Nishiazabu Gogyo: Burnt Miso Ramen in Tokyo, Japan

A ball of fire as the burnt ramen was being prepared by the chefs, Nishiazabu Gogyo, Tokyo, Japan

Note: Since posting this review, the restaurant has closed. The first time I heard about burnt ramen at Nishiazabu Gogyo in Tokyo, Japan, I was intrigued. I knew I wanted to try their ramen but I was skeptical. How could anything that is burnt taste good? After reading endless reviews and watching YouTube videos about …

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Ichiran Shinjuku Chuo Higashiguchi: Tonkotsu Ramen in Tokyo, Japan

Ichiran 5 Ramen Set

Ichiran is one of the most famous ramen restaurants found in Japan. This popular chain of ramen restaurants specializes in tonkotsu ramen. This type of ramen, originating in Fukuoka in southern Japan, has a rich and creamy broth made from pork bones simmered for hours. When the first stall opened in Fukuoka in 1960, it …

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President Trump Set at Munch’s Burger Shack in Tokyo, Japan

The President Trump Set featuring a Colby Jack Cheeseburger, Munch's Burgers Shack, Tokyo, Japan

When you think of Japanese food, you might think of ramen, sushi, or tempura. So why are people waiting in line at Munch’s Burger Shack in Tokyo, Japan, for over 2 hours to sample an American-style burger? Let me explain. In late 2016, President Trump started his 12-day trip to Asia, stopping in Japan. On …

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Numazuko Shinjuku Honten: Conveyor Belt Sushi in Tokyo, Japan

The beautiful Soy Marinated Tuna, Numazuko Shinjuku Honten, Tokyo, Japan

Numazuko Shinjuku Honten, located just outside the east exit of Tokyo’s JR Shinjuku Station, is a popular conveyor belt sushi restaurant (kaiten-zushi). While this restaurant might not be as cheap as nearby Genki Sushi or Uoebi sushi, at Numazuko Shinjuku Honten, the prices are justified by the quality of the seafood. The interior of Numazuko …

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Genki Sushi: Affordable Sushi Train in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan

The famous sushi train, Genki Sushi, Tokyo, Japan

Genki Sushi, located near Shibuya Station in the heart of Center Gai, is one of my favorite affordable sushi trains in Tokyo. With multiple branches across Japan and a few international locations, Genki Sushi has become popular with both locals and visitors for its cheap sushi, numerous menu choices, and its unique and entertaining sushi …

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Kushiwakamaru Honten: Yakitori shop in Tokyo, Japan

Chefs grilling meats over charcoal, Kushiwakamaru Honten, Tokyo, Japan

One of my favorite foods to eat in Japan is yakitori. It is a staple of Japanese cuisine and found at izakayas all over the country. While the name yakitori refers to skewered chicken, it can also mean an assortment of grilled foods, including vegetables, eggs, and seafood. Tokyo has its fair share of yakitori …

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Menya Musashi Shinjuku Honten in Tokyo, Japan

A beautiful bowl of Musashi Style Ramen, Menya Musashi, Tokyo, Japan

Any visit to Tokyo is not complete without a visit to Menya Musashi Shinjuku Honten, considered by many to be the best ramen in Tokyo, Japan. There are multiple locations across Tokyo. Their flagship store, located on a small street around the corner from Shinjuku Station, is my favorite. Since opening in 1996, Menya Musashi …

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Katsudonya Zuicho: Katsudon near Shibuya Station in Tokyo

A large order of katsudon, Katsudonya Zuichou in Tokyo, Japan

Katsudonya Zuicho is a small family-run restaurant near Shibuya Crossing specializing in one item: katsudon. This dish, made with rice and egg topped with a deep-fried pork cutlet, is popular in Japan. Katsudon is one of my favorite things to eat on my visits. While Katsudonya Zuicho is a stone’s throw away from Shibuya Crossing, …

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Gyūkatsu Motomura Shinjuku Minamiguchi in Tokyo, Japan

Beef Cutlet (200g) Barley Rice Set, Gyukatsu Motomura Shinjuku Minamiguchi, Tokyo, Japan

One of my favorite things to eat in Japan is tonkatsu, a deep-fried breaded pork cutlet. When I heard about Gyūkatsu Motomura Shinjuku Minamiguchi, which serves gyūkatsu, a breaded and fried beef cutlet, I knew I had to try it. Gyūkatsu Motomura, with branches located around Tokyo, has become popular with both locals and tourists. …

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