Deals on Foods in Tokyo.

While walking about quasi-purposefully today, I couldn't help but reminisce. I had so many great times here, and so much good food... Along the same line of thought (see my previous blog enty "Japan Survival Guide -- trite scrooge version"), I thought I'd write down something before these memories decay.

Good deals on foods are plentiful despite the apparent high costs to the newcomer. These are some of the places I frequent (almost treating them as my cafeteria) for a grab under 1000 Yen. As a general rule, having a nice big lunch is a good idea, since they are usually at discount. Dinners - ha -- that's not my specialty ... Theme of the day is "Cheap and Tasty".

Sushi -- In increasing order of price.

Tenka Sushi 天下寿司 in Takadanobaba 高田馬場 on the Yamanote Line. Use Waseda Exit 早稲田出口, and you will see a little street right beside the train bridge (栄通り), walk down that street for 1 minute and you will see it. They will offer you English menu. It's Kaiten Sushi but you can order also. 140 Yen per plate. I usually get full after 7-8 plates.

Oedo Mae Sushi 江戸前寿司 in Kanda Station 神田 on the Yamanote Line. Use the West Exit and make a right turn (I thin). In 2 minutes walk, there're at least 4 of them. Ask for Matsu Lunch or Take Lunch for a good deal around 800 Yen for 8-11 nice pieces. Dinner is more expensive. I used to go here for lunch every second day as it's only walking distance from Otemachi (and therefore Tokyo Station).

A famous sushi shop in Roppongi Hills. In the dome like structure in Roppongi Hills, where stores are arranged on a circle. It's on the 2nd or 3rd floor from the bottom. Hard to miss if you care to look. This is premium Kaiten Sushi. Expect to spend 2500 Yen and up. I've been here 2-3 times only ...

Of course there are gazillions of others ...

Ramen -- Use a Ramen Guide Book for details but here're 2 I really like. By the way, this is a Chinese word for 'pulling noodles'. In China, where machines are more expensive, ramen is made on the spot from raw flour. In Japan, the texture is softer due to addition of eggs and technology. Japanese ramen is doing very well in China.

Ippudo 一風堂, a chain. I go to the one half way between Waseda Stn on Tozai Line and Takadanobaba on South side. 900 Yen for great noodles in great decor and great service.

Kyushu Jan Ramen in Harajuku 九州じゃんがら原宿店. A famous one 2 minutes walk from Harajuku Station. It's labelled 'A' on the map in link. Hip store, loads of combos, you can add more noodles if it doesn't fill you ... but it should. If you like ramen and happend to be in Harajuku (fashion shopping on Takeshita-dori 竹下通り for eg.), this is a must.

Japanese Curry -- alledgedly why Indians are sueing Japanese on intellectual property right violation.

Black Curry Pork Rice 黒カツカレー Very nice. Across the street from Kanda's South Exit. 715 Yen for the signature Black curry. A lunch favourite for me. This will mostly likely fill you up real good, no matter where you're from.

BBQ Fish -- One of the key reasons I look forward to coming to Japan. They're all good. Just walk into any Izakaya 居酒屋 (Japanese style bar/restaurant).


The Great Fish Shop-- A tie for lunch favourite with Kanda Sushi but I can't remember the name of the joint. At lunch time, go to the gate of Otemachi Stn's A5 Exit (still underground), and you will see Starbucks. Facing starbucks, take the walkway to the left of it, with out changing direction. In less than 2 minutes you will see a short queue outside a Japanese looking BBQ Fish store just to the right of Deli France, where the street joins another one. This store is in the same orientation as that Starbucks. If you don't know what you want, ask for Lunch of the Day (日替わり -- "Higawari") ... OR ... Unconspicuously (or not) take a little walk around the restaurant and point to the one you like -- This is what I did before my Japanese was good enough to order most foods. 870 Yen for the best fish ever. By the way, I know this because I used A5 Exit to get to work.

Tempura -- I like, then I swim.

Tenya 天丼てんや -- Cheap, good, everywhere. As little as 400 Yen.

The Great Crab Tempura Shop in Shinjuku -- Can't remember name or location except to say it's right beside Shinjuku's East Exit, and for 980 Yen the lunch set is steal of steals. Dinner costs 3 times as much! ... feeling saliva ... going there tomorrow.

Bee-Bim-ba -- Korean rice in stone BBQ bowl.

The Great BBB Store -- Nickname again. Exit Tokyo Stn at Marunouchi North exit 東京駅 丸の内北口 and walk straight, following your right (north bound on side walk). In 2-3 minutes you will see it on your right on the same street. A lunch the queue goes fast so don't get turn off by that. Order 石焼ビビンバ 'Ishiyaki Bee-Bim-Ba' for 400-500 Yen. A steal for both quality and quantity. This restaurant makes money from high turnover, efficiency, and automation.

Other

Bento (Lunch box), Soba, Udon, Tofu, Natto -- Get from any supermarket. Healthy, cheap, fresh, cultural experience. Japanese bread is also great. Japanese desserts are awesome. Gosh we gotta import some of this stuff to China.

Well, if anyone actually follows my advice and ends up with extra Yen per budget, maybe you want to get some Sake at a liquor store or Supermarket (or convenient store). Or, eat more cheap and great food!!!

Enjoy!!!