It is a no-frills, yet elegant spacious and bright restaurant with a Japanese touch and it is pretty straightforward there is one item on the menu: Tonkatsu. Fried pork cuttles are served along with mountains of shredded cabbage and condiments. With different variations of meat to choose from, including fillet or roast the concept is easy to understand.

As Tonkyu is well known by locals for its great food, service, and value, it can get quite busy around lunch and dinner time. However, it is easy to get a table if you arrive after 1 pm, so a great place for late lunch. It is worth the wait should there be a queue though.

The Experience at Tonkyu

As you walk in, the waiters will guide you to your seat, offer you a delicious cup of tea (cold in the summer and hot in the winter) and let you browse through their options. They have great lunch sets and you can customize your order, more meat, bigger rice, toppings ect.

Before your fish of choice arrives, a small grinding bowl filled with sesame seeds is served. You can grind them to the consistency of your liking and once your food arrives add them either as sprinkles on top of the shredded cabbage or mix them in with the Tonkatsu sauce for both texture and flavor.

Once your food arrives, you will find perfectly breaded slices of pork, cooked to perfection with the center still being slightly translucent. This is exactly how it is meant to be, however, if you do prefer it a little more cocked you can let the waiter know when ordering.

What makes this Tonkatsu a Tokyo Favorite?

For one it’s the quality of the meat and then the coating. Perfectly crisp, yet not greasy at all. The sauce is sweet and rich and the shredded cabbage brings the perfect relief and will help with digestion.

Meals can also be customized, more rice, more meat and toppings and they have great seasonal dishes, like the Tonkatsu we ordered today which was compared to a juicy Daiginjo sake. Was it like a Daiginjo? It was certainly juicy, succulent, and aromatic, so we let the description pass.

Our Verdict?

This is one of our go-to places when our Tonkatsu cravings hit and with its location right inside Ueno station a great place to have on your list when traveling around Tokyo and Japan. With Ueno being a major Shinkansen hub, Tonkyu is perfect if you are looking for a bite to eat while waiting on your train or before heading to your hotel.

Definitely on the list of great places to eat in Tokyo!

Web

http://tonkyu.com/

Address

〒110-0005 Tokyo, Taito City, Ueno, 7 Chome−1−1 アトレ上野EAST 2階

Opening Hours

Suggest new hours

The post Tonkyu – One of the Best Tonkatsu in Tokyo! appeared first on Obsessed with Japan.

“お酒と世界のおばんざい” or “Osake and World Obanzai” in English has a very interesting concept, trying to create a melting pot where food cultures from different parts of the world can be enjoyed. Soul food that gives you a sense of being home, reflecting the international staff and letting you escape to other countries with every meal, who would not want that?

Split into lunch and dinner service they are focusing on hand-made onigiri for lunch and fusion cuisine for dinner paired with a variety of beverages. This makes them a great spot if you are looking for a light lunch or if you need a taste from home away from home in the evening.

Osake and World Obanzai’s Dinner Service!

If you are coming for dinner, expect an international menu, based on local dishes from different parts of the world. And even better, not just the food, but also the drinks are international and have been carefully selected to give you the best possible experience.

What kind of dishes can you expect? All the dishes are created to reflect a specific country and cuisine. So you can, for example, find lamb sausage and couscous from Tunisia or Ema Datshi (simmered green pepper with vegetables) from Bhutan, along with classics such as Mac and Cheese from the US and much, much more.

And you will love the drink selection too. With everything from fine wines and beers, to cocktails from around the world, the beverages are perfectly matching the food. And just in case you really cannot see anything you fancy this time, come back next month as their menu is seasonal and changes every month.

Lunchtime

During the daytime, the restaurant becomes “おむすびと世界のごはん” or “Omusubi to Sekai no Rice”, a relaxing family-friendly cafe lounge that focuses on serving delicious hand-made rice balls. A healthy lunch, nutritious and of course tasty, along with a full cafe menu – just in case. So find yourself a seat on one of the comfortable sofas or nestle into a booth, relax and enjoy.

Or if you happen to be in a hurry, have a look at their take-out options. This certainly is a real hidden gem here in Nihonbashi.

Our Conclusion?

Overall, the restaurant, whether during the day or nighttime, has a really nice atmosphere. It is spacious and the open kitchen creates a really homey feel, which totally ties in with their concept of promoting diversity and global community through international dishes.

Our recommendation, come for a light Japanese home-style lunch or treat yourself to an international evening eating a meal from your favorite country or one that you still have on your wish list until we can all travel safely again. This might just be the travel meal experience we all need until we get a chance to try the real thing.

Webpage

www.omskossk.com

Opening Hours

LUNCH: 11: 00-17: 00
DINNER: 18: 00-23: 00

Address

11-5 Nihonbashitomizawa-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

The post Hot New Opening – OSAKE and WORLD OBANZAI appeared first on Obsessed with Japan.

Not so easy to find, as it is located on the 3rd floor of what looks more like an office building, a small sign lets you know you are at the right place. Take the stairs or ride the elevator up to level 3 (or the 2nd floor if you are not counting the ground floor) and there it is, a very clean and stylish coffee shop with plenty of space.

Settle in, either indoors, by finding yourself a table in the comfortably air-conditioned room, or, and that is our suggestion, head out to the terrace. And don’t worry, because of its location there is plenty of shade and often a pleasant cool breeze. Also, if you happen to pop in, in the colder months, they turn on the heaters to keep you warm

Great Coffee and Amazing Open Sandwiches!

Coffee will set you back 550Yen for a latte and they have plenty of food options to indulge yourself with. The avocado on sourdough, with pickled onions on top, just hit the spot and the Croque Monsieur will bring it home if you are looking for something a little dirtier. Both cost 770Yen each and there are of course also homemade sweet options as well as cookies and cakes. 

Our Verdict?

Alpha Beta Coffee Club is a great place to rest for a while, and grab a bite and a coffee in a chic environment minus the crowds. A little gem hidden that should be on any coffee lover’s list and definitely on our list of the best coffee shops in Jiyugaoka!

Web

https://www.abccoffee.co/

Address

〒152-0035 Tokyo, Meguro City, Jiyugaoka, 2 Chome−10−4 ミルシェ自由が丘 3F

Opening Hours

The post Great Coffee: Alpha Beta Coffee Club Jiyugaoka appeared first on Obsessed with Japan.

To be honest, you might miss it walking by as it does look like any other restaurant. It is also a little bit away from the busy downtown area, but don’t be fooled. As you walk into the shop it is spacious, open plan, with lines of tables, with the “grills” at the back of the room perfect to watch the chefs. They have a few counter seats and if you are lucky to get one of them you will have a prime view of the chefs doing their magic. A pretty cool setup with a friendly and relaxed vibe.

The staff too, are incredibly friendly and as an added bonus, the chefs don’t mind having a picture taken while they work (although it’s always nice to ask the first). 

Mitchan Sohonten Hatchobori’s Okonomiyaki

As with the menu, there is okonomiyaki, okonomiyaki and more okonomiyaki. Exactly how it should be! The shop is famous for its signature cut cabbage, one of the main ingredients aside from bean sprout, noodles and a fried egg. Which in true Hiroshima style (different from what is served in Osaka) is skillfully layered one ingredient after another to create the perfect savory pancake.

The basic (noodles, meat & egg) will leave your wallet ¥850 lighter. Pretty good value for the size, as unless you’re absolutely starving, this will be tough to finish for most. Other favorites include shrimp or oyster and you can always customize your toppings as you wish.

Now, this is not fast food. So after ordering it will take at least 20min for your food to arrive. Perfect to watch how the okonomiyaki is prepared, so just lean back and relax a little.

Once you got your dish, add some extra condiments to your liking. MY TIP: Add some of their unique hot sauce, a little unusual, and a special of this shop. And if you like a bit of zing go for the “Lemosco”. 

I was actually surprised by how light and almost healthy tasting it was. Even after I added a good splash of mayonnaise all over it. The cabbage tasted so fresh and juicy, the soba noodles were crisp and every layer of this savory pancake seemed to have its own taste and texture. A real joy to eat!

Highly recommended if you are in Hiroshima. Even if you are stuck for time, as they also do take-away, so there is really no excuse not to try!

Web

https://www.okonomi.co.jp/menu_english.html

Address

〒730-0013 Hiroshima, Naka Ward, Hatchobori, 6−7 チュリス八丁堀

Opening Hours 

The post Mitchan Sohonten Hatchobori Okonomiyaki appeared first on Obsessed with Japan.

To be honest, what’s not to love? A square onigiri filled with egg and spam among other toppings, it’s like hiding a couple of fries in your salad. Innocently healthy looking but a little bit naughty. A great pocket-size meal, perfect for exploring Okinawa and with various locations on the island, there is no reason to miss out on it. There even is a shop inside Naha airport to say farewell to this treat.

The Pork Tamago Sandwich @ Potama

It is as simple as it sounds. Nori seaweed topped with a thin layer of rice, some Japanese omelet (that is the “tamago”, as this means egg in Japanese), and a slice of grilled spam and voila!

In case you are not familiar with it “spam”, it’s canned meat. Yes, it does not sound very appetizing but have a little faith, it really is amazing! Because when the healthy sushi rice and seaweed meet the meat and egg magic happens. It’s juicy, salty, and reminds you a little bit of a fried breakfast. So in case, you tasted a little too much of Okinawa’s delicious awamori, it also makes for the perfect hangover food…

They have a couple of different “sandwiches” to try from. With every Potama location adding a local special. I recommend the red Mizo one, it comes with a sliver of savory Mizo paste – addictive. 

Starting at 380¥ (just under 4$) it’s fairly priced. They are a good size, but if you are really hungry you might want to order two (a good chance to try different ones). Or add a soup or side to make it a meal.

This should definitely be on your food list if you are finding yourself in Okinawa, I am missing it already….

Web

http://porktamago.com/en/

Stores

Store locator

Opening Hours

Please check each store individually to avoid disappointment.

The post Potama Okinawa! appeared first on Obsessed with Japan.

Making it the perfect place to get your coffee fix while doing a little bit of people watching and soaking up some sun while you are at it.

Actually, it is worth mentioning that this is one of two locations here in Chatan, but the only one on the boardwalk. The Roastery is located just a few walking minutes away and offers a bigger space with more indoor seating.

Now, once you enter the shop you will find an uber-stylish coffee shop worthy of being featured in any design-heavy magazine. Featuring plenty of seating options and of course the terrace overlooking the pier.

It is one of the Coffee shops in the area, that no matter what is always busy, however, it never feels too crowded. Just the perfect place to hang out for a bit and as an added bonus, the staff is incredibly nice and welcoming. 

You can get a couple of different treats with your coffee ranging from cookies and cakes to small savory bites. However, the coffee is really the hero and perfectly roasted and brewed. At 550¥ a latte it’s averagely priced for Japan. Even more so, as the view comes for free and is certainly one of the best in town.

So if you are looking for that caffeine fix while exploring Chatan and the busy American Village, Zhyvago Coffee Works should definitely be on your list to stop by. Enjoy the perfect coffee and let time be for a while…

Web

http://zhyvago-okinawa.com/

Address 

〒904-0115 Okinawa, Nakagami District, Chatan, Mihama, ９−46 ディストーションシーサイドビル 1階

Opening Hours 

The post Zhyvago Coffee Works Okinawa appeared first on Obsessed with Japan.

Many of them sold from street vendors, some more hidden away as it is so often the case in Japan. With Shogoin Yatsuhashi being no exception.

So as you get closer to Kiyomizudera you will inevitably pass by Shogoin Yatsuhashi. Or if you know better, you won’t. You will head to the back of the store, where the little hidden Tea house is located. The perfect stop for a quick break before continuing heading up to the Temple.

And this really is a well-kept secret, a hidden away tea house, including a beautiful terrace overlooking the surrounding rooftops and gardens.

A little oasis away from the bustling street out the front. Almost invisible, especially if the streets are busy with tourists, which they almost always are. So easy to be missed.

So once you are here, make sure you head to the back of the shop and find yourself a seat.

The menu is pretty straight forward, with only a few options. Matcha hot and matcha cold, with a duo of traditional sweets on the side. Coffee, tea, and juice.

I recommend ordering the match set for 650Yen, including the duo of wagashi, a traditional Japanese sweet. Here they come in a triangular shape and two variations. A white one, filled with red bean paste and a hint of cinnamon, and a black one, filled with black sesame seed paste. Both utterly delicious and the perfect combination with your matcha.

It is also a great alternative to get an authentic matcha tea, without the lengthy tea ceremony.

Although attending one is a beautiful experience. Depending on your time and interest you may opt for this instead. Giving you the taste without the time commitment and with the beautiful view, it would be a shame not to have a little break at Shogoin Yatsuhashi.

So whether you love matcha or just want to give it a little try, this is one place to visit and enjoy!

Web

http://www.shogoin.co.jp/

Address

2 Chome-218 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862

Opening Hours

The post Kiyomizudera’s Hidden Matcha Terrace – Shogoin Yatsuhashi appeared first on Obsessed with Japan.

Located on a quiet side street away from the hustle and bustle of Nagoya’s busy Otsu-Dori Street, and upstairs on the 3rd floor, is this local well-kept secret. 

You would not guess finding such an open stylish space looking at it from the outside, bright and fitted with both sofa seats and table settings. Perfect to take a quick or extended break.

Also worth mentioning this is one huge winter garden with its windows opening up in summer, creating an amazing terrace. It also means it is well ventilated, something I appreciate these days with the Coronavirus still being present all over Japan.

Furthermore, I did love the Menu, a few cafe-style dishes, egg Benedict and their signature dish: pancakes along with another one of their specialties 2D and 3D latte art! They do Food and Drink sets at a good value depending on the time you visit. Pancakes by themselves wills set you back about 900Yen and their Latte Art starts at 530Yen for a coffee.

Obviously, I could not resist either the pancake or the cute coffee and I was happy I did not. The smell, when my plain pancakes arrived, was so delicious. I could not but smile at these perfectly fluffy pancakes. Light and accompanied by almond butter, honey and berry sauce, which I added extra, all I needed was to wait for my coffee to complete it.

And the coffee, almost too adorable to drink. However, after a mere 10min attempting of taking the perfect picture, my coffee cravings took the better of me and I said my goodbyes…

A wonderful place kept well hidden, a must visit and highly recommended for its latte art!

Web

https://lightdining.co.jp/restaurants/light-cafe-sakae/

Address

〒460-0008 Aichi, Nagoya, Naka Ward, Sakae, 3 Chome−27−27 3F

Opening hours

The post Light Café – Nagoya appeared first on Obsessed with Japan.

This ramen shop can be easily found for its appealing exterior and as you enter you will find the inside is just as stylish. Not your usual ramen shop more of a hip cafe meets traditional. It’s spacious and clean, so either if you come here with a group or by yourself you will be able to make yourself comfortable.

The menu is pretty straightforward, with variations of ramen including Hida beef and deluxe Hida beef soba. And as you may guess, there is a substantial price difference with the deluxe ramen starting at 1820¥ for the M size. But they also have a few other dishes to choose from, however, the noodles topped with delicious prime wagyu beef is what to come here for.

I ordered the normal Hida beef soba, which at 1650¥ for the L size, seems still on the pricier side. But it is the price one needs to pay in order to get a slice (or three) of this premium beef and it is well worth it. Also, compared to other shops Kajibashi is the best value in town if you do want to give it a try.

When my ramen arrived it did not just look utterly delicious, as I dug in, the meat was incredibly juice and tender. Together with the flavorsome broth and the thin eggy curly noodles, Takayama style, it was the perfect combination. Great to have on a cold day to warm you up but equally nice on a sunny day. Sure is there ever a time not to eat ramen if it is that tasty?

Check out the full Hida beef ramen experience from this YouTube video to see what the hype is all about.

Web

N/a

Address

〒506-0011 Gifu, Takayama, Honmachi, 3 Chome−６２

Opening hours 

The post Kajibashi – Hida Wagyu Beef Ramen in Takayama appeared first on Obsessed with Japan.

And no, this is not a tea ceremony, it is a place where tea is loved and you will get a chance to drink some of Japan’s best teas and learn more about them. As the passionate owner happily explains about the tea, the history and generally likes sharing stories about life in Kyoto and Japan.

Choose from a variety of green teas but also flavored ones (my recommendation is the Marron flavor) and if you feel peckish make sure to try one of the seasonal moon cakes. The perfect match and just delicious.

And then the entertainment begins, as your tea arrives on a beautiful tablet including a clock. A fun experience, as you will stop-watch your tea soaking time with the provided timmer. With every tea having its particular time you’ll also learn not to waste any drop as you prepare your tea. 

You will get to sip around 3 perfect cups from one pot of tea, with plenty of time to enjoy this beautiful modern tea house in Kyoto. Just the perfect spot in the very heart of Kyoto to take a break and letting time be.

So make sure you stop by if you are in Gion, as this is one well-kept Kyoto secret.

Web

https://www.mandaracha.com/

Address 

Kyoto-shi Higashiyama-ku Yamashirocho 278-1

Opening hours

The post Mandaracha a Modern Teahouse in Kyoto appeared first on Obsessed with Japan.