salt Ramen in Tokyo
Tokyo ramen restaurants are constantly being ranked. Following is a list from a recent survey of the area’s most popular shio (salt) ramen restaurants. I’ve included a link either to the restaurant’s site or to the Tabelog site so you can see photos of the ramen. 1. はじめ Hajime: Kita-ku, Jujo 2-30-9 (opened February, 2012) 2. 金時 Kintoki:…
Japanese Fruit Shops – Nihonbashi Sembikiya 日本橋千疋屋
*All photos by Aiste Miseviciute of Luxeat. Check out her blog for many beautiful photos of her meals in Japan. A visit to Japan for any foodie would not be complete without a careful peruse of the upscale fruit shops. My personal favorite is Nihonbashi Sembikiya, which is Japan’s oldest fruit shop. Sembikiya originated in 1834…
Sanukiya – Kaiseki Udonya and Saké
Tokyo is filled with a wide variety of izakaya, places with food and saké. Recently I got together with friends, two editors from a popular food magazine, DANCYU, and a famous saké and shōchū authority for a night out. I was told that we were going to Sanukiya in Kōenji. Sanuki is a region in Japan famous for…
Nihonbashi Yukari Spring Bento
Chawanmushi Nihonbashi Yukari is one of my favorite restaurants in Tokyo. Chef Kimio Nonaga is the 2002 Iron Chef Champion, from the original series. He is the third-generation chef of a kaiseki restaurant that is located in the historic district on Nihonbashi. His restaurant is about a three minute walk from Tokyo Station’s Yaesu exit….
Popular Donburi in Japan 日本の丼
Oyako-don from Tamahide in Ningyocho Donburi 丼 are simple and fast meal. It is a large bowl of hot rice with toppings. We often make it for lunch as it is not only easy to assemble, but also easy to clean up after the meal. Many restaurants often serve donburi at lunchtime as an affordable option,…
Tsukemen Momiji in Kokubunji 国分寺 つけ麺 紅葉
Tsukemen Momiji in Kokubunji is a popular shop that almost always has a line outside of its shop. We went recently to the shop 15 minutes before it opened and joined the queue. Most of those in line looked like college students, and all were men. The sign above the shop says that the noodles…
Tsukiji Market Cheap Eats – Toritoh Chicken
While many come to Tsukiji Market for sushi, I prefer to have warm dishes first thing in the morning. There is a wide variety of restaurants offering up more than just raw fish. Toritoh is both a restaurant and a retail shop. The retail shop in the outer market that sells both raw and cooked…
Tsukiji Cheap Eats – Orimine Bakers
Tokyo is filled with many wonderful bakeries. I have favorites throughout the city including Viron, Gontran Cherrier, and Maison Kayser. As the city is so big it’s a good to have a knowledge of where the great bakeries are as you never know when you’ll find yourself in an area with great bread. Orimine Bakers…
Cafe Salvador in Marunouchi
I am very excited to hear about this new cafe that opened today in Marunouchi. Cafe Salvador will have magazines, both Japanese and foreign, for customers to peruse while drinking their java. Titles include Vanity Fair, GQ, The New Yorker, Conde Naste Traveller, and more. The cafe collaboration with Conde Naste and the Cafe…
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 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…
Food Gifts – Omiyage from Tokyo 東京のお土産
Omiyage most often describes gifts that you pick up while traveling that you bring back to your family, friends, and colleagues. For example, on a trip to Kyoto I may select some local jizake or wagashi for friends. For my colleagues at work I may pick up a box of yatsuhashi, a popular confectionary that Kyoto is known for….
Top Ten Depachika in Tokyo 東京のデパ地下
Working at the sake section of the depachika in Nihonbashi Takashimaya was loads of fun. As a sommelier it was my job to sell wine but my responsibilities also included selling sake, shochu, and other spirits. Who wouldn’t love to be surrounded by amazing food all day long? My breaks were spent carefully perusing the floor for new items….
2011 Top Ten New Ramen Restaurants in Tokyo (2/2)
The February 2011 issue of Shokuraku magazine lists the top ten new ramen shops in Tokyo. As most of this information only appears in Japanese I hope by including it in this blog that more people can come to explore these new restaurants. 3. (tied for third) Baisenshio Soba Dokoro Kinjito 焙煎汐蕎麦処 金字塔 Kita-ku, Akabane 1-62-5…
Drinking Japan by Chris Bunting
Imbibers in Japan, be on the lookout for Drinking Japan, A Guide to Japan’s Best Drinks and Drinking Establishments. The author, Chris Bunting, has an impressive website on Japanese whisky: http://www.nonjatta.blogspot.com/ Here is the link to the book on Tuttle Publishing’s website: http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/book/?GCOI=48053100473120
Fukushima Antenna Shop Near Tokyo Station 福島アンテナショップ
Located just outside of Tokyo station on the Yaesu side is the Fukushima antenna shop. Here you will find local sake (jizake), tomato jam, and very unique pickled peaches. Fukushima Antenna Shop Chuo-ku, Yaesu 2-6-21 03-3275-0856
Tokyo Do’s and Don’t’s
Do visit a depachika, the epicurean food floors in the basement of major department stores. My favorites are Takashimaya (both in Nihonbashi and Shinjuku), Isetan in Shinjuku, Mitsukoshi in Ginza, Tokyu Toyokoten in Shibuya, and Tobu in Ikebukuro. An incredible variety of food is exquisitely presented. In particular, be sure to check out the wagashi…
Kakigori Shaved Ice 氷
The heat and humidity of Tokyo summers can be overbearing. What better way to cool down than with kakigori (shaved ice sweets). As a child visiting my family in Japan in the summer that is one of my fondest memories. Kakigori topped with sweetened condensed milk (ask for miruku) and garnished with some sweet azuki…
Food & Wine’s 2010 Go List
This is one of my favorite article contributions each year. Food & Wine’s Go List – including the best of Tokyo. http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/go-list-2010 Tokyo highlights include Seiji Yamamoto’s Nihonryori Ryugin and Bryan Baird’s The Taproom in Harajuku. Read on for more for the best in the world.
Tokyo’s Shoutengai Shopping Arcades 東京の商店街
This article from Metropolis magazine is a list of my favorite shoutengai in Tokyo. Shoutengai are shopping arcades. Here you will find small ma and pa shops selling freshly made tofu, vegetables, seafood, meats, and much more. This is a great way to spend some free time while exploring the city. http://metropolis.co.jp/dining/local-flavors/street-eats/ (text follows) While…
Shotengai Shopping Arcades – Walking Food Tours of Tokyo
I love the shotengai, Japanese shopping arcades. Filled with ma and pa shops selling tofu, fresh produce, rice, pickles, miso, and other basics of the Japanese pantry. This article recently appeared in Metropolis magazine and features five of my favorite shotengai in Tokyo. http://metropolis.co.jp/dining/local-flavors/street-eats/ (text follows) While the one-stop food shopping at Tokyo’s depachika is an amazing…
Tokyo Bargain Dining
Elaine Louie, who is a fellow author at The Little Bookroom, has penned this great article for the New York Times on cheap eats in Tokyo. Here is her book on Cheap Eats in London: http://www.littlebookroom.com/savoirfare.html
Offal Cuisine (Naizo or Hormone Ryori)
One unique cuisine that is a must-try for adventurous foodies is offal cuisine. This article which first appeared in Metropolis magazine includes several popular restaurants in Tokyo for naizo ryori. http://archive.metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/785/localflavors.asp (text follows) Tokyo’s horumon boom has been going strong for two years now—and shows no signs of letting up. Horumon ryori, a.k.a. naizo, ranges…
Foodie’s Guide to Tokyo Part 2/2
In this article that first appeared in Metropolis magazine I highlight some of my favorite restaurants in Tokyo. http://archive.metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/675/localflavors.asp (text follows) Some days, I pinch myself while exploring Tokyo. Am I really spoiled with all of these places to indulge myself? And just when I think it can’t get any better, I happen upon a…
Foodie’s Guide to Tokyo Part 1/2
This article which first appeared in Metropolis magazine highlights do not miss spots in Tokyo for foodies. http://archive.metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/674/localflavors.asp (text follows) We are spoiled rotten here in Tokyo. The food-savvy consumers of Japan have raised the bar for the dining culture to a level found in only a few cities throughout the world. Here are my…
Tempura in Tokyo
Seafood and vegetables covered in a thin, crispy batter is one food that is, I believe, best eaten outside than at home. It is hard to recreate this dish at home, even for a chef. This article from Metropolis magazine highlights some of my favorite shops in Tokyo for tempura including Kondo, Mikawa, Daikokuya, Tenya,…
Tachinomi in Shinbashi, Nihonbashi, and Hatchobori 立ち飲み
Tachinomi, or standing bars, offer drinks and small bites often at bargain prices. In this article, which fist appeared in Metropolis magazine, Alex Vega and I visit popular tachinomi in Shinbashi, Nihonbashi, and Hatchobori. http://archive.metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/668/localflavors.asp (text follows) In a country famous for its reserved populace, tachinomiya are among the few places where it’s easy to…
Dining at Depachika
Depachika, the amazing epicurean basement food halls of department stores have small eat-in counters. These are perfect for solo diners or for customers with limited time. This article originally appeared in Metropolis magazine and highlights some of the best dining options in depachika. http://archive.metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/648/localflavors.asp (text follows) We all have our fantasies, and mine involves food….
Tokyo Ramen Shops
Tokyo is filled with many ramen shops. Finding a good one is not hard, but knowing which ones to go to is always a huge help. My favorite ramen shop is Ivan Ramen in Setagaya-ku. When I penned this piece for Metropolis Ivan Ramen was not open yet so would definitely include it in a…
Chocolate Shops in Tokyo
Chocoholics should be warned that Tokyo abounds with chocolate shops. Here are just a tiny few of what tempts customers. This article first appeared in Metropolis magazine. http://archive.metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/619/localflavors.asp (text follows) One of my New Year’s resolutions was to find a man who was rich, sweet and most important, who would satisfy me. But I had…
Ginza Eats
Some good restaurants in Ginza from an article that originally appeared in Metropolis. http://archive.metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/628/localflavors.asp (text follows) All that glitters in Ginza is not the jewels at Harry Winston. With Tsukiji fish market on one side and downscale Shinbashi on the other, Ginza sets itself apart. Nihonbashi and Omotesando are enjoying revivals of late, but Ginza…
Food & Wine’s Tokyo Go List 2007
Food & Wine’s Tokyo Go List for 2007. http://www.foodandwine.com/golist/2007/asia/japan/tokyo/
Tokyo Bakeries
Tokyo has a surprising number of amazing bakeries. Some of France’s top boulangeries have set up shop in this country whose meal is based on a bowl of rice. Here are some of my favorite bakeries in the capital city. This article originally appeared in Metropolis magazine. http://archive.metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/596/localflavors.asp (text below) My first Japanese sandwich,…
Donburi Rice Bowls
Donburi are one dish rice bowls. Large servings of rice topped with seafood, meat, or vegetables. Here are some of my favorite places to go for donburi in Tokyo. This article originally appeared in Metropolis magazine. The photo above was a donburi that Shinji made with maguro (tuna) marinated in soy sauce, mirin, and sake…
Food & Wine Tokyo Go List 2008
Food & Wine magazine’s Go List for Tokyo in 2008. It includes some of my favorites like Nihonbashi Yukari, Nihonryori Ryugin, and Ginza Harutaka both with star chefs, Kimio Nonaga, Seiji Yamamoto, and Harutaka Takahashi. http://www.foodandwine.com/golist/2008/asia
Food & Wine Magazine’s 2009 Tokyo Go List
My contribution to Food & Wine magazine’s 2009 Go List for Tokyo: Japanese chefs are dictating the world’s dining trends with their fierce devotion to seasonality and respect for aesthetics. GINZA HARUTAKA Chef Harutaka Takahashi may have a Michelin-starred resume, but he isn’t showy. He turns exceptional seafood into perfect sashimi and sushi in a simple space…
Indagare – My Tokyo Picks
Some of my favorite spots in Tokyo in an interview with Indagare – a great travel website. http://www.indagare.com/passions/4/departments/173/8165 (text follows) Born in Japan and raised in the United States, Yukari Pratt Sakamoto, the author of the soon-to-be-released Food Sake Tokyo(Little Bookroom, $29.95), is a true Tokyo food insider. Trained as a chef at the French Culinary…
Food & Wine Go List 2009 for Tokyo
I am often asked for my recommendations for my favorite restaurants in the city. Here is my contribution to Food & Wine’s 2009 Go List for Tokyo. Japanese chefs are dictating the world’s dining trends with their fierce devotion to seasonality and respect for aesthetics. For more great restaurants, check out our guide to the…
Okuda Shouten Shiten in Kappabashi for Bamboo Products
This shop features bamboo products. Strainers, steamers, bamboo baskets for soba, tempura, or for large strainers, chopsticks, handai for making sushi rice, bento boxes, bowls for miso soup. I have picked up many items here including long cooking chopsticks, otoshibuta (wooden drop lids for pots), and a large, bamboo basket that I take to the…
Takahashi Souhonten in Kappabashi for Pottery and Ceramics
Takahashi has a wide selection of pottery including ramen bowls, teapots, teacups nabe hot pots, and plates and bowls. Takahashi Souhonten 高橋総本店 Taito-ku, Nishi-Asakusa 1-5-10 Phone: 03-3845-1163 http://www.takaso.jp/contents/store/ceramic.html (Japanese)
Ukai Toriyama in Takao
On the outskirts of Tokyo in the shadows of Mount Takao (Takao-san) is Toriyama. Part of the famous Ukai chain of restaurants, is a garden filled with private rooms for a meal based on grilled chicken kaiseki. This is a dining experience that is worth the trip out to Hachioji, about an hour from Tokyo…
Food Sake Tokyo 