Eat and Drink

Advice about Eat and Drink

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Kyara-ben or chara-ben Culture images

Kyara-ben or chara-ben Culture

It is a shortened form of character bento. As Autumn is season for sports festivals in Japan, it comes up in our conversations between moms. Moms decorate homemade food to look like cute characters in order to make their kids happy and their lunches more appealing.If you’re interested in seeing…(222 words)

EmiOnishi image

EmiOnishi

Wired-In Dining images

Wired-In Dining

One of the most novel, convenient, and custom dining experiences I have come across in all of my travels can be found popping up in restaurants in and around Tokyo. These hybrid systems of food ordering and delivery are truly an entertaining spectacle while you eat. Technology and food combine to o…(412 words)

Alex image

Alex

Tokyo Izakaya for Sashimi and Seafood images

Tokyo Izakaya for Sashimi and Seafood

Izakaya are Japanese style pubs, great places to meet and have drinks. Many izakaya also serve excellent food. Try having a few drinks while you sample some popular izakaya foods. If you like fish and seafood, you should try one of the Isomaru Suisan 磯丸水産 izakaya. Isomaru is a seafood speci…(287 words)

David image

David

The Absolute Best Burritos in Japan: Cactus Burrito images

The Absolute Best Burritos in Japan: Cactus Burrito

Cactus Burrito offers California "San Diego-style" burritos like no one else in Japan. They’re located just a few minutes’ walk from Musashi-Shinjō Station on the JR Nanbu Line in Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki.Their shop is tiny, but their menu is impressive. In addition to the regular assortment of Mex…(269 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

HoneyBaked Ham - Now in Japan images

HoneyBaked Ham - Now in Japan

Just an FYI that you can now get HoneyBaked Ham in Japan. We used to always have this growing up so happy to share it with Japanese friends. They are always amazed to try what we call 'real' ham.www.honeybaked.co.jp. Website is in English or Japanese.This kind of ham is not available…(90 words)

JiyugaokaPaul image

JiyugaokaPaul

Japanese Omelette, “Dashimaki tamago” images

Japanese Omelette, “Dashimaki tamago”

Dashi-maki tamago is basically a Japanese-style omelette made by rolling up the egg as you cook it. Very popular recipe in Japanese restaurant. It is made with dashi broth so it's packed with extra flavor and a bit of sweetness from the sugar. Usually it is served with grated radish (“daikon oroshi…(71 words)

OKAKI-sun image

OKAKI-sun

Local Tonkotsu Ramen Shop Urinbo in Asakusa images

Local Tonkotsu Ramen Shop Urinbo in Asakusa

In Tokyo you can try some of the best food from all over Japan here. At Urinbo ramen in Asakusa, you can have good Hakata style tonkotsu ramen without a trip to Fukuoka in Kyushu.Urinbo is a local shop, but don’t be shy to go in. Students, workers, and families with hungry kids all come here. I…(332 words)

David image

David

Casual Shojin Ryori in Tokyo images

Casual Shojin Ryori in Tokyo

Shojin Ryori, or shojin cuisine, is the form of Buddhist cuisine that is popular with the vegetarian/vegan foreigner crowd here in Japan. Traditionally the food that Buddhist monks make for themselves in their temples, there are only a handful of restaurants in Tokyo that serve this cuisine. Howeve…(432 words)

Nico image

Nico

“Restaurant Chez Mikawa” –Fine Belgian cuisine and beer in Akasaka since 1987 images

“Restaurant Chez Mikawa” –Fine Belgian cuisine and beer in Akasaka since 1987

Do you like Japanese beers? Yes, they’re light, fine and refreshing. I love them! But sometimes, I feel like having something different, like Belgian beers. In Tokyo, you can find bars offering Belgian beers, more easily than before. So, you might know what kind of taste they are. How about Belgian…(480 words)

YumikoH image

YumikoH

Shimokitazawa Area Restaurants #1 Midorizushi ~ the best of Sushi Shops images

Shimokitazawa Area Restaurants #1 Midorizushi ~ the best of Sushi Shops

There are a few great sushi masters who can transform sushi into food for the gods!Midori-zushi. Among the modest 'sushiyasan' creating traditional sushi along with innovational original dishes, there are many master chefs. They say little, giving their sushi creations their full attention. Howev…(311 words)

Andrew Grimes image

Andrew Grimes

Hot, Fresh Coffee On The Go! images

Hot, Fresh Coffee On The Go!

Make no mistake. If you love coffee, Tokyo is one of the best cities in the world. As it is with so many other types of food and drink, you can find just about anything your caffeine-craving soul could want here. Tokyo's love affair with coffee started after the end of World War II, when the G…(808 words)

jdlawrence image

jdlawrence

Eating at Daihanten in Yokohama's Chinatown images

Eating at Daihanten in Yokohama's Chinatown

Daihanten, in Yokohama's Chinatown, is one of the most famous shops the area. There are actually two, I'll be speaking about their "honten" (main shop).I recently went for lunch with a large party of thirteen. Once we managed to get through the large crowd of waiting customers in the downstairs…(275 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Mikasa Kaikan, quality libations & comestibles in the hart of Ginza images

Mikasa Kaikan, quality libations & comestibles in the hart of Ginza

Quality and connivence in Ginza, Mikasa Kaikan has a lot to offer. Located half a block back from Harumi Dori and 3.5 blocks from the famous Ginza 4 - Chome intersection, it's close to Ginza's high energy central shopping area, easy to find and serene all at the same time.Meet up with friends a…(216 words)

Aron image

Aron

Kirin Yokohama Beer Village images

Kirin Yokohama Beer Village

Kirin Beer originates from YokohamaThe Kirin Beer Village, where you can learn about the history of beer, is surely a place that any beer-lover would want to visit.Kirin Beer originates from Yokohama. Kirin Yokohama Beer Village is the oldest brewery in Japan (completed in 1926), and reportedly…(929 words)

Kanagawa P.G.T.D. image

Kanagawa P.G.T.D.

Exquisite French Fine Dining in Yokohama images

Exquisite French Fine Dining in Yokohama

Although I live in Yokohama, I avoided this restaurant for years thinking Queen Alice "had to be" overrated and overpriced. Created and owned by former Iron Chef, Yutaka Ishinabe, why else wouldn't I?But last night I took my girlfriend there for our three-year anniversary, and had a wonderful, …(244 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Another Easy and Affordable Way to Beat Tsuyu (the Rainy Season) images

Another Easy and Affordable Way to Beat Tsuyu (the Rainy Season)

Two years ago I wrote about one of my favourite summer dishes: "Hiyashi Chuka" - chilled Chinese noodles. It's a summer staple in Japan because it's tasty, light, and refreshing - a perfect meal to beat the season's sultry summer heat: http://www.deepjapan.org/a/3324As soon as June starts, you …(229 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Yoshiwara and Oiran and TEMPURA images

Yoshiwara and Oiran and TEMPURA

In Japan, there was a place called "Yoshiwara".It is a famous place, the woman named Oiran, but it is not anymore.Things that Japanese men expect to women,It is a little childish gesture and innocent face.The reason is because cute.Its roots can be found in Yoshiwara and Oiran.100…(121 words)

asteka image

asteka

Ponta, you know what... images

Ponta, you know what...

In Japan, there is a dish called pork cutlet.Its name is called "TONKATSU".There is a way to find the No. 1 delicious shop in "TONKATSU".It is to look for a shop called "Ponta".No. 1 "Ponta" shop is here, UENO-Okachimachi.Price is high, but, But is a well-established store.We …(76 words)

asteka image

asteka

Suzuhiro Kamaboko images

Suzuhiro Kamaboko

Kamaboko is a seafood product that is steamed, grilled, fried, or poached. Kamaboko is made from white fish, which is filleted, pounded into paste, mixed with salt, sugar, egg whites, fish sauce and Japanese sake. You can enjoy the goodness of fish with a delicious flavor and a unique texture-smoot…(349 words)

Kintaro-man image

Kintaro-man

Just a tad to remember images

Just a tad to remember

Soy sauce, or shoyu, is one of Japan's most important condiments. It is used more in Kanto (around Tokyo) than in Kansai (around Osaka), but it is used throughout Japan. it is usually on the table in most restaurants and in every home. The most important thing to remember when using soy sauce is…(108 words)

mikekato image

mikekato

“Tamago-kake Gohan” images

“Tamago-kake Gohan”

Soy sauce is indispensable ingredient for Japanese cuisine. Although there are a lot of use in everyday life, one of the most popular use is “Tamago-kake Gohan”. We put raw egg on top of hot cooked rice, add soy sauce and mix them up well to eat. This is a favorite dish for many Japanese people.(56 words)

OKAKI-sun image

OKAKI-sun

Food to eat in the Autumn images

Food to eat in the Autumn

A must eat dish in Autumn is "matsutake gohan" which is pine mushroom rice. Pine mushrooms are in season during the fall so is definitely the time to eat it. They also have "matsutake soup". It is slightly expensive but very much worth eating. Also persimmons are the in season fruit during the fall…(64 words)

Jules image

Jules

DEFINITELY eat at Ginza Isomura! images

DEFINITELY eat at Ginza Isomura!

One of my favorite Japanese restaurants in Japan is called Ginza Isomura; there is one in Ginza and two in Kannai/Bashamichi. They are famous for their kushiage, which are fresh meat, fish or vegetables deep fried on a stick. However, it is not as heavy as you may think! I love going for lunches, b…(115 words)

RieS image

RieS

Tenpura ryori, Yasai Tendon, Yasai Itame (sauteed veg), Yasai Yakisoba (veg noodles) and many other veg options can be tried out images

Tenpura ryori, Yasai Tendon, Yasai Itame (sauteed veg), Yasai Yakisoba (veg noodles) and many other veg options can be tried out

Tenpura Ryori - Tenpura is a Japanese dish which is fried in a batter. Vegetable (yasai) Tenpura would be vegetables dipped in the batter and then fried. They are assorted vegetables and then as a side dish rice or miso is given with it in a full meal. Yasai Tendon - Basically a bowl of rice wit…(342 words)

suku image

suku

Tempura images

Tempura

My favourite Japanese fried food is called "Tempura" and it is a dish of seafood or vegetables that have been battered and deep fried in around 180 degrees (Celsius) oil. When you see the chef preparing the meal, it looks very easy but it is an art and to make this meal is not so simple. When it co…(172 words)

AustinA image

AustinA

"Uni" Sea urchin & "Horumon" guts images

"Uni" Sea urchin & "Horumon" guts

Considered delicacies (urchin) & eco-soul food (guts) these two get extreme reactions from dai-fans (big fans) who cant believe you wont try it, to those who can't stand sitting next to someone eating it! I've tried both & fall into the latter group of avoiders - uni tastes like dirty socks & the…(77 words)

jjwalsh image

jjwalsh

Sushi Jiro.... images

Sushi Jiro....

I have eaten there once. It was very hard to make reservation I heard from the friend who did for us.Inside is not as lively as you would expect from the most of Sushi place. There is not much to choose from menu - just "Omakase" meaning you don't have a choice. I always ask for "Omakase" be…(312 words)

KIH image

KIH

Handle your sushi like a pro images

Handle your sushi like a pro

Ignoring preparation (which can be an intensely meticulous process on the part of sushi chefs), nothing about the actual consumption of sushi needs to be complicated, at least in my experience. After all, it is only a slab of fish over a block of rice. Sushi is meant to be eaten in one bite, so han…(172 words)

KurtisW image

KurtisW

Elaborate onigiri is king images

Elaborate onigiri is king

Traditional onigiris have a nice healthy appeal, and retain the "classic" Japanese dietary elements, such as rice, fish, and pickled veggies, but let's not limit ourselves to just the classics. Every convenience store has its own brand (or at least brand that is made for that convenience store), an…(178 words)

KurtisW image

KurtisW

If you like potato chips - you MUST try "Jagariko" "じゃがりこ” images

If you like potato chips - you MUST try "Jagariko" "じゃがりこ”

I don't know why these are not in the States yet. Just think of a potato chip but shaped like a french fry. Many flavors, easy to eat, and they don't crumble all over you or your keyboard!I know Japanese who swear they are best dipped in mayonnaise.(49 words)

JiyugaokaPaul image

JiyugaokaPaul

Taste over tradition images

Taste over tradition

A late night gorge at a typical Japanese junk food restaurant just can't be beat. One thing which I always go for is ramen, but not just any ramen. Taste over tradition is the key concept, and many older or more traditional Japanese people scoff at some of the wild creations that downtown ramen sho…(133 words)

KurtisW image

KurtisW

Making tasty okonomiyaki images

Making tasty okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki means, literally, "cooked to your own preference." At a restaurant, take a look around and see how others cook it. Making a pancake and letting the first side cook is reasonably easy, But taking the special spatulas in both hands and flipping it in a single motion takes practice. Ord…(58 words)

mikekato image

mikekato

Soup Base images

Soup Base

Soy sauce seems to make its way into all of Japanese cuisine one way or another. Often times just as a replacement for salt in cooking. I find that my bottle in my apartment most commonly makes its way into soups. I usually boil green onions and other stuff like a chicken carcass or fish flakes, an…(108 words)

KurtisW image

KurtisW

Try not to eat or drink while walking and riding trains! images

Try not to eat or drink while walking and riding trains!

The generally accepted rule of conduct is to not eat or drink on the train and while walking (taking a sip of water or tea is fine). This is because Japanese people tend to be very considerate for other people on the train and streets. They also want to keep the trains and streets clean by not spil…(86 words)

RieS image

RieS

Catering can be extremely easy! images

Catering can be extremely easy!

Take-out can be very easy as long as you know how to say several information in Japanese or simple English. Let's say that you want to take-out pizza. First, you should pick the soba you want by looking at the menu online or on the flyer. Before you call, you should know how to write the addres…(232 words)

RieS image

RieS

Separate Sticks images

Separate Sticks

Yakiniku at a restaurant will always be grilled by your party, and not by employees. This is different from yakitori (grilled chicken) which is always done by chefs, as it is a more delicate process.One thing to keep in mind, especially when eating in groups where people will be communally tak…(159 words)

KurtisW image

KurtisW

Teppanyaki at Seryna! images

Teppanyaki at Seryna!

My family and I enjoy going to Seryna, a teppanyaki (cooking with an iron griddle) Kobe beef restaurant in Kannai, Yokohama. You will get high quality beef with excellent flavoring and service. The chefs have to train for a decade before being able to cook in front of the customers. In this restaur…(118 words)

RieS image

RieS

How to Maintain the Perfect Balance Between Noodles and Sauce in Japan images

How to Maintain the Perfect Balance Between Noodles and Sauce in Japan

A key when eating zaru-udon (udon on a bamboo net that you dip into sauce) is to avoid dipping the udon too much. This does require some chopstick skills but what you want to aim for is dipping your udon in the sause just enough so its tasty but not too much that all you taste is the sauce. The noo…(147 words)

GenS image

GenS

A major "craft" beer images

A major "craft" beer

Japan's readily available beers are all of the same light lager category; Kirin, Asahi, Suntory, and Sapporo. While there are slight variations in each, such as a black beer from each maker, IPA, stouts, etc are not easy to find. One beer however that is somewhat crafty that is conveniently availab…(120 words)

KurtisW image

KurtisW

Make sure they serve the flavor ramen you like! images

Make sure they serve the flavor ramen you like!

The most important thing to consider when looking for a ramen shop is what to make sure they serve the ramen broth flavor you prefer. As a basic guideline, there are three common types of ramen broth: Tonkotsu/Pork FlavorShoyu/Soy Sauce FlavorMiso FlavorWhile some Ramen restaurants serv…(89 words)

KurtisW image

KurtisW