Foodie Friday: Oishii Tokyo

Everytime when I'm heading to Japan, the thing that I always looking forward is Japanese authentic cuisines. It doesn't matter how many times I've been savouring their local food over and over again, I still can't wait to go back for more. It's like saying, "Once is never enough and make you craving for more." Now you know why Japan always remains my top favourite country to visit. 

For this post, I would like to share the food that I had throughout my previous trips to Tokyo. And in case you are wondering what "Oishii" means, it's actually indicates delicious in Japanese. 

Ramen

Ramen is always on my top list to search for when comes to Japanese cuisines. Wondering why? Oh well, there are two reasons why I love ramen. Firstly, I heart noodles so much. I love noodles more than rice. Secondly, I can't find any Japanese restaurants in Kota Kinabalu serving a bowl of good ramen. Seriously, none of them served as delicious as the one I had in Japan itself. 

#1: Ichiran Ramen

In Japan, the most popular ramen but inexpensive is none other than Ichiran Ramen. To date, there are more than 10 Ichiran Ramen restaurants in Tokyo. From Shibuya to Shinjuku, Roppongi, Ikebuku and even Asakusa, now you don't even have to worry about the long queue just to savour this bowl of pork-based broth ramen. Some even open all-day long. So in case you are hungry in the wee hours, you know where you should hunt for food.

#2: Ippudo

I knew about Ippudo when it opened its first outlet in Kuala Lumpur. So when I was in Tokyo last year, the boyfriend brought me there when I told him about Ippudo. My verdict? Sorry to say this but still, my vote goes to Ichiran. Ippudo wasn't that bad but probably I used to Ichiran's taste.  

#3: Tsuta - World's first Michelin starred ramen restaurant


#4: Nakiryu - Tokyo's second Michelin starred ramen restaurant

When comes to those restaurants awarded with prestigious Michelin stars, Tokyo actually has the most. But when comes to ramen, Tsuta is the first one to receive for ramen category in 2015. It then joined by Nakiryu which also receiving the same coveted French honor. I was lucky that I able to saviour both of them as they only served in limited quantity in a day. So if you are ramen lover like I do and happen to be in Tokyo, why don't try go and give a try? I shared about Tsuta and Nakiryu before.

#5: Mutekiya in Ikebuku

I came across Mutekiya while walking to Owl's Cafe a year ago. So when I went back Tokyo this year, I told the boyfriend I would love to try this to see how good is it since there were pretty long queue outside the restaurant. The broth was kinda salty, probably because it was added with "Nuchimasu" salt, an additive-free sea salt made from Okinawa seas. But I was enjoying the "char siew" more - it was juicy, tender and absolutely delicious. 

Other than ramen, we also managed to have a bite of both Japanese and non-Japanese food in Tokyo as well, such as:

#6: Luke's Lobster in Harajuku. A famous seafood joint for its scrumptious lobster rolls.

I never really into seafood but this Luke's Lobster is really worth for a bite despite the long wait from the queue. The signature lobster roll costs 980 yen for the regular size and 1,580 yen for the US size. Besides lobster, they do serve crab and shrimp roll too. 

#7: Japanese crepes in Harajuku

A trip to Harajuku is incomplete without savouring the soft and creamy Japanese crepes. There are three reputable crepe shops along the Takeshita Street; Angel's Heart, Marion Crepes and Santa Monica Crepes. My dilemma? It's not about which crepe shops to choose from, it's actually the filling is the most crucial decision to make from. Too many choices that making me go gaga. 

#8: Mille crepe at Harbs of Roppongi. One slice costs 830 yen.

I never had the chance to saviour any fine and mouthwatering Japanese dessert whenever I visited Japan. Because if I would love to have it, I would make sure it is worth every calory intake I consume. Not until I came across Harbs, a cafe specialising in cake especially the mille crepe type. Since I was in Roppongi last year, I thought of having a try instead of just visiting the giant Spider statue. Just a bite of Harb's mille crepe, I felt I was in heaven. It's absolutely fresh, delicate and most importantly, it's not overly sweet - this is what I'm looking forward for my kind of a piece of cake. Apart from Roppongi, you can search for Harbs at major stations like Shibuya, Shinjuku and Ikebukuro too. 

#9: Tamagoyaki from Tsukiji Fish Market

#10: Daily Chiko from Broadway Nakano - Home of the famous rainbow soft-serve tower cone that stacks all eight layers.

#11: Takoyaki from Gindaco


#12: Udon


#13: Tori katsu don and tori kaarage


#14: Omurice with tonkatsu


#15: Suhi, yakitori and croquette bought from convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Family Mart and Lawson.

So, what's your favourite Japanese cuisines? Don't be shy to share with me.

My Other Posts Of Tokyo:

• List of Accommodations I Stayed Before In Tokyo
• Tokyo Airports; Narita & Haneda And Best Options To Get To Downtown Tokyo
• Tokyo Transportation Network for Trains & Subways
• Tokyo: 6D5N Suggested Itinerary
• Tsuta - World's First Michelin Starred Ramen Restaurant
• Nakiryu - Tokyo's Second Michelin Starred Ramen Restaurant