The Great Tokyo Oishi Adventure
Eating my way to Tokyo, I am now completely
on the side of Godzilla when he gobbles up and chomps down Tokyo. That city is
so oishi with its culinary offerings from fresh seafood to grilled meat and desserts! Here are some of the best that I tried in my short stay there that
almost a month after returning from my trip, I can still taste them.
 |
| Image Source: The Paranoid Traveler/PFN |
When Yoshinoya first opened in Manila in
the 20th century, I became an instant fan of its beef bowl but
sadly, the quality suffered along the way and I have never stepped foot inside
it since the turn of the new century. Because of this experience, I had mixed
feelings about eating there while in Tokyo but I was tired from my trip and it
was one of the nearest restaurants to my hotel. So I gave it a try and as soon
as I took my first bite of its beef bowl and vegetable salad, I could almost
hear the Peaches and Herb song, “Reunited” playing in the background. As
Yoshinoya was more ubiquitous than McDonald’s there, I gorged myself every time
I ran into one that I thought I would be satiated by now but no, I still dream
of it that I might even be tempted to give the Manila branch another try.
 |
| Image Source: Inuyaki |
The Tsukiji Fish Market is a must-see
tourist destination famed for its early morning live tuna auction. As I was not
willing to get up at 3am to witness the 4am event, I settled for just
visiting the place around lunch time and queuing where there were a lot of
people even though I had no idea what the food stall was offering. The first
line did not disappoint---not at all. It was a mix of squid, shrimp, oyster,
and everything to help shoot up your blood pressure in a delectable sweet sauce
served in an oyster shell. I’m sorry that I can’t give you the name as I was too
caught up with the people and the food. Anyway, just do what I did---follow the
long lines and order two shells for a satisfying meal. And if you’re a sushi
fan, there’s a lot of sushi bars hollering around you. I even met a local sushi
chef who could speak Filipino as he worked in Batangas as a chef. He even
proudly told me he has two children there---and three in Caloocan…
 |
| Image Source: The Paranoid Traveler/PFN |
If you love tiramisus or any cakes for that
matter, Tully’s tiramisu will make you want to beg someone to franchise the
café here so we don’t have to fly to Tokyo to enjoy moist texture with just
enough sweetness and chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth.
 |
| Image Source: Ojamajochiaki |
How
to Order in Tokyo
 |
| Image Source: The Paranoid Traveler/PFN |
Now some of us might feel intimidated about
ordering in Japan when we can’t speak the language. It’s okay. Restaurant staff
almost always can speak English. Anyway, there are other ways to order. The
most basic is to look for pictures. Some are displayed on their facade while
some have pictures on their menu.
 |
| Image Source: The Paranoid Traveler/PFN |
Some have more than pictures with their
life-like replicas of the menu.
 |
| Image Source: The Paranoid Traveler/PFN |
And then there are restaurants that don’t
require you to talk to the staff when ordering as they have vending machines to
do that. You insert your money, make your selection, and wait for your order
stub to come out to be handed over to the staff. Their vending machines have
pictures as well although not all have English translations to help you
understand the pictures. In cases like this, just walk away and look for
Yoshinoya!
Know Before You Go:
Know Before You Go:
- Philippine Airlines is not the only carrier flying between Manila and Tokyo Narita. Travellers can also choose direct flights offered by Delta Airlines, Japan Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and All Nippon Airways. Tokyo Haneda is served only by Philippine Airlines and ANA.
- If you need an affordable Tokyo hotel, we can recommend the following places: Hotel Sunroute Higashi Shinjuku, E-Hotel Higashi Shinjuku, Hotel Monterey Ginza.
-The Paranoid Traveler
No comments