MR/mini-trip - some questions
May 11, 2016, 7:42 pm
#31
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 259
Have never been there but the sign says tsurumaru udon (つるまる饂飩).
http://www.tsuru-maru.jp/
http://www.tsuru-maru.jp/
May 12, 2016, 2:13 am
#32
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Between Seas
Posts: 4,780
The most interesting eats were at a Nagoya based chain called Yamachan. I met an old friend who has been based in Japan for sometime and according to him its a popular happy hour place. Although the seating setup was very Japanese (low table, cushions on floor), environment was very post-work/happy hour types. Food was unlike any Japanese food I have eaten in US. Not sure, if I would have picked it if I was just wandering by myself. Mostly because I would have not known what to order.
Then I ate some tempura at an udon place. Again, an amazing bargain! Bowl was ~600 yen and various tempura pieces were 100-150 yen each. Never had white chicken and squid fried in tempura batter and it was quite delicious!
Found Katsukura to be a little overrated. It was a good To nkatsu. But not worth $30+.
Then I ate some tempura at an udon place. Again, an amazing bargain! Bowl was ~600 yen and various tempura pieces were 100-150 yen each. Never had white chicken and squid fried in tempura batter and it was quite delicious!
Found Katsukura to be a little overrated. It was a good To nkatsu. But not worth $30+.
Japanese recipes in mid-range US restaurants tend to be adjusted to suit American tastes, even the Yoshinoyas can taste bland. Things are generally better in Asian capitals where people are fanatic about their Japanese. For example, you can find ramen in the Singapore and Manila branches of Ippudo, Nagi, and Hanamaruken about as good as that back in Tokyo. Curry and tendon chains like Coco Ichibanya and Tenya prepare their specialties with similar homegrown quality.
I too have found big-name Tokyo places to be slightly overrated at times. Such as famous Maisen, their cutlets were indeed superb but weren't way beyond that of regular fry places like Tsukiji Shokuduo Genchan. As others have said, Tokyo restaurants usually offer good quality food for all budgets.
Last edited by FlitBen; May 12, 2016 at 10:48 am