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.
Fancy watching your ramen go up in flames before your very eyes? Or how about a side of dinnertime theatrics along with your meal?
Menbaka Fire Ramen in Kyoto is no stranger to both. Nestled deep in Kamigyo Ward to the north of Nijo Castle, the eatery has been serving up it torched ramen since 1985, when its founder discovered the fiery taste from combining green onion with extreme heat. Needless to say, the eatery opens to swarming queues of curious tourists right up to closing time!
Honmura Art Village, a district home to around ten art installations scattered across former residences, is one of the first pit stops for visitors to Naoshima. But that’s not the only thing this quaint neighbourhood is worth making a beeline for. Tucked away from quiet streets are several hidden cafes and eateries where you can grab a bite (or a breather) between art hopping.
It was by pure chance that I stumbled across Apron Cafe while searching for my second last stop on the Honmura art village trail. A neatly written sign on a blackboard indicated its existence around the corner from a nondescript single level building.
Chue On It 