Tourist visiting or ex-pat living here in Tokyo and sick of guides like Zagat on where to eat? If so, this blog is for you. Check where locals go to eat.
TORIYASU at Higashi-Nihonbashi opened in 1872 only 5 years after the samurai period ended. Ever since it opened it only serves one course menu which is AIGAMO SUKIYAKI COURSE (Duck Sukuyaki course) for 10,000 yen, nothing else. Its probably the only restaurant in Tokyo which serves duck sukiyaki as well.
The dinner starts out with 5 kinds of appetizers on a plate and these depend on the month you dine here.
Next is SASAMI NO SALAD JITATE (Salad with slices of steamed chicken white meal)
or TORIWASA (Slices of steamed chicken breast meat).
A clear chicken soup called OSUIMONO will be next.
While you are eating the above the nakai (waitress) will bring charcoal in a iron pot
and teppan (iron plate) for the duck sukiyaki.
A plate with slices of duck breast, minced duck, duck liver and duck fat
and another plate with various vegetables will be brought out.
The nakai will cook all this for you by oiling the teppan with duck fat first and then add meats and vegetables.
Usually if its called sukiyaki its cooked in a sauce which is made out of soy sauce, sugar and sake, but at Toriyasu they serve it with grated daikon (Japanese radish) and normal soy sauce.
Once its cooked, the nakai will serve it for you.
It also comes with white rice, miso soup and pickles,
but instead of plain white rice, you can order YAKIMESHI (Fried rice) instead, which they charge extra. It will be cooked right in front of you by the nakai as well.
And for dessert, either KUROMAME PURIN (Black bean pudding) or some fresh fruit will be served.
All tables are in small private rooms. You can use it for dates, special family occasions and of course important business dinners. It may not be an amazing meal, but the restaurant is really one of Tokyo's finest with its history, service, atmosphere and simplicity. For over 140 years from famous politicians to celebrates have dine here and its one of those you restaurants you want to dine once you become an adult, If you enjoy duck, want a taste of classical Japan, this is one of the places to go to in Tokyo.
TORIYASU (in Japanese, あひ鴨一品 鳥安 ) Address: 2-11-7 Higashi-Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (in Japanese, 東京都中央区東日本橋2-11-7) Nearest train station: JR Asakusabashi (15 min walk) or Toei Subway Higashi-Nihonbashi (5 min walk) Tel: 03-3862-4008 Reservations: Yes (must) Website: http://www.aigamotoriyasu.com/ (in Japanese only) English menu: None Credit Card: Visa or Master only Open: Monday-Saturday 5pm-8pm Closed: Sunday & Holiday
Author:Tokyo Joe
Food, music, and sports is my princess.
Favorite food: Almost anything in Tokyo, Beef in Kobe, Kaiseki/Kappo in Kyoto, Seafood in Hokkaido & Northern Japan, Aranabe in Fukuoka, Udon in Kagawa, Korean in Korea, Thai in Bangkok, Cantonese in Hong Kong, Fishhead Curry & Chicken Rice in Singapore, French in Paris & Lyon, Italian in Napoli & Toscana, Spanish in Madrid & Basque, Brazilian in Sao Paolo, Cuban in Havana, Indian in Dehli, Mexican in Mexico City, and Junk food in States
Dislike: most of the food/restos in the UK, glass of milk, cooked chunks of liver, hoya, Korean dog stew, balut, cow & pork blood, bugs and funky Chinese dishes.