Present-day Japan has really come a long way since it's hermit nation days. I would bet on the conclusion that whatever it is you are salivating for, Tokyo has it. That or at least a competing version of it. If you're lucky enough to find yourself setting foot on Tokyo ground, expect a panic-attack and constant gut-churning. But calm down. These are my Top 5 must-eats:
1) TSUKIJI FISH MARKET
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| Chirashi-don |
With all the walking, sightseeing, incessant gawking at everything in Tokyo, you're gonna need to start the day with a full tank. Don't fight the force of being the total tourist cliché: have raw fish for breakfast. I can't stress enough how fantastic and fail-proof Tsukiji's offers are. No, really, I'm usually more articulate when it comes to food but this is where I just purse my lips tightly, shake my head from side to side with eyes closed. I can't.
Take the metro to Tsukiji Shijo Station on the Oedo line. You're welcome.
2) MENYA MUSASHI
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| Tsukemen style ramen from Menya Musashi |
I think the world has somehow evolved from screaming for ice cream to slurping noodles. I could probably go through life without ever eating noodles but because Tokyo exists, I owe it to myself to pay patronage to one of the GREATEST RAMEN(s) in the world. You have eyes, you see how thick and beautifully done the pork cutlets are, as if they partied all night in the huge pot of broth. The noodles firm with a gloss you can't ignore and of course the broth that makes you discard the fact that too much sodium is unhealthy. It's insaaaane. I wouldn't make a great salesperson, but perhaps this ramen nut might convince you.
There are a lot of branches in the city however I would recommend going to the original ramen house in Shinjuku. Take the west exit of the station, it's not too far but Google Maps will be your friend.
3) DPNYC
Nothing like gluten, sugar and self-loathing to cleanse the palate after a fishy breakfast at Tsukiji. This New York establishment is what it is with good reason. And oh, have I mentioned that they sell CAKE DONUTS? Sorry, KK but unless you start getting your life together and sell flavours like Earl Grey, Tres Leches and Valrhona Chocolate, you're never gonna earn that spotlight from me. DPNYC at Shinjuku station is just a takeaway shop but if you're looking to have a sit-down, grab yourself a cup at Dean & Deluca after.
Exit from the Central gates of the station. It's positioned well in the middle of the station.
4) BILLS
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| Photos from Rocket News 24 |
I really let myself down when we had brunch at Bills in Sydney for ordering a very Asian non-breakfast dish but I digress. Bills is dubbed as serving the best breakfast in the world thanks to its signature Ricotta Pancakes and Scrambled Eggs. Flying to Sydney for "the best breakfast" is too dramatic even for me but lady luck must be on my side because Bills has set up shops in Tokyo and Yokohama. The queues are ridiculous though so be smart and make reservations. Brunching at the Omotesando restaurant will be a great start to an afternoon of yen-dropping in Harajuku.
It's on the 7th floor of Tokyu Plaza, a minute walk from the Meiji Jingu Mae station. You're welcome.
5) GARRETT POPCORN
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| Photo from Doors! |
We walked past Garrett the last time I was in Tokyo and how heartbreaking was it. The queue spilled from inside all the way past the subway exit. But if there's anything I learned from living in Japan, it's that Japanese people are popcorn junkies. I knew it must have been genetics for me to have such strong, ever-present hankering for popcorn. If you're one of us then you're not gonna want to miss this. I'm being real here, I will buy myself a tumbler of the Chicago Mix the next time I'm in Tokyo.
Garrett will be hard to miss in Harajuku, take the Omotesando exit.
I'm sorry at how this is the exact opposite of comprehensive. I'm trying to wrap my brain around other eats but these are the firsts that pop in whenever I think about eating in Tokyo. Perhaps some time in an unknown future, I'll share a quick guide on what to do, where to drink and how hard you should grind there.
