Thursday, October 3, 2024

Tokyo Food Guide - The Best Food & The Best Restaurants in Tokyo

photo kyubey best sushi omakase tokyo ginza.jpg
When Tokyo is mentioned in a conversation, it's more often than not that the topic is about food. While many rave about Ichiran, Afuri, Sushi Dai, Shake Shack, Red Rock, Luke's Lobster and some of the must-eats that Singaporeans always go for, I'm here with a list of recommendations that are not usually talked about. You most definitely should not miss them when you visit Tokyo!

Mutekiya - Best Tonkotsu Ramen in Tokyo

Tonkotsu ramen can be found everywhere in Tokyo, and Singaporeans especially love Ichiran. I've been to Ichiran multiple times, especially in the wee hours of the morning for supper. The tonkotsu broth at Ichiran is savory but it always feels like it's pretty heavily laden with msg. Well, at Mutekiya, which I believe to have the best tonkotsu ramen in Tokyo, the broth is delightfully rich but it doesn't make you thirsty. While the noodles and broth are great, the highlight has to be the really fatty chunks of pork! The portion is more than generous and I believe that you'll love every bite of the pork!

Japan, 〒171-0022 Tokyo, Toshima City, Minamiikebukuro, 1 Chome−17−1 崎本ビル1F


Fuunji - Best Fish Ramen / Best Tsukemen in Tokyo


I'm not a super big fan of ramen, much less one of tsukemen, but the fish tsukemen at Fuunji absolutely swept me off my feet. I still dream about it to this day! It's really rich though so if you're not one for rich and heavy flavours, you might want to skip this!

Japan, 〒151-0053 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Yoyogi, 2 Chome−14−3 北斗第一ビル 1


Kyubey - Best Mid-Range Omakase in Tokyo
photo kyubey ginza lunch.jpg

On a single trip to Tokyo, I went to Kyubey thrice. The omakase set is really great value for money(go for the Oribe) and the sushi is just remarkable. I didn't make a reservation all three times, I simply waited outside right when the restaurant opened and they told me to come back in an hour, in all 3 instances. Perhaps, it was easier for me as I was alone!

More on : Best Mid-Range Sushi Omakase Restaurants in Tokyo

8 Chome-7-6 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan 

 
Sushi Tokyo Ten - Affordable & Excellent Sushi Omakase
photo sushi tokyo ten sushi omakase.jpg
Sushi Tokyo Ten has gained a huge following over the past few years for their very affordable sushi omakase. It's really difficult to get a reservation here, and walk-ins are really tough as well but if you have the patience and luck to dine here, you're in for a treat for sure. They now have a few outlets so hopefully that increases your chances of getting a seat here!

More on : Best Mid-Range Sushi Omakase Restaurants in Tokyo

5 Chome-24-55 Sendagaya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0051, Japan

Manten Sushi - Affordable & Excellent Sushi Omakase
photo Manten sushi ginza.jpg

The sister restaurant of Sushi Tokyo Ten, Manten Sushi offers similar omakase menus and almost the same selection of sushi. So, you can expect to have as good an experience here. I actually preferred dining at Manten Sushi just because it's less hectic and you can enjoy your omakase at a more leisurely pace in a less noisy setting. It's hard to get a reservation here as well, but I would say you'll have a better shot here as compared to at Sushi Tokyo Ten!

Japan, 〒100-6990 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 2 Chome−6−1 ブリックスクエア B1
 
 
Narikura - Best Tonkatsu in Tokyo
photo best tonkatsu tokyo.jpg
The tonkatsu did not sport an enticing deep brown, but rocked a pale shade of yellow. It was definitely a stellar example of "don't judge a book by its cover". The batter was incredibly light and crisp, and not oily at all. And wow, the meat was so insanely tender and juicy! Every bite was a small piece of heaven and I promise you that you'll be hooked! Each bite just left me craving for more and I couldn't help savouring a few pieces on their own before pairing the rest of the cutlet with rice. The portion was really huge and I couldn't finish it and felt so bad because it was SO DELICIOUS. 


4 Chome-33-9 Naritahigashi, Suginami City, Tokyo 166-0015, Japan

 
Shima - Best Wagyu Steak Sando in Tokyo

Known for their steaks and especially their elusive steak sando, Shima is the place to go to if you're looking to splurge on a fantastic steak. An institution that has withstood the test of time, Shima has consistently been rated highly by fans from all over the world. They might be more famous for their beautiful steak sando but not everyone gets to have a taste of it. There have been talks about being able to just order a takeaway portion during lunchtime, and rumours about how it's only served to diners who have spent quite a fair amount. I spent $245 here and didn't even get the sandwich while the 4 caucasian diners next to me got 3 sets even though individually, each of them spent less than I did. So, I guess, it still comes down to more than a bit of luck!
 
Japan, 〒103-0027 Tokyo, Chuo City, Nihonbashi, 3 Chome−5−12 平和不動産日本橋ビル B1
 
 
Wagyu to Worldwide - Best Cheeseburger in Tokyo

Awesome fluffy buns(one of the best I've had), juicy flavourful patty, and overall just a really delicious burger!
 
2-chōme-12-7 Kachidoki, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0054, Japan
 
Center the Bakery - Best Bread in Tokyo
Dedicated to bread, this popular cafe is heaven for bread lovers. The Shokupan is to die for. Not all bread is created equal indeed
 
Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 1 Chome−2−1 紺屋ビル 1F 東京高速道路

Yasuke - Best Authentic Sushi Experience
Come here if you're looking for a real authentic local experience. This sushi bar is owned by an elderly couple who doesn’t speak English

Every patron in the shop was local, and 90% of them were in their senior years. The shop could sit maybe 9-10 pax max(everyone is very close to each other). This sushi experience was as authentic as it could get. I also didnt have cash on me but I saw the visa sticker on their door after I wasn’t able to confirm if they accept credit cards. When I was about to pay, I realised that their card machine was ancient. Just so much character, heart, and soul in this restaurant
 
3 Chome-23-7 Shinbashi, 港区 Minato City, Tokyo 105-0004, Japan

 
Steak Rice Center - Really Great Value for Money Beef Bowl 

Delicious and excellent value for money! You can customise your rice bowls (type of rice + amount of meat + toppings etc). Be prepared to queue for at least an hour and note that the queue is cut about 1 hour - 1.5 hours before the stated closing time. So get there early!

I got the signature Medium sized bowl (1290yen) + an egg yolk, whipped butter, fresh garlic (300 yen)
 
Japan, 〒150-0002 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Shibuya, 1 Chome−12−24, 707 Shibuya, 1階

 
Ramen Hosenka - Delicious Fish Ramen
 
The rich broth was sold out so I got the lighter broth, and it was really tasty! I can just imagine how much more amazing the rich broth would have been. I'm not a huge fan of ramen but I would come back for this.

Japan, 〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukicho, 1 Chome−24−6 鶴切ビル 1F
 
Mukai - Rumoured to be Better Than Tsujihan

The restaurant is set in an old Japanese house and the staff only speak Japanese. Order chit is in Japanese but there’s a little guide on the table to help you along in the ordering process. I got the Kaihodon Kiwami (chefs recco - with uni and ikura/ 2700 yen). Cash only

 
15-6 Shinsencho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0045, Japan

Torishege - Best Izakaya in Tokyo

Packed with locals, Torishege does not have an english menu or english-speaking staff so I placed my orders using pictures I found on Instagram! The food is stellar, and can take some time to be served, so come hungry and ready to wait!

2 Chome-6-5 Yoyogi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0053, Japan (They have a few outlets now) https://r.gnavi.co.jp/5ugdww0x0000/  
 

Wagyumafia - OG Wagyu Katsu Sando in Tokyo

waygumafia tokyo katsu sando 

Avid lovers of wagyu katsu sando must pay the OG wagyu katsu sando restaurant in Tokyo a visit. Here, you get prized cuts beautifully encased in a thin crisp batter, all sandwiched between slightly fluffy buns. While the portion is small, and the price tags are hefty, those who enjoy a really tasty katsu sando will most likely relish this. 

More on : https://www.strictlyours.com/2019/04/wagyumafia-cutlet-sandwich.html

1 Chome-26-1-108 Kamimeguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0051, Japan  https://www.exploretock.com/wagyumafiathecutletsandwich/ 
 

Mensho - Best Duck Ramen in Tokyo
Snapseed 

Tokyo is home to all kinds of ramen and almost everything tastes good, or exceptional. But the master of duck ramen has to be Mensho. The brand has expanded and can now be found in a couple of international locations. But if you're one to hunt down the OG outlets, here's where you should be going.
 
1 Chome-17-16 Otowa, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0013, Japan 

炭火焼肉 ほんけぜろ 中目黒 - Best Japanese Yamagata Yakiniku Barbecue in TokyoIMG_4522 

Sure, there are plenty of great yakinku bbq restaurants in Tokyo, but this restaurant specialises in Yamagata beef. I have been to more than 45 cities in Japan and this is the one and only time I've actually tried Yamagata beef. People usually go for the highly raved "holy trinity" of Kobe, Matsusaka and Omi but there's lotsa outstanding wagyu from other prefectures as well. And Yamagata beef undeniably left an impression.

東京都目黒区上目黒2-44-24 COMS中目黒 2F

Toridashioden Samon - Best Oden in Tokyo
Don't visit if you're expecting great service, because you'll be sorely disappointed. Come if you want comforting oden that will warm you to your bones.
3 Chome-5-31 Kamimeguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0051, Japan
 
Teppanyaki Ebisu - Amazing Teppanyaki
Perched on a high floor in The Westin Tokyo, Teppanyaki Ebisu offers an exceptional view, and promises superb quality meats prepared by masterful chefs.
 
The Westin Tokyo
1 Chome-4-1 Mita, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0062, Japan

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