The Japanese words spoken before eating, roughly translated: “Let’s eat!”
Japan should really be nicknamed “The Food Capital”. This country has the most Micheline stars in the whole world, and once you have eaten your first Japanese meal in a local restaurant, you will completely understand why. If you come to live here like me, its pretty likely that you will gain at least 15 pounds…like me as well. There seems to be a preconceived notion by western people regarding Japanese food, in that it is only rice, raw fish and noodles. Many visitors may believe that they will come here and lose weight because they have a distaste for what they believe Japanese food to be. But the truth about Japanese food is, there is something extremely delicious and weirdly wonderful for everyone, whatever your tastes may be. You may have to keep an open mind and try new things sometimes, but isn’t that what visiting new country is all about? If you come here for a foodie holiday, which is absolutely one way you should visit, please don’t think that you will travel back home looking thinner. You will return home from Japan, fat, happy and satisfied…exactly how you should be! Stick with me here, for the best advice on breaking your restrictive diet, trying things you never thought you would, and some of my favourite Japanese restaurants in and around Tokyo.
Ramen: Comfort in a bowl.
Ramen is a must-try for first-time visitors. It is a perfectly practised art-form, like most traditions here. If you are unfamiliar with Ramen, it is a warm, complex broth made from a base of pork or fish soup. It is usually eaten with noodles and topped with a slice of pork and other delights. There are many different types of Ramen, which I will go into further detail at a later date in this blog. However, the artistry of Ramen-making has been practised for over 100 years, beginning with influence from Chinese noodle soup recipes. Ramen is a powerful dish, bringing comfort and happiness to everyone that comes to enjoy it here. It is usually eaten as a quick, late dinner by people on their way home from work, as the seats in the restaurants are commonly in a counter-style rectangle around the chefs kitchen, for those eating alone to feel a little more comfortable. Ordering is also quite an experience, as you usually order before entering the door or just inside through a vending machine. You can choose which Ramen you would like, put in your money, and you quickly receive a token which you can give to the chef or waiters. There is no comfort quite like the hug of a warm ramen broth! Here are some of my favourite Ramen restaurants to try in Tokyo:
“Yokohama iekei ramen”
This was first created in Yokohama but now has chains in many different places in and around Tokyo. You will not be disappointed by the wide variety of ramen styles that they carry, nor the love and affection that goes into every bowl, despite it being an easily affordable chain. You can choose the size of your bowl, and the many side-dishes it has to offer. Their restaurants also have tables where you can sit in a group, or counter-style benches if you are alone. It accommodates everyone and their empty stomach! 
“Bario Ramen”
THE ULTIMATE PORK RAMEN FEAST. Get ready to smell the pungent whiff of pork before you even see the restaurant, and use your nose as your guide to one of the best ramen shops in Japan. The incredibly concentrated flavoured broth is actually what the Japanese call “Tsukemen”, as the thick noodles come on the side of the broth and are dipped into the soup instead of already bathing inside. You are guaranteed to roll out of this place with your jeans unbuttoned, smelling delightfully of garlic, and unbelievably satisfied with some of the best Ramen in Japan. This popular chain now even has restaurants in Hawaii!
“Ichiran Ramen”
Another famous chain where you can go and enjoy a delicious Ramen quietly and without anyone to bother you. Here you have your very own cubicle, where your ramen is delivered to you silently via a tiny window in front of you. It is quite an experience to eat here, but sometimes in order to really appreciate food, sitting quietly with no distraction is the perfect setting.
Spectacular Sushi.
If I asked you what you think of when I mention Japanese cuisine, this is probably the first thing that comes to mind, right? So of course, when you come to visit Japan for the first time, sushi is something that you must try at least once. When you think of sushi, you may also think of raw fish, something that many westerners may believe to be something that they would dislike, perhaps without even trying it. Fear not! Sushi can involve many different star ingredients. The lightly flavoured vinegar sticky rice balls often involve not only raw fish, but vegetables, meat and even egg omelette. So if you would like to try sushi but worry about disliking raw fish, there are many other options of sushi to try. Here are some of my favourite Sushi restaurants in Tokyo that offer a wide range of sushi for every palate and are completely affordable:
“Genki Sushi”
This is a well-known chain all over Japan, but for visitors of Tokyo, the most famous branch would have to be in Shibuya. If you want to try this spectacular train-sushi, get there early! Every time I visit Shibuya, the queue of both visitors and locals is always out of the door and down the street just to get the chance to eat here. Diners can order from an IPad on the table next to a large conveyer belt that is tracked around the restaurant like a train of delicious goodness. After placing your order, your sushi is zoomed to your table, even making a musical sound as it is delivered. With a wide range of sushi and side-dishes, this is the perfect place to dip your toe into the ocean of Japanese sushi.
“Ginza Sushiyoshi”
If you want to try something a little more traditional, Sushiyoshi is a wonderfully quaint place to try some of the most amazing and fresh sushi you’ll find in Tokyo. Ginza and Tsukiji are ideal places to find great sushi restaurants, as the Tskuiji fish market is only around the corner, with top-class local cuisine and a wide range of fresh fish. A perfect place to try raw fish sushi if you feel brave enough, and I can promise you will not be disappointed.
Yakiniku: not suitable for vegetarians.
Yakiniku meaning “grilled meat” in Japanese, is the perfect food to eat when you’re craving that carnivorous feast. Originally inspired by Korean BBQ, Japanese Yakiniku uses only the best quality meat and allows a great experience, fit for any occasion. Although Tokyo has now come to slightly lean into the international sweep of Vegetarianism, Yakiniku restaurants still boom with hungry guests every night, some even willing to wait outside for over an hour just to get a table. The restaurants are usually quite small, but embody a rich local atmosphere as people come to enjoy the beautiful flavours that are apparent even from the streets outside. At each table is a grill placed over hot coals, or sometimes just a simple hotplate. First, you can order the cut of meat you would like, but be aware that they let nothing of the animal go to waste, so if you don’t fancy eating heart, tongue or intestine, be careful about what you choose! You can also sometimes choose the location of where the animal was from. Kobe beef is obviously the most desired, as the first class treatment of the cows produces glorious cuts of marbled, tender beef one could only imagine. After ordering the meat, you simply cook it yourself (it only needs a minute or so, as the meat is usually sliced very thin) on the hot plate or grill. The waiter will also provide sauces and seasoning specific for each cut or meat type, and they will advise which to use to give your tastebuds that perfect experience. It is a great place for every occasion. Yakiniku restaurants can be found almost everywhere in Tokyo, but here is my all time favourite one:
“Takaraya”
If you are looking for a typical local experience, this is the perfect place! Located in a tiny restaurant in Tsukushima are some of the best, melt-in-your-mouth pieces of meat you could ever taste. This restaurant uses hot coals to enhance the already phenomenal flavours. There are only about six tables in the entire restaurant, so on a Saturday night you may be asked to wait outside. But it is totally worth the wait. The prices are not too extortionate either, as Yakiniku prices can usually be rather expensive as they are serving the country’s top-class meat. Expect prices for each cut of meat to range from 300yen – 2500yen depending on the cut and location of the meat. This is a wonderful family restaurants and very original in its korean style. However, if you are visiting without a Japanese speaker it may be quite difficult for foreign visitors, as it caters mainly for locals. Google translate would be your best friend in this case!
Dessert heaven!
This may come as quite a surprise to some, but Japan is home to some of the most beautiful sweet treats in the world. Usually made with seasonal fruits, nuts and sticky rice cakes known as “mochi”. Unlike other countries, the deserts eaten are very dependent on the time of year. Here are some of my favourite deserts to try!
“Dango”
Traditionally made from rice flour, these 3 colourful balls of joy are served on a skewer and make the perfect picnic desert. There are typically one pink, made with red bean paste, one white, made with eggs, and one green, made with green tea. These are available at any convenience stores or supermarkets for cheap prices. Add this to your Hanami picnic basket!
“Anmitsu”
A typical summer dessert, Anmitsu contains transparent cubes of jelly covered delicately in brown sugar syrup. The intricate dessert is also usually accompanied by carefully distributed bits of seasonal fruit and small balls of sweet and sticky mochi. This is only available at certain cafes and restaurants during the summertime. It is a light and elegant desert perfect for hot summers.
”Taiyakii”
A popular winter snack, this fish-shaped desert is traditionally served warm and filled with sweet bean paste. It is one of the most “kawaii” desserts you can find in Japan, and is loved by both adults and children alike.
“Higashi”
These Japanese sweets usually consisting of sugar and rice flour are always the prettiest and most intricate deserts on the table at a traditional tea ceremony. The sweets are known for their shape, as the malleable rice flour and sugar combinations are pressed into wooden moulds, commonly of types of flowers represented in each season. Higashi is usually served alongside green tea in Japanese cafes.
“Crepes”
Originally a french desert, Harajuku has transformed this into a colourful, aesthetically pleasing street-sweet treat of their own. There are many types of crepes to choose from, usually they include fruit, sauce and whipped cream. On a visit to the famous futuristic fashion town of Harajuku, these crepe snacks are a must-eat!
“melonpan”
Loved by children all over Japan, these sweet breads are popular even in Taiwan and China. Occasionally confusing to some, Melonpan actually contains no melon flavouring. It is simply light and airy bread dough covered with a crisp, sugary outer layer that resembles that of a cantaloup. Available throughout the year at any convenience store, this is a great snack if you have a sweet-tooth moment.
“Kakigori”
The perfect summer treat, Kakigori contains shaved ice, colourful syrup and occasionally an additional sweetener like condensed milk. They come in many flavours and colours, such as strawberry, lemon, blue hawaii and cherry. Only available in the summer months, they can be bought at both restaurants and street stands all over Japan.
Japan is filled with amazing cuisine, even if you try just one of these recommendations, I promise you will never be disappointed. My last tip: as you leave the restaurant, don’t forget to say “goshisousama deshita” to the chef or staff. Roughly translated, “thank you for the feast”!