SHIBUYA
Tokyo might just be the coolest city on the planet. I would take months to truly enjoy the splendor of this awesome mega-city. Determining where to eat in a city that has more restaurants per square kilometer than any other city in the world is a struggle. Today we will be starting in what I consider the coolest prefecture (suburb) of Tokyo. Shibuya is where cool lives in Japan. I present the top 5 places to eat in SHIBUYA.
#5 TORIKIZOKU
This place is super famous for its yakitori, or grilled chicken skewers. Yakitori can also have other meats like eel or lamb. Torikizoku is popular with students because yakitori is very inexpensive. At this eatery, the meat skewers are only 280 Yen each. That's $2.50 in my neck of the woods. What else is 280 Yen? The beer! It is very easy to meet new friends here. Great for groups of people. I must warn you......no double dipping in the communal dipping sauce. For real. No jokes.
#4 Ikinari Steaks
If you are looking for an affordable Japanese style steak in a chill setting, then Ikinari Steaks is the place for you. Every steak is marinated in Ikinbari Steaks' house marinade and butter sauce. This is a standing steakhouse, so wear some comfortable shoes. A great steak here costs about 1600 Yen. That's $14.50. Affordable quality steak served by a great staff. What more can you ask for?
#3 Torikatsu Chicken
Katsu is a panko breaded chicken fillet. Looks similar to the chicken you get when you order lemon chicken. At Torikatsu Chicken, katsu gets taken up a notch. Located near the popular Shibuya 109 department store, Torikatsu Chicken is your tastebuds' dream. Chicken is not the only entree that gets the panko treatment here. You can choose from pork, squid (my favorite), crab, mackarel, oyster, eggplant, & egg/onion. You choose between 2 pieces for 650 yen ($6), 3 piece for 800 yen ($7.25), and 4 piece for 1000 yen ($9). The owners are an elderly couple who speak excellent English, yet the menu is hand written in Japanese. Feel free to ask for translation. And remember.... there is no tipping in Japan.
#2 Genki Sushi
This conveyor belt sushi eatery is tons of fun. It is very inexpensive, and ordering from the computer kiosk is so easy. The menu is huge, and freshness is king here. You order and a dish on the efficient conveyor belt brings your desired confection to you. The rolls here are delicious. A good dining experience here will cost you about $20. That $20 will give you a memorable meal. It's $1.50 to $6 per item, so enjoy. Their Maki Roll is amazing.
#1 HAYASHI
Hands down the best ramen place in Tokyo. It only has 10 counter seats, but if you have to wait to get in.....it is worth it. It's three menus contain superior ramen for the price range of $6.50 to $9.00 depending on what you want. You place your order at the kiosk at the door. You present your ticket to the cook, and minutes later you have a bowl of ramen heaven. Food critics from around the world hail Hayashi as a ramen institution. It absolutely is. A must try when in Tokyo. Try it with pork, and it is ok to slurp your noodles in Japan. In fact it is urged.
That is the best of Shibuya. In part 2 of this series, we will look at the top 5 eateries in the busy prefecture of SHINJUKU.
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