While ramen and sushi are the first things that come to mind when Japanese food is mentioned, Tokyo is no stranger to hip, new places with all sorts of cool foodie creations to try.
American work clothing brand, STABLER, marked its foray into F&B with the opening of STABLER Meatsand. Its second outlet, STABLER Shimokitazawa Meatsand 2nd, is situated in reload, an enclave of hipster cafes and eateries in trendy Shimokitazawa.
It’s no secret that Japanese convenience stores – or conbinis as they’re known locally, are on another level. The sheer variety of to-go food and goods makes our convenience stores back home look poorly stocked.
At the center of this so-called institution is conbini chicken, a deep-fried, breaded chicken cutlet sold at many a counter. It is so legendarily delicious that some even claim you haven’t experienced Japanese cuisine at its peak if you’ve not sunk your teeth into one of these sinful cutlets.
This begs the question: with as many as three major conbini chains in any Japanese city, whose fried chicken is the best? Needless to say, I set out to undertake this mission against my better judgment, and to my stomach’s great delight.
Ask any Japanophile for must-try food places in Tokyo, and Gyukatsu Motomura will more than likely top most lists. This chain brand has practically become an institution, with its have-it-your-way, deep-fried breaded beef cutlet drawing queue past lunch hours.
While there are a few outlets scattered across Tokyo, I’ve been told the one in Shinjuku is its OG outpost. You’re advised to stake your spot about 15 minutes before opening time, which is when most customers start queueing.
On Day 1 of our recent work trip to Tokyo, we were eager to tuck into some good ol’ Japanese food after a hectic afternoon. As it turns out, Shouhei Ramen was right around the corner from our hotel in Nishishinjuku.
We visited this place in November 2019, prior to Covid-19. Do check for pandemic-related updates and precautions before making your visit.
Though overlooked by travellers in favour of her more famous neighbour, Kyoto, Shiga 滋賀県 also has her own undiscovered charms to offer. Aside from being home to Japan’s largest inland lake, Lake Biwa, Shiga also presents a bevy of culinary treasures, many of them exclusive to this humble and peaceful prefecture.
If you’re taking a trip off the beaten track, here are some of Shiga’s local delicacies to feast on!
We visited this place in November 2019, prior to Covid-19. Do check for pandemic-related updates and precautions before making your visit.
Other than a bustling town square and vibrant port, Nagahama, Shiga is also home to a wholesome and delectable local delicacy – yaki-saba somen. But even if you have not heard of this delightful dish prior to visiting Nagahama, you would definitely pick up on its distinct aroma walking past Yokarou 翼果楼, one of two eateries that specialise in it this quaint castle town.
There are long-standing businesses that you grow up with as a child. Then there are those that have been established long before your parents’, or your grandparents’ time.
Honke Tsuruki Soba 本家 鶴㐂そば has been serving up traditional hot and cold soba in Otsu, Shiga for close to three centuries. Located a brief 10 minute walk Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, the restaurant is housed in a sizeable building overlooking a quaint neighbourhood.
Chue On It 