If you’re around the Kanda Jimbocho area, your nose will probably guide you to Kyoeido curry. Specializing in Sumatran curry, this comfortable and cozy restaurant definitely deserves a Bib Gourmand. They only have the Sumatran Curry on their menu but you can get it with chicken, pork, prawn, beef or tongue. You can easily enjoy a meal for under 1500 Yen here.

Photo Credit: Timeout Tokyo

Location: 1-6, Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda City Tokyo 101-0051

Hours: Closed Sunday, 11am - 8pm

Reviews: Michelin Guide

Reservations: Walk in only, expect a queue

Website: http://www.kyoueidoo.com/

How to get there: A 3 minute walk from Jimbocho Station Exit A5 on the Tokyo Metro Mita Line.

 

A new kid on the block, this ramen restaurant joined the ranks of being the few ramen restaurants to be awarded a Michelin star in 2019. They specialize in shio ramen, but also have a signature shoyu ramen as well. The shio ramen is a salt based ramen using two salts (Mongolian rock salt and Okinawan sea salt), red sea bream and hamaguri clams for their soup base. With this delicious soup base, they use truffle oil, mushroom sauce, bacon bits and inca berry sauce. The noodles are also handmade. For any ramen lovers, this ramen restaurant is a must.

*When talking about ramen, soba can be interchangeable with ramen. It does not mean it is actual soba (the buckwheat flower kind) but rather referring to chuka soba which is Chinese noodles.

Our review

On a quiet Monday afternoon, I went to check out Sobahouse Konjikihtototogisu in Shinjuku. This is a restaurant that I had been wanting to visit for a long time and I was not disappointed.

With wait times often topping two hours, and opening hours restricted to Mondays to Fridays I hadn’t managed to find time until….. Covid!

From arriving to getting my food I waited about 40 minutes. There were 7 people in front of me in the queue. 3 outside and 4 inside. The restaurant seats 10 people. 6 seats at the counter plus two small tables that can accommodate 2 people each. There was a nice atmosphere with soft jazz music playing. It was very quiet in the restaurant nobody was talking everybody was focused on their food.

I ordered the ‘recommended bowl’ Shio Soba at 950 yen. Bargain for a one Michelin star meal! Details of the ingredients in the picture. In addition to the ingredients mentioned I also discovered chopped basil in my dish (the green in the photo) and what I think was sun-dried tomato. Pork sweet and tender The soup had quite as strong but delicate fishy flavor. I could taste the truffle oil. It was full-flavored but not overpowering.

Overall I would say it was a light dish with an interesting fusion and balance of flavors.

I can definitely understand why it's received so many awards. Compared to other ramen I've eaten this was a very cleverly balanced bowl.

-Laura. founder of Hello! Tours

Photo Credit: Japan Travel

Location: 2-4-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022

Hours: Closed Saturday and Sunday, 11am - 3pm, 6:30pm -9:30pm

Reviews: Michelin Guide

Reservations: Walk in only, expect up to 2 hour queue

How to get there: A 10 minute walk from Shinjuku Station South East Exit on the JR Yamanote Line.

 

Nakiryu Ramen in Otsuka, Tokyo - the second ever ramen restaurant to be awarded a Michelin Star - is a very affordable option to enjoy a tasty bowl of ramen.

The menu is actually one of the cheapest Michelin Star restaurants in the world costing only 850 Yen (about 8 USD) for their cheapest option - their specialty tantanmen. Tantanmen is a Japanese take on it’s Chinese counterpart - dandanmen made from Szechuan pepper and chili for a kick. The Japanese Tantanmen has less of a kick but is packed with flavors for a more subtle, umami bursting taste. You can add different toppings to it for an extra cost - something that should not be overlooked.

Their mouth melting braised chashu pork and soy sauce dipped eggs are just few of their delicious toppings that should be included in the ramen experience. Their other dish - shoyu ramen is also another option that is regarded as one of the best shoyu ramens in Tokyo.

Location: 2-34-4 Minamiotsuka, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0005

Hours: Closed Tuesday and Monday night. 11:30am - 3pm, 6pm - 9pm

Reviews: Michelin Guide

Reservations: Walk in only, expect up to 2 hour queue

Website: http://www12.plala.or.jp/nakiryu/

How to get there: A 7 minute walk from Otsuka Station South Exit on the JR Yamanote Line.

 

Chuo-ku, Tokyo

One of the most lavish neighborhoods in the country, Ginza is known for its upscale shopping district. With this in mind, eating in Ginza means that it comes with some of the best food but the priciest tags. It’s also right next to the world famous Tuskiji Fish market, so their sushi and seafood restaurants have the freshest seafood coming in.

Some foods that Ginza is known for:

• The high end sushi restaurants

• Japanese dumplings

• Traditional Japanese cuisines and hot pots

• Upscale cafes

Photo Credit: Culture Trip

How to get there

The Ginza Station can be accessed on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya, Ginza and Marunouchi Line.

 

Taito-ku, Tokyo

Asakusa is known for it’s famous Sensoji Temple. In fact, it’s one of the number one destinations in Tokyo for both foreign and domestic travelers. Aside from it’s rich culture, Asakusa is known to have some of the best traditional and old foods around as well. To complete your Asakusa trip, make sure to eat at some of it’s local delicious eateries.

We’ll break it down for you with a list of foods and/or restaurants to look out for in the area:

• Hoppy Street features dozens of izakayas lined up to eat yakitori and drink Japanese alcohol.

• Magurobito is a famous standing sushi restaurant. Only fits about 8 customers at once!

• Kamiya Bar is the oldest bar in Japan. Make sure to try their signature Denki Bran.

• Tempura at Daikokuya (opened 1887).

• Umezono for traditional Japanese desserts.

• Asakusa is famous for many udon/soba restaurants and Monja/Okonomiyaki restaurants.

• Ningyoyaki from Nakamise Shopping Street.

Photo Credit: JW Magazine

How to get there

The area is accessible from the Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Asakusa and Ginza Lines.

 

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Often times in Japan, the train station has some of the best food in town. Underneath Tokyo Station, there are hundreds of restaurants to choose from, but one special corner is dedicated to just ramen on Ramen Street. So, whether you are leaving Tokyo for your next destination, just arriving or passing through, who wouldn’t want a hearty bowl of ramen to amp you up.

Ramen Street has 8 of some of the best ramen shops in Japan under one roof. So, naturally you can expect longer queues, but for a very rewarding trade: delicious ramen. All the ramen shops are delicious, but one ramen shop has a particularly longer line - Rokurinsha. Rokurinsha is known for their tsukemen or dipping noodles. The noodles and broth comes separately, and you dip the noodles into the broth for a heavenly ramen experience.

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the following:

• Tokyo Kitchen Street right next to Ramen Street. Kitchen Street features famous regional foods throughout Japan on one street

• Character Street is also nearby that features some of Japans most beloved animation characters

Photo Credit: Tokyo Cheapo

How to get there

Located right underneath Tokyo Station on the basement level floor. Take the Yaesu South Exit for the easiest access.

 

Chuo-ku, Tokyo

The Tsukiji Fish Market consists of a few blocks with narrow alleys lined up with wholesale and retail shops a long with restaurants and food stands. Within these shops, you can find fresh seafood, produce, delicious seafood and even kitchen items like knives. A visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market can include a sushi breakfast or lunch as the restaurants and shops are typically opened at 5am and opened until a little past noon. Most of the seafood sold here comes directly from the Toyosu Fish Market, making it one of the best places to enjoy fresh seafood in Tokyo.

The Tsukiji Fish Market opened up in 1935 when it replaced a different fish market in Nihonbashi that was destroyed in the Great Kanto earthquake in 1923. This market was the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world until it moved in 2018 to the Toyosu Fish Market which is where the current fish market is located. Although it relocated, most of the shops and stores remain in Tsukiji, making it a unique place to visit for seafood.

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the following:

• Lots of food stalls selling fresh seafood such as fried octopus, skewered fish and fried clams

• The nearby Namiyoke Shrine that looks after the area

• Many shops selling goods such as knives and kitchen tools

• Counter style sushi restaurants

Photo Credit: Japan Guide

How to get there

A 1 minute walk from the Tsukiji Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line or a 1 minute walk from the Tsukijishijo Station on the Tokyo Metro Toei Oedo Line.

 

Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

A small area near Kabukicho, Shinjuku Golden Gai is known for its spirited night life and unique architecture. While the surrounding areas of modern Tokyo are filled with skyscrapers and neon lights, Golden Gai cuts out a small corner of Tokyo to retain it’s post war charm. It’s a bit similar to Omoide Yokocho, except less yakitori and more bars and drinking.

Golden Gai consists of six alley ways made up with small individual bars. Each building can have a couple bars within them itself. Wandering around the area is an experience in itself and choosing a bar shouldn’t be too hard..there’s over 200 bars! Most of the bars in the area open up at 8 or 9 pm so make sure you don’t head over too early or there’ll be nothing opened. Some bars only welcome regulars as some tourists only have one drink, loiter and leave, taking spaces from regular customers. So, choose welcoming bars (some will have signs).

Know before you go:

• There are often cover charges when entering bars

• Watch out for bars not welcoming foreigners

• Area opens up at around 8pm

Photo Credit: Timeout Tokyo

How to get there

It’s about an 8 minute walk from Shinjuku Station and right next to the Kabukicho district.

 

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

One of the most interesting places to eat in the heart of Tokyo is right next to the Yurakucho Station on the JR Line. Under the train tracks lie brick arches where storage space and warehouses use to lie. Those storage spaces were converted into restaurants in the mid to late Showa period (1950s-1980s). It’s one of the most lively restaurant districts, particularly at night when all the izakayas and restaurants open up.

These restaurants under the railroads are known as Gado Shita in Japanese. It literally means “below the girder” and has been a favorite for Japanese businessmen to come to loosen up after a long days of work. Many restaurants occupy most of the 700 meters of free space running on both sides of the train tracks from Yurakucho to Tokyo Station.

While izakayas and yakitori eateries are famous in the area, there are many other places to eat such as European bars (French, Italian, German), sushi restaurants and several noodle joints.

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the following:

• East side of the railroad tracks for all the different izakayas

• European style bars

• Tokyo International Forum building for unique architecture

Photo Credit: Japan Guide

How to get there

Area surrounding the Yurakucho Station. Yurakucho Station is on the JR Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku Lines. it’s one station away from Tokyo Station.

 

Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Omoide Yokocho literally means Memory Lane. This unique area is famous for it’s old fashioned back alleys packed with very tiny noodle joints, yakitori restaurants known as izakayas where you can enjoy yakitori and Japanese alcohol and other diners. Within this tiny area you’ll find tourists, businessmen and women crowding the bars, restaurants and izakayas before they head home for the night.

Omoide Yokocho has been around since the reconstruction period in post war Japan and has maintained it’s position since. So, quite fittingly, Omoide Yokocho or Memory Lane is a good way to remember the old nostalgic past. Now, you might be wondering where Piss Alley came from. This place was notorious for having no restrooms because of how small the restaurants. Lots drinking going on with no restroom? A perfect recipe for “Piss Alley”. No worries now as they have bathrooms installed in the place to make sure no one is peeing next to the eateries…although it loses its authenticity!

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the following:

• The many izakayas to eat yakitori and drink at. There are 16 in total

• Cheap ramen, soba and udon noodles

• Eating nikomi - another popular stew that consists of innards.

Photo Credit: Shinjuku Guide

How to get there

From the East Exit of Shinjuku Station on the JR Lines, it’s about a 2 minute walk. Take a left out the exit and continue to the passage that goes under the railroad to your left.