Tokyo, Japan

Last June I went to Tokyo on a somewhat last-minute business trip.  Because I didn’t have the idea for this blog yet, I didn’t take pictures of every meal or take copious notes on every morsel that touched my lips – which is, on one hand, too bad because Tokyo is definitely one of the world’s foodie capitals, but on the other, my limited culinary vocabulary would not do the cuisine of Tokyo justice. Here are some visual highlights:

The Tsukiji Market

When presented like this, tuna sashimi that is a bit too fresh for my taste.

Sushi, more to my  liking. Side note: my friend C convinced me to try uni while in Tokyo. So glad I did! Utter bliss – but would not touch the stuff here in the States.

Yakitori place

I couldn’t go to Tokyo without trying local ramen. I entered the gates of ramen-heaven at this ramen shop in the Harajuku district. The only local place that comes close is Santouka, which I’ll be reviewing soon.

One of A’s friends who moved to Tokyo for work, took us out to eat shabu shabu in Ebisu. We felt really special because we were the only Americans and stuck out among all the drunk Japanese businessmen. This meal was easily my favorite meal in Tokyo. It was UH-MAAAAZING! Sadly I haven’t been able to find a decent shabu shabu place in the Bay Area that would compare, so if you know of any, send suggestions my way!

Izakaya food

Tonkatsu (not greasy!) and udon in Roppongi. Check out that wagyu beef!

One of my coworkers advised me to bring home a box of Royce nama (fresh or raw in Japanese) chocolates. They can be conveniently purchased in the International terminal of the Narita Airport after passport control. Though I have been known to declare See’s chocolates as “good,” I have never had an orgasm by chocolate until Royce chocolates. Pure fudgey, velvety goodness that’s not cloyingly sweet like American chocolates, the Japanese really know a thing or two about chocolate, surprisingly. They also make chocolate covered potato chips! If you’re looking to bring back a food souvenir from Tokyo, I highly recommend a box of Royce nama chocolates!

(left source; right source)

Have I convinced those of you who haven’t gone to Tokyo yet to go now? If you do, take me with you!

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