By Paul McInnes

In the last part of Hokkaido’s Food Culture, let’s discover more must-eats. One very obvious the other, often referred to as Hokkaido’s “soul food” might surprise you a little. But this soupy goodness is very hard to resist, especially on a cold winter day.

Soup Curry

Japanese love curry. Japanese curry, curry katsu, Indian curry and kare pan (curry paste inside bread). It’s one of Japan’s foodie obsessions.

Hokkaido, always an area to actively distinguish itself from the mainland, turned traditional Japanese curry and made it their own with the soup curry variant which can be found across Hokkaido and Hokkaido-themed restaurants in Tokyo and Osaka.

Hokkaido soup curry is basically traditional Japanese curry with a soup broth. Again, it’s the perfect dish for the harsh winter conditions on Japan’s northern territory. Warming and filling it’s become a firm favorite of locals and tourists who have been transfixed by this soupy goodness. 

Seafood

Hokkaido seafood is revered throughout Japan. Fresh from the sea and straight on the millions of plates around the country it has a truly god like reputation within foodie circles.

You name it, if it comes from the sea then Hokkaido puts it on the menu. The crab, lobster, scallops, squid and sea urchin are superb and gobbled up daily throughout the prefecture and beyond. Try some fresh seafood at one of the island’s numerous fish markets. Kaisen-don is a favourite with locals – ostensibly it’s a huge mound of fresh seafood placed on top of a large plate of rice.

It’s the freshness and emphasis on quality which separates Hokkaido seafood from other places in Japan. The crab here is also revered. There are mainly three kinds of crab sold here. The king, snow and hairy varieties are eaten here by the ton every day at the island’s plethora of high-end crab restaurants and even all-you-can-eat crab eateries which is easier on the bank balance. For the more adventurous eaters out there try the crab miso (crab brain) which is considered a delicacy in Japan. It sounds weird but it’s pleasantly surprising. 

Last thoughts..

Hokkaido, then, is a foodie’s paradise.

With a real and unabashed focus on freshness and quality, visitors here can experience a kind of cuisine and food culture which is completely distinct from other parts of Japan. The locals take food very seriously and are, understandably, very proud of their culinary heritage. So indulge yourself in what Hokkaido has to offer from the ramen and dairy to the lamb and seafood.

You won’t forget Hokkaido and the food and experiences you have here will last for years to come, until your next much-anticipated visit. 

The post Hokkaido’s Food Culture – part 3 appeared first on Obsessed with Japan.

By Paul McInnes

As you already heard in the first part of Hokkaido’s Food Culture, the giant northern Japanese island is very different from the Japan you think you know. So let’s see what else this foodie’s paradise has to offer.

Dairy Queen

Hokkaido natives, it has to be said, love their dairy. Cheese, cream, lashings of butter, milk and ice-cream all play central culinary roles within the island’s food culture.

This must feel like a foreign land to Tokyoites and Osakans who generally eschew dairy. It does, however, feel like a piece of home if you come from northern Europe, middle America or other areas of the world where a day without cheese can be considered a calamity. It would be nothing short of rude not to try Hokkaido’s renowned soft-serve ice cream. There’s a multitude of ice cream parlors dotted around Hokkaido so treat yourself to a couple while you’re there. Leave a bit of space for butter cookies which the locals swear by. They also make for some pretty well-received souvenirs. 

Jingisukan 

The mighty jingisukan (literally Genghis Khan) is Hokkaido’s culinary beating heart. Everyone loves it and talks about it in hushed and reverential tones.

Essentially a dish consisting of large slices of mutton with grilled vegetables on an oddly shaped grill then dipped in various sauces and washed down with the local Sapporo beer, jingisukan is absolutely essential (for the carnivores out there) when visiting Hokkaido.

It’s not difficult to find out why this kind of dish is so popular in this area of Japan. As it is dark in winter, it gets very snowy and freezing cold so what’s better than a hearty plate of barbecued lamb with veggies and beer? Really a no brainer. Jingisukan is available throughout the island but probably most associated with the capital city of Sapporo.

Pencil in a trip to the legendary Sapporo Beer Brewery which also has a huge beer hall attached which proudly serves jingisukan and beer by the truckload to locals and tourists alike. 

Make sure to also read Hokkaido’s food culture – part 3 where Hokkaido’s “soul food” is revealed. Until then make sure you read up on our Hokkaido Travel Advice, where you can also find some of the best places to eat while in Sapporo.

The post Hokkaido’s Food Culture – part 2 appeared first on Obsessed with Japan.

Let me share what you cannot miss out on while visiting and give you some recommendations for the best restaurants serving each of these dishes.

1.Okonomiyaki 

I am sure you heard about this delicious savory Japanese pancake. With its name begin derived from two words: okonomi, meaning “what you like”, and yaki meaning “cooked or fried”. It basically means cook what you like. Which explains the many toppings you can add to your basic pancake. Which essentially is a flour, egg, and dashi omelet mix with cabbage and pork.

Now, we are in Osaka where all the ingredients are mixed and you will be searching a long time for noodles. Wait, but doesn’t Okonomiyaki include Soba noodles? Not in Osaka, what you are thinking about is Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki, almost the same but not. As this style layers or stacks all the ingredients and adds some tasty Noodles, before being smothered in tasty Okonomiyaki sauce and Mayo. Which one is better? I let you decide.

There are plenty of Restaurants in Osaka, but perfectly located in Dotonbori and hands down the best place to eat Okonomiyaki in Osaka is Ajinoya Okonomiyaki. They don’t take reservations, so come early, but it is definitely worth it!

2.Kushikatsu

Not as famous with foreign tourists, but well known and appreciated by locals is Kushikatu. And trust me, once you try it it’s hard to deny how tasty those skewers are.  

Kushikatsu, also often referred to as kushiage are deep-fried skewers of meat and vegetables. The name comes from the Japanese, kushi that refers to the actual skewers used and katsu, which normally means a deep-fried cutlet of some sort.

The great thing about Kushikatsu are the many varieties. And especially in vegetable deprived Japan being able to choose from more than 10 is quite a luxury. We love how each is adding a different texture and flavor, so make sure you try a few. I recommend the Renkon (which is lotus root), quail eggs, mochi (a soft rice cake), camembert as well as anything wrapped in bacon…

The skewers are served with raw cabbage and a pot of sauce to dip them in. Now the only rule is “no double-dipping”. And you don’t need to be a germophobe to figure why. As the sauce is usually shared with the whole table and only topped up when running low. But don’t worry, you won’t forget this one, as there are usually plenty of signs (in various languages) making you aware of this.

Probably the most famous Kushikatsu Restaurant in Osaka is Kushikatsu Daruma, with many Restaurants dotted all over Town. Great if you are looking for some food and maybe a beer. A match made in heaven.

3.Takoyaki

Maybe one of the best street foods in Osaka is Takoyaki and another dish you must try while you are in town. These tiny balls made of batter and generally filled with bits of octopus are the perfect snack, pretty much any time of the day. Also watching them prepare it is already worth your money. With the skilled chefs moving so quickly is a performance of its own..

As Takoyaki means fried or cooked octopus it is pretty straight forward. Normally you will get a small tray of 6 balls topped with takoyaki sauce, mayo, seaweed and generous shavings of dried bonito flakes. And the funny thing is, the more you eat the better they get. Just be careful, these are piping hot, so make sure to give it a few seconds before you dig in.

My favorite place is Kukuru located in Dotonbori, but if you cannot make it there, get them somewhere else. You may also see them at local festivals, which would be another great opportunity to give it a try.

Last words…

So here we are and these are Osaka’s signature dishes. If you visit Osaka even just for a day, make sure to try at least one of them. You will not regret it. And if you do, let me know what you think in the comments below. Because we always love to hear from our readers here at Obsessed with Japan!

Check out all our Osaka Guides for more travel information as well as where to eat and what to do while in Oska. And make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest info straight into your mailbox.

The post What to eat in Osaka? appeared first on Obsessed with Japan.

So we created our most obsessed awards to share with you our top places! The Restaurants that wowed us the most, the Cafes we wanted to show off to our friends and accommodation we did not want to leave…

As we had a strong on Tokyo in 2019 we decided to only reward establishments here, but will extend to other cities next year for our “Best of 2020”.

Categories for “Best of 2019”

We decided to start with 6 categories this year for our best off 2019. We felt strongly about them, but are already aware, these too, have to be extended in the years to come. Leave some feedback in the comments below on what you would like to be added and we put in on our list to check!

This year we will feature 4 Food categories, 1 for Sake and 1 for Accommodation, so let’s see how the winners are in 2019!

Best Ramen in Tokyo: GOMARYUU RAMEN!

This was a tough one! But no matter how many great Ramen places we visited this year, we just kept thinking about this spicy Ramen place in Okubo. The addition of Sesame and spinach combined with the spicy flavor we just could not forget!

Best coffee shop in Tokyo: DIM LIGHT COFFEE!

A well-hidden Coffee shop, just a few minutes from Yoyogi Station. We love the coffee, the atmosphere, and the outdoor seating. This place is beautiful any time of the year with either fairy light around Christmas or cherry blossoms during spring. We love to come here!

Best Mexican food in Tokyo: Nobu Tacos San Diego!

Another tricky one, but the Tacos we ate at Nobu Tacos San Diego were just outstanding! We could not fault them and all the sauces we could choose from to spice ’em up a little were amazing. This really was the best Taco in Tokyo we ate in 2019! With an honorable mention to 440 Broadway Taco Shop being our runner up!

Best Japanese food in Tokyo: Sushi no Midori

Ok, we love this one! Sushi no Midori is not the most exclusive or fancy, but you come here and you will be wowed! The quality is outstanding and the prices are more than fair! If you don’t mind the wait at this super popular Sushi Chain, you will be more than positively surprised…

Best for Sake in Tokyo : JAPAN SAKE AND SHŌCHŪ INFORMATION CENTER

An extensive list of Sake, paired with professional knowledge and easy to buy samples make this the perfect place for literally anyone, Sake enthusiast or total beginner!

If you are interested in learning more about Sake, tasting for an incredibly good value, JAPAN SAKE AND SHŌCHŪ INFORMATION CENTER is where you want to go while in Tokyo!

Best Accommodation in Tokyo: NINE HOURS CAPSULE HOTEL

To be honest we did not stand a fight…

Amazing design, great locations, uniqueness, and unbeatable prices made it a tough one or us to decide. This is one “Hotel” you want to add on your trip and we promise you won’t regret it!

Easy bookable via booking.com there is really no excuse.

Some formalities

How are the winners picked you may ask? Good question!

As you may know, we only share places we a) visited and b) the ones we love! Meaning if we review a place, that by itself is already an achievement! But we wanted to reward them even further.

So from the pool of establishments, we visited in 2019 we picked our favorite. This means, if you are coming to Tokyo, put them on your list, as they are worth visiting!

Obsessed with Japan’s best of 2019 – Final Words

If your favorite place is not on this list or has not been reviewed then let us know! Tell us in the comments below and we will check it out! We promise to let you know what we think and send you a small gift for every entry that makes it onto our site!

And let’s see who makes it on the best of 2020 List!

The post Obsessed with Japan’s best of 2019! appeared first on Obsessed with Japan.

These boxes are what we call Osechi, especially served for New year, they contain a variety of lucky foods. They are often served in restaurants, but also made at home. And there are certain dishes that hold very special meanings. Although recently also more modern Osechi meals have appeared, including western dishes or fusion type foods. These are often catered to a more foreign audience.

A little History about Osechi

Although these days New Year’s Eve has become the main event, in Japan, New Year’s day still holds many traditions, such as visiting a shrine for “Hatsumode” and eating Osechi. With the later bringing good fortune for the rest of the year.

There used to be a superstition in the past, that said using the kitchen and cook for the first 3 days of the new year, would be bad luck. Because “Toshigami” (a deity) would stay over. And this is how the tradition started, with many families preparing these sumptuous meals a few days in advance…

Of course, most people don’t believe this anymore, nevertheless, the practice stayed and we are grateful, as it really is such a nice tradition. And we also do love these luxury bento boxes!

How about the lucky foods?

Now let’s have at a look at these lucky foods we talked about! Some are more obvious than others, but sure all are delicious ???? 

Kinton

This paste made out of chestnuts is called “kinton”, with “kin” meaning gold in Japanese the name itself becoming the “golden dumpling”. It symbolizes valuables, of course gold, and is to wish for good finances in the coming year.

Konbu

The Japanese word for joy “yorokobu” is associated with this lucky food. Which is a type of kelp.

Kamaboko

Kamaboko fish cakes usually come in red and white, with the red in them being said to ward off evil spirits.

Ebi

Eating Ebi or in English Shrimp, is symbolic of longevity. And this seems to come from the shape it takes once it’s cooked. All curled up like an older person, it stands for living up to an old age.

Tazukuri

Tazukuri, or sardines used to be used as fertilizers in the past for rice fields. Which is why they have become a symbol of a good harvest.

Kuromame

These beans stand for diligence and strength, as one meaning for the Japanese word “mame” means diligent, as well as the more widely known “bean”.

Kazunoko

Herring roe is definitely one of the easier ones to understand. With its tiny eggs (as we imagine) representing fertility.

The end, wait…

These are just but a few of the foods to be said lucky inside a traditional Osechi. And maybe the most commonly featured in most of them. So if you get a chance to eat one, have a look at how many you can find and what else you may discover!

If you are lucky enough to be in Japan, we recommend you check out one of the many Supermarkets or department stores, we love to just look at these small boxes of wonder…

And of course, there is always delivery, where would the world be without Amazone? Make sure you have a look at the amazing Osechi Boxes they have for you!

The post Lucky New Years Food – Osechi appeared first on Obsessed with Japan.

And don’t get us wrong, this is one of our highlights! But so many Ramen shops, where to even start? Well, we have been keeping a list of places we either walked by, heard off, researched or gotten recommended, so we went and checked them all! Ok, there are still some left, which means our journey will continue…

Nevertheless, have a look at our best Ramen in Tokyo for 2019! In no chronological order (how could you have a favorite child?). So let’s start and have a look at our top 9 Ramen shops in Tokyo!

1. SHAKA Ramen

SHAKA ramen is a little off the beaten track near Shinjuku san-chōme station, in what we call the trendy district of Shinjuku Ni-chōme!

The chef here really takes her time preparing each bowl one by one. And you can taste the attention to detail.

On the Picture you see the special spice ramen at 980¥. The most expensive item. But it just looked so good! And the promise of Middle Eastern spice-infused ramen just sounded so delicious! And the added extra umami from the roasted tomatoes was amazing.

Address

1 Chome-32-15 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022

Opening Hours

Closed on Sundays, otherwise daily from 11-3 pm and 5-10 pm

2.Mazesoba Ramen

Mazesoba 七 is without a doubt one of our favorite Ramen spots in Tokyo and you don’t even have to travel far, it’s right next to Shibuya Station!

Like most Ramen shops, it’s pretty straight forward, you buy a ticket at the Machine when you come in and a few minutes later, delicious Ramen will appear :p

With prices around ¥ 900, this is pretty standard, but their smokey meat is truly exceptional. We recommend the spicy Ramen, it’s just perfect especially if the weather is a bit gloomy..

Address

〒150-0031 Tōkyō-to, Shibuya-ku, Sakuragaokachō, 16−10

Opening Hours

• Monday to Friday from 11.30 am to 11.30 pm
• Saturday and Sunday 11.30 am to 10 pm

3.Aburasoba Chigo

Aburasoba Chigo, takes its inspiration from Italian Cuisine. With one of their Ramen creations called “the Italian flag”!

And we loved that in this small space, we could watch how the Ramen was made right in front of us! It might be a little distracting, but well…

They have poached egg to add as a topping, how could one resist? We recommend the spicy oily ramen for 700¥ and why not add some more salady toppings like diced raw onion? It will make it less heavy and dare we say, almost healthy?

Address

1 Chome-24-16 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0073

Opening hours

Every day 11.30 am to 11 pm

4.Gomaryuu Ramen

Gomaryuu is a small Ramen Shop near Okubo station and it’s famous for its extra spicy ramen!

You can adjust the spice level, but we recommend the “Gomaryu” for 800¥ if you want it mild or the “Asyura” a Medium level for 900¥. There is spicy oil as a condiment too, so you can always add some more.

The soup here at Gomaryuu Ramen is thick, flavored with sesame and topped with Japanese spinach, ground meat, and spices. A little different and so delicious!

Address

〒169-0073 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Hyakunincho, 1 Chome−23−17 大久保南口共同ビル 1F

Opening hours 

Closed on Monday. Otherwise daily from 11.30 am -3 pm and 5–10 pm

5.Kipposhi Ramen

You might have seen this one recently, as Kipposhi Ramen has been all over the social networks with its signature blue Ramen! 

The Blue Ramen is delicious and equally photogenic. And at ¥900, this blue chicken ramen won’t break the bank. You will find it close to Tower records, so another great spot to have lunch when in Shibuya.

Address

〒150-0041 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jinnan, 1 Chome−11−5 ダイネス壱番館渋谷102

Opening hours

• Thursday to Tuesday: 11:30 am – 3 pm and 6 – 9:30 pm
• closed on Wednesday

6.Mentoku second-generation Tsujida Kojimachi Ramen

めん徳 二代目 つじ田 麹町店 or how we freely translated it to “Mentoku second-generation Tsujida Kojimachi Ramen” is located in Yotsuya.

We love their special salt Ramen for 970¥. Expect it to arrive in a big stone bowl, beautifully decorated with all the goodness; egg, meat a few leavy bits… And yes, it was delicious too! With an Almost creamy broth and tender meat, but what we really loved is the addition of tiny bits of Yuzu rind to it! Unexpected but sooo good!

You won’t leave starving as with their generous portion, but if you really feel like more food, they give you extra boiled eggs for free! 

Address

〒102-0093 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Hirakawachō, 1 Chome−4−11

Opening hours

Closed on Sunday. Otherwise daily 11 am –10.30 pm

7.Tatsunoya Ramen

Tatsunoya Ramen is a pretty famous Ramen store in Shinjuku and we must say, rightly so!

Pretty much any time you walk by, you will see a queue in front of this Ramen Shop. But the good news is, the wait is not crazy.

We recommend the “Tsukemen” which is cold Ramen that you dip in the separately served soup, as it is delicious!!! We especially liked the broth with chewy meaty bits swimming in it, so yum!

It costs 880¥ to 980¥ depending on the size. Add a boiled egg for 100¥, a must if you ask us. Spicy Bean sprouts are free and you can add them to your liking, as well as their signature pickles. 

Address

〒160-0023 東京都新宿区西新宿７丁目４−5

Opening Hours

Every day 11 am to 10.30 pm

8.Abura-Kun Ramen

Abura-Kun (油君) Ramen is another Abura Soba Restaurant, serving delicious oily soup-less Ramen. 

It’s a small shop, maybe 7 counter seats and two tables of two, nice and cozy and we love the variety of different Ramen to pick from. Another plus, you pay for the style, not for the size, so you can get a bigger portion without paying extra, that is pretty sweet, right? They also divide each Ramen into spice levels, which we think is pretty clever again.

Address

〒160-0022 Tōkyō-to, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 2-chōme−7, 新宿２丁目７−1不二川ビル一階

Opening hours 

Everyday 11 am – 11 pm

9.Noseya Ramen

Noseya Ramen is another great ramen place located right next to Okubo stations south exit

Decorated with photographs and signatures from previous well-known dinners, it has a nice izakaya feel. And behind the counter, you will see its iconic owner with his signature headband and tattoos.

The menu is sharp, with Abura soba being the main hero. Make sure you add some extra toppings at 100¥ each, you can get egg, more meat, shallots and many more.

What’s special is that you get an array of condiments to customize your bowl of ramen even further. Create your own flavor journey from the first to your last slurp. Definitely add the hot oil and we also loved the wasabi mayo! 

Address

〒169-0073 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Hyakunincho, 1 Chome−23−17 大久保南口共同ビル1F １F

Opening Hours

Closed on Sunday. Otherwise daily 11.30 am –11 pm

So these are the Top 9 best Ramen in Tokyo 2019!

We urge you to try at least one, while in Tokyo! With all of them being mouth-wateringly delicious, we are sure you will find your personal favorite!

If you do want to challenge yourself, 3 of these Ramen shops (Noseya Ramen, Gomaryuu Ramen, and Aburasoba Chigo) are within 3min walk from each other! We dare you to try them all!!!

The post Best Ramen in Tokyo appeared first on Obsessed with Japan.

We love the variety of small Cafes, Restaurants, and stalls and of course, whatever you fancy, you will find it in Shinjuku! So let’s have a look at our list of best Restaurants in Shinjuku!

1.Tatsunoya Ramen

Our best Restaurants in Shinjuku List would not be complete without a Ramen place on it!

We warn you, there is always a queue, but it is worth the wait! We recommend getting the “Tsukemen” and don’t forget to eat it with their signature Spicy Bean sprouts. It does not get much better than this.

Address

〒160-0023 東京都新宿区西新宿７丁目４−5

Opening Hours

Every day 11 am to 10.30 pm

2.Sapporo Soup Curry Tokyo Dominica

if you are in Shinjuku hungry and craving for vegetables make sure you visit Sapporo Soup Curry Tokyo Dominica!

With Hokkaido soul food on the menu, if you feel a bit worn out, this will get you the boost you need with all the extra veggies. Another nice thing, you can easily customize your dish, one thing often a tough one in Japan. Make sure you add extra cheese, you will not regret it!

Just make sure you got money as this is cash only.

Address

〒160-0022 Tōkyō-to, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3-chōme−31−31-1 第2大伸ビルB1F

Opening hours 

• Every day 11.30 am to 10.30 pm
• except for Sunday they close at 9 pm.

3. Coto Cafe

Coto Cafe is a stylish Cafe on the 2nd floor near Shinjuku Sanchome Station. You enter and immediately feel comfortable!

The menu is only in Japanese, but the staff goes out of their way to help, so don’t worry. It features Cafe style dishes, Lunch sets, and great Cakes. So this is the perfect place to eat a lighter lunch or Dinner when in Shinjuku.

Address

〒160-0022 Tōkyō-to, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 5-chōme−17−6 中田ビル2F

Opening Hours

• Wednesday to Monday from 11.30 am – 11 pm
• Tuesdays closed

4.Al Dente

At first glance, Al Dente may look more like a franchise or family restaurant. But don’t be fooled, if you like pasta this is a great choice to go to!

You will be queuing around lunchtime as Al Dente is well known in the area, but if you go in the evening you should be ok. The English menu reads easily: pasta, pasta, and more pasta. With the highlight being a bacon-topped carbonara. And yes it was delicious!

Our tip: Get a Bruschetta for a side for the perfect meal or just bread to soak up all the sauce…

Address

〒160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 1 Chome−25−1 新宿センタービル

Opening hours

• Every day 11 am – 9 pm
• except Sunday from 11.30. am

5.Oiwake Dango Honpo Cafe

Ok, you caught us! Technically not a Restaurant, this Shop, and Cafe is a must-visit if you have a sweet tooth and want to try this traditional Japanese dessert!

Oiwake Dango Honpo Cafe famous for its dumplings called “だんご” as well as it’s shaved ice dessert known as Kakigōri. Get the dumpling set for 567¥, which includes two variations and as much free Green Tea you can drink. A set includes 2 skewers with 3 dumplings each on it. Covered in a sauce or topping. The standard set comes with one skewer topped with Red Bean past and the other one is a traditional Mitarashi Dango.

They also do take away, which is great with Shinjuku Gyoen just a little walk away.

Address

3 Chome-1-22 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022

Opening hours 

Every day 10 am – 8.30 pm

So this is our list of the best Restaurants in Shinjuku!

Now we hope you check them out! We will be adding more, so come back if you cannot see a place you want to go just yet. Or let us know your favorite place in Shinjuku and we go check it out!

Also, have a look at our best Lunch places in Shibuya! or how about checking out where to eat in Shimokitazawa?

The post Best Restaurants in Shinjuku appeared first on Obsessed with Japan.

Which is why we made this list of the best places to eat in Shimokitazawa! And we promise you, we have been to all of them. Every single one offers tasty food, friendly staff and will have you leave with a full belly and a happy face. So let’s have a look!

1.Bio Ojiyan Cafe Shimokitazawa

Bio Ojiyan Cafe Shimokitazawa is located just a few minutes walk from the west exit at Shimokitazawa Odakyu line. Their specialty is a dish called Ojiya which is kind of a rice soup. Does not sound delicious you think? Just imagine a Risotto and you get close!

The basic Ojiya comes with a breadstick coated in sugar, nori seaweed, shallots and a tiny sausage looking like an octopus! We love both, the look and the taste, so come to this small and stylish Restaurant to try Japanese Food you may have not seen yet!

Address

5-chōme-35-２５ Daita, Setagaya-ku, Tōkyō-to 155-0033

Opening Hours

Every day 11 am to 9.30 pm

2.Shimokita’s former yam house

. 

“旧ヤム邸 シモキタ荘” or freely translated “Shimokita’s former yam house” is a Restaurant our Japanese friend has been meaning to bring us to for a while, as this is her favorite “spice curry” restaurant in Tokyo. According to her; if she could, she would eat here every day! And we do agree with her!

Come here if you like curry, but do not worry it is not spicy at all, just jampacked full of flavor accompanied by a salsa, pickles and some Dahl. It tastes exactly as it sounds: delicious!

The only thing, there is no English menu, but the staff is nice and you can totally do without.

Address 

〒155-0032 Tōkyō-to, Setagaya City, Daizawa, 5-chōme−29−9 ナイスビル

Opening hours 

• 11.30am-3pm and 6pm-10pm
• Closed on Tuesday

3.Madosh Cafe Shimokitazawa

Madosh Cafe Shimokitazawa is all about heroing Avocado! So if you love it too, this is the right place to come to!

With a good selection of international dishes, everyone will find their favorite one and let us tell you, the portions are huge! We highly recommend the fried avocado with cheese and ham and the nicest surprise was their signature Avocado Smoothy! Make sure you get one when you visit.

Address:

〒155-0031 Tōkyō-to, Setagaya City, Kitazawa, 2-chōme−34−3 クリスタルベスルビル2F

Opening Hours:

Every day 11.30 am-10 pm

Our where to eat in Shimokitazawa

Now we hope you check out one of our recommendations on where to eat in Shimokitazawa! We will be adding more, so come back if you cannot see a place you want to go and make sure to also check out our best Lunch places in Shibuya!

The post Where to eat in Shimokitazawa appeared first on Obsessed with Japan.

Whether you feel peckish or starving there is a place on our list. From Japanse to Mexican or Italian Restaurants they are all here because we think they are the best lunch places in Shibuya, with great food and even better value!

1. Sushi no Midori

If you love Sushi, this is the place for you!

Sushi no Midori is located inside Shibuya Market City, which is part of Shibuya Station and they are infamous for their delicious, yet cheap and generous Sushi. 

The Menu is English and the Staff is lovely, expect to pay between ¥100 and ¥400, with the average Roll at ¥200 and the size, believe us, they are almost double of what you would get abroad! They also have a pretty extensive selection of non-fish sushi too, in case you like to mix it up a little. Check out our Full review “great Sushi in Shibuya” for Menu and more Photos…

Address 

〒107-6302 Tōkyō-to, Shibuya-ku, Dōgenzaka, 1-chōme−12−3

Opening Hours

Every day 11.30 am to 9.30 pm

2. Kipposhi Ramen

You might have seen this one recently, as Kipposhi Ramen has been all over the social networks with its signature blue Ramen! 

The Blue Ramen is delicious and equally photogenic. And at ¥900, this blue chicken ramen won’t break the bank. You will find it close to Tower records, so another great spot to have lunch when in Shibuya. It is also on our Best Ramen List, so check it out if you love Ramen!

Address

〒150-0041 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jinnan, 1 Chome−11−5 ダイネス壱番館渋谷102

Opening hours

• Thursday to Tuesday: 11:30 am – 3 pm and 6 – 9:30 pm
• closed on Wednesday

3. Brown Rice (by Neals Yard)

Technically in Omotesando, but within the Shibuya ward is Brown Rice (by Neals Yard), a stylish Japanese vegetarian Restaurant.

They have great Lunch Deals around 1500 and are a bit more on the upscale side. Great for a quiet lunch and you won’t even notice there is no meat, the food here is that good and if we dare say, pretty too!

Address 

5 Chome-1-8 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001

Opening Hours

Every day 11.30 am – 6 pm

4. Forucafe @ WeWork

We love Forucafe @ WeWork for they Cafe Style lunches and Homemade Sodas. They do curry, taco rice or a toast sets to name just a few things on the Menu and their desserts look delicious!

If you ever wanted to check out WeWorks offices, this may be your chance! Though you won’t be able to actually enter the office space, the Cafe does have the same feel to it.

Address

WeWork Iceberg 1F, 6-chōme-12-18 Jingūmae, Shibuya City, Tōkyō-to 150-0001

Opening hours

Every day 9 am – 7 pm

5. Tex Mex Factory

If you are starving then this might be the place for you as with their “Endless Tacos” you will get your fill at this tasty Mexican Restuarant!

It’s pretty straight forward, on weekdays from 11.30-15.00 you can eat as many tacos as you can for ¥1280! Yes, you read correctly! Actually, it gets even better: soft drinks are free too!!! 

Address

〒150-0041 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jinnan, 1 Chome−19−3 ハイマンテン神南ビル 2F

Opening Hours

Everyday 11.30 am – Midnight

6. Shibaraku Onigiri Shop

Of course, we also include a lighter option. Shibaraku Onigiri Shop is more of a grab and go, although they have a few seats too.

It is located in the heart of Shibuya and if you are looking for a homemade, healthy snack this is the perfect Restaurant/Shop to stop by! With prices around ¥160 and the more meaty ones at around ¥250, you can choose from a wide selection of fillings. Just the perfect snack to keep you going.

Address

1 Chome-21-3 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0041

Opening Hours

Every day from 8 am to 8 pm

7. Microcosmos Tokyo

It’s a bit hard to find, located on the 8 floor of a very unglamorous building. But well worth a visit for their great Lunch Deal in Shibuya!

They do have an English menu. It’s pretty straight forward: Burgers and pancakes! And the lunch deal includes a main, salad and drink bar. Burgers start at ¥1000, so this place is crazy good value and straight next to Shibuya Station. Check out our full review of this great Burger place here.

Address

〒150-0002 Tōkyō-to, Shibuya City, Shibuya, 1-chōme−25−6, 渋谷パークサイド共同ビル8F

Opening hours

• Monday to Saturday: Midday – 4 pm
• Sunday: Midday – Midnight

8. And people Jinnan

And people Jinnan is a stylish restaurant themed to look like a French atelier. As with all Restaurants by this small chain, “And people” is famous for its conceptual interior designs.

They serve delicious Italian style-food, but many people come here because it is highly Instagramable. A great place to relax and take a picture of two. And definitely deserves a place on our Best lunch place in Shibuya.

Address

〒150-0041 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jinnan, 1 Chome−20−5 NAVI渋谷 6F

Opening Hours

Everyday Lunch to Midnight

9. Mazesoba Ramen

Mazesoba 七 is without a doubt one of our favorite Ramen spots in Tokyo and you don’t even have to travel far, it’s right next to Shibuya Station!

Like most Ramen shops, it’s pretty straight forward, you buy a ticket at the Machine when you come in and a few minutes later, delicious Ramen will appear :p

With prices being around ¥ 900, this is pretty standard, but their smokey meat is truly exceptional. We recommend the spicy Ramen, it’s just perfect especially if the weather is a bit gloomy..

Address

〒150-0031 Tōkyō-to, Shibuya-ku, Sakuragaokachō, 16−10

Opening Hours

• Monday to Friday from 11.30 am to 11.30 pm
• Saturday and Sunday 11.30 am to 10 pm

10. GOMAYA KUKI

And the last stop we reserved for dessert! Because GOMAYA KUKI is a small ice cream cafe that only serves Sesame Ice Cream. You can choose either light or dark as well as different levels of intensity. Buy them by a scoop, which means you will get 2 for 550¥, a tasting tray for 1100¥. Or why not try their signature Tempura Icecream?

If you are in the neighborhood it is a real must eat! And the best part? They do both, eat-in and take away!

Address

〒150-0001 Tōkyō-to, Shibuya City, Jingūmae, 4-chōme−26−22, 原宿Hビル 1F

Opening Hours

Every day 11 am to 6.30 pm

So these are Obsessed with Japan’s best lunch place in Shibuya!

Check them out, enjoy and let us know what you think in the comments below. If you are looking for great places to eat Breakfast also have a look at our Best Breakfast and Brunch in Tokyo or our eating in Japan page for all kinds of Food.

The post Best lunch place in Shibuya appeared first on Obsessed with Japan.

Having a huge Brunch culture in Europe, it puzzled us at the beginning that we could not find a similar trend here in Japan. Which is why we set out, to find the best places in Tokyo, so you can satisfy your weekend brunch cravings.

And we are delighted to share our favorite Restaurants and Cafes in Tokyo to grab great Brunch or Breakfast with you here!

1. Crisscross Restaurant in Omotesando

We love this place!

Get your fill on perfectly made Pancakes, with their specialty being “the Buttermilk pancakes with sausage and fried egg”. A great place to start your day and open from 8 am, with ample outdoor seating for that Holiday feeling.

Check out our review of this great Brunch Spot in Tokyo.

Opening Hours: Every day 8 am – 9 pm

Address: 〒107-0062 東京都港区南青山５丁目７−28

2. Deux Ex Machina Cafe in Jingumae/Shibuya

What is not to love about this place? With their Avocado Toast and Granola bowl being just two of their Breakfast musts, we like the stylish interior and super friendly staff!

Open from 9 am, it is another great place for any early risers and a great starting point to explore neighboring Harajuku or Yoyogi. 

Check out our review of this great Breakfast Place in Tokyo.

Opening Hours: Every day 9 am to 8 pm and on Fridays until 11 pm

Address: 3-chōme-29-5 Jingūmae, Shibuya City, Tōkyō-to 150-0001

3. Path in Yoyogi

No Breakfast list would be complete without Path on it. With their delicious homemade Pastries and famous Dutch pancake its a must for anyone looking for a great place to eat Brunch! But be prepared, there is always a queue…

Have a look at our Review of this popular Brunch place here.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 8 am – 2 pm (breakfast)

Address: A-FLAT 1F, 1 Chome-44-2 Tomigaya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0063

4. Tokyo Dòujiāng Life Taiwanese Restaurant in Gotanda

This is another hidden gem! 

Probably the best Taiwanese breakfast restaurant in Tokyo. Open every day from 8 am, their popular pastries sell out regularly before 10 am. So make sure to be early!

But the good news is, there is always their signature dish “salty soy milk (鹹豆漿)” and it is worth coming just for this!

Have a look at our full review of this healthy Breakfast place in Tokyo.

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 8 am – 2 pm

Address: 1 Chome-20-3 Nishigotanda, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 141-0031

5. BUY ME STAND in Shibuya

With a great selection of Breakfast items, this is the perfect place to start your weekend!

Relax in their Cuban style Cafe and choose from their signature Breakfast Sandwiches such as “Milk Toast”, a Cinamon sugar toast with Milk for dipping. Or how about the “Toad in a Hole” that is a Fried Egg in a slice of bread with hashbrown and melted cheese.

And then there is the melted cheese sandwich….

Read our Review of this amazing Shibuya Breakfast place here!

Opening Hours: Every day 8 am to 9 pm

Address: 〒150-0011 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Higashi, 1 Chome−31−19 マンション並木橋２０２

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