Japan-Meshi

"Yoshoku" Cuisine at ACACIA, in Shinjuku

I've been to this restaurant again since my last post (Scroll through my posts) to try the Hayashi-Rice. It was a god damn good time. 

Hayashi-Rice is another Yoshoku dish appropriated by the Japanese in the 20th century that is similar to a Hashed Beef, or Goulash. The appearance is almost indistinguishable from the Curry but the flavor palette is completely different, in that the flavor of the Hayashi-Rice is largely based on the umami of the Demi-Glace sauce and acidity of tomato, vinegar, and/or ketchup. 

“Taiwan-Style” Mazesoba at Menya Haruka, Akihabara. Soup-less noodles with Bonito powder, garlic, spicy miso minced pork, raw egg, and TONS of green onion. There were a lot of Taiwanese tourists who seemed a little puzzled at the dish, which I assume comes from the “Taiwan-style” part - I imagine these tourists are attracted to the shop kind of like feeling comfortable running into McD’s or Starbucks when overwhelmed by sightseeing and ‘foreign shit’. It was obvious they were met with something very authentically Japanese. The ‘Taiwanese’ part seems to point to the spicy minced pork, but the soupless “Mazesoba” is actually a dish local to Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. All of the toppings are to be mixed up all together into a delicious mess. The restaurant had Shichimi (“Seven-spice”, a sprinkle that is a blend of red chili powder with various aromatics and spices) as well as vinegar, which you should add to change the flavor profile drastically. (Any proud restaurant in the ramen business would have vinegar on deck, which I highly recommend adding halfway through eating for piquancy and an interactive eating experience.)

The pinnacle of American Cuisine, all on one tray. The “BigguMaccu” is a mathematical masterpiece with a meticulously calculated, perfect ratio of lettuce, cheese, pickle, meat and bun. The burger is cooked, packaged and served by the most gentle middle aged Japanese mothers, and ambitious youth that have moved out of their villages to pursue their dreams in Tokyo. “Can I have an order of your smile with that?” You can ask, and they will give you the most heartwarming smile that’ll make you want to call your mother back home. Let’s take a look at the package design. What an inviting color palette. Carefully designed for your convenience, which most people may take for granted. But think about it: that means the design is so intuitive that they’ve seamlessly blended into your lifestyle. Just my kind of palate. Ehhhh?

Don’t sleep on the fries too: Bite into the fries, the fries bite back. Dayum. A must try when in Tokyo.

Address: Literally fucking everywhere.

Chicken Curry at Kyoeido in the town of Jinbocho. Classic local joint packed with businessmen on weekdays, but rotates very quickly. The dish usually comes out within 2 minutes of ordering, which is amazing. The chicken has a smokey, charcoal-like aroma that compliments the spices. Very much a classic Japanese style curry, with its demi-glace color. Other options include beef, shrimp, and cow tongue. A dish you’ll be wishing it’ll never end, then you’ll find yourself sipping on water to hedge that last bite. Jinbocho is a highly competitive region for Japanese curry, and classic-style cafes. It is also the Mecca for used book stores, where many people come to look for vintage books and scriptures (sometimes even ancient scrolls). I’ll definitely be coming back to explore more of this town. Stay tuned!

Chili dog with cheese topping, at Hotdog Cafe Umie in Kugenuma Beach. Dear lord, the homemade buns toasted with butter though.. Haven’t had a good hotdog in a long while. This definitely hit the spot. A good hotdog is hard to come across in Japan. Hamburgers have gained popularity and creative momentum in Japan ever since its introduction to the popular fast food chain, back in the 70’s. Hotdogs are a bit more obscure though. Most likely a Japanese person will be able to tell you the last time they had a burger.. but a hotdog? Probably Years. Decades. Fellow Americans, it’s a trek but if you ever want a hotdog, this is the spot. Kugenuma is a pretty geographically and culturally isolated beach area, that really reminds me of lower PCH and perhaps part of Santa Monica. Big surfing and skateboarding scene, as well. When it gets warmer - a trip to the beach, perhaps a short road trip to Kugenuma can be punctuated with cafe Umie’s hotdog.

The second of the series perhaps - the answer is… Yes, Eggs Benedicts are a thing here in Tokyo. But if you’re gonna go anywhere, it should be at Jiyugaoka Bake Shop. Two pieces, one with a slice of crispy bacon and smoked salmon on the other… Very light Hollandaise Sauce, perfect poached egg on a tender biscuit. what more can you ask for? A bit on the pricey side, but perfect spot for Sunday brunch. Not to mention the location - Jiyugaoka is full of quirky interior shops, flower shops, organic grocery stores, boutiques - and the town is 90% pet friendly! (There used to be a Three Dogs Bakery down the road) Hopefully that'll give you a picture of the price range. Anyways, not pictured, but their buttermilk pancakes are a work of gustatory art.

One of those places you'll wake up thinking "Hot damn, I could really go for those Eggs Benedicts right now..."

So the answer is yes, you can get Fried Chicken and Waffles in Tokyo. (In case you were wondering) This particular one is from MOJA in the House, a nice, cozy diner-esque restaurant in Shibuya. Once you order the dish, they’ll promptly place a bottle of maple syrup on the table. I always tell my friends I take for the first time: “Remember how much syrup is in the bottle now - then look at it again after we finish eating.” BEWARE if you love sweet and savory. You suck anyways if you don’t. If you don’t like the taste of that maple syrup or strawberry jam on your bacon that spilled off your pancakes, get the fuck outta ‘ere. The fried chicken is crispy and juicy, and tossed in a spicy seasoning. The waffles that nest the birds are not sweet and modest on the butter.. and the consistency is perfect. Douse them in maple syrup and I guarantee a great time. Forget the red velvet cake, this is a meal and a desert on one plate (if you’re evil and tryna cause some damage, they do have it on the menu) During lunch hours the dish will come with two sides that change depending on the day. This particular one was red cabbage cole slaw and curry-potato salad. The perfect “Fuck it all” day meal for just 12 bucks. I had a phase of coming here, twice a week for a month straight.. and I attest, this dish will cure your homesickness, and/or give you diabetes.

“Smoker’s Room” Burger from Made in Hands, 2 minute walk from Hiyoshi station. Okay let’s face it: Good ass hamburgers are hard to come across here in Tokyo - and they’re pretty expensive too. You’re not gonna find that In-n-Out joint that’s budget and fucking amazing, or that Charburger goodness at the Habit. These gourmet burgers average around ¥1200, or 12 bucks (let’s just say, $1 -> ¥100) so they better be good. But if - you are homesick, and you’re willing to throw down for a good time, here’s a good time for you. Handmade smoked bacon, medium-rare (recommended by the staff) patty, original barbecue sauce with a hint of.. maybe apple? Fresh vegetables for vitamins and fiber. The craft going into the burger is pretty intricate, and they let the ingredients do the talking. The fries… not so much. They could have been frozen for all I know, but dip it in some of that original barbecue sauce that dripped out of the burger with the beef juices? It’s a wrap. (The key is to NOT use the burger wrap) Great photogenic presentation. Silverware? Dulton. Good looks, good taste, beware Keio Uni. study abroad kids.

Yoshoku style Rolled Cabbage Cream Stew and “Gokukara” spicy curry set, at Acacia in Shinjuku. Hamburg steak wrapped in a tender leaf of cabbage, in a ‘cream stew’ that is rather connotative of a very light gravy. The “Gokukara” (super spicy) curry is a perfect 50-50 hybrid of Indian and Japanese style. Chicken drumsticks in the curry are clutch. I personally dislike Shinjuku and it’s grimey vibes, but this restaurant is totally a valid reason to get lost and wander through the maze that is Shinjuku station. Don’t be fooled by the mundane looking shopfront. A pleasant surprise awaits.

‘Ebi-soba’ Shrimp broth Ramen at “Ebisoba Ichigen” in Shinjuku. Beware: you will be having shrimp burps afterwards. Amazing bowl of ramen, that is definitely worth the trek to find. The walls are covered with autographs from various celebrities, athletes, etc. If you are weak and dislike shrimp, stop reading - the soup has a very distinct aroma of crustacean goodness, almost like a lobster bisque. For beginners, I recommend the “Miso”. If you are feeling adventurous, go for the “Shoyu” Ramen. I can tell the latter is for the more diehard fans, as it is much 'Shrimpier’ than the former. To take the edge off, add 1.5 scoops of garlic paste (provided at table). The noodles are medium thickness, very easy to slurp. The soft boiled egg is a piece of craftsmanship on its own. God fucking damn.

Address: 7 Chome-8-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tōkyō-to 160-0023