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Somewhere between Miyanoshita railway station and the Fujiya Hotel, tucked behind a Coke vending machine, is a soda noodle house. Using the little Japanese we could speak we ordered edamame, beers and soba and watched this gorgeous duo work their magic.
It wasn't until our Tokyo adventure that I understood the sheer importance of this emoticon: 🍙. Light bulb moment! So much happiness... so much packaging.
Onigiri (🍙) are little parcels of rice, stuffed with salty or sour ingredients like umeboshi (plum), tuna, pickles or salmon, and wrapped in nori. 'Wait, so you mean like sushi right?' Oh heck no.. this little guy is a Japanese specialty in its own right. You will find the convenience store fridges heaving with these perfectly wrapped parcels all over Japan.
Each morning we would grab an onigiri or two (forever restrained from grabbing three) for the road. The ultimate snack to tide you over until breakfast. Onigiri fuelled many a hunt for a decent flat white or batch brew through the streets of Tokyo.
I stumbled across Purple Peanuts on Collins Street during my last trip to Melbourne, conjuring memories of Tokyo. This little Japanese cafe has been going strong since 2011 and championed the brown rice sushi explosion. You'll find a range of traditional eats including Tsuke Don, salmon sashimi marinated in mirin, sake, sesame and soy, and perfectly wrapped 🍙🍙 on the counter.
'What? We are going to a Ramen Festival?'
'Yes, a Ramen festival!'
Odaiba (お台場) is a strange little entertainment district on a man made island in Tokyo Bay. Home to a random replica of the Statue of Liberty and a food hall called Ramen Festival at the Aqua City Mall.
The map of ramen!
The grungy streets of Shimokitazawa have that rustic, peaceful feel yet only a few stops away from the craziness of Shinjuku. A popular escape for Tokyoites, musos and uni students, full of record shops, vintage stores and great little bars and cafes. I love the ramshackle feel of the landscape here.
We stumbled upon Cafe Okidokei by sheer chance. The shop sign had a vintage look and the blackboard menu was scrawled with care. I usually get a feel of a place through its signage, its like the font talks to my tummy, telling me its a safe place to eat. So we ventured up the stairs and found ourselves in a cool little bar with smiling staff and the warmth of a little wooden cabin.
Okidokei is actually the Japanese translation of clock and, of which general manager, Taikan Nagai, seems to have a soft spot for. Although, not to be confused with okie dokie (we all had a giggle about this). Clocks and vintage farming bric-a-brac dot the walls and the woodwork gives it a charming edge. We escaped the rain and grey skies of an Autumn afternoon in Japan and nestled in for a set lunch.
For ¥1000 you can choose from a beef curry, baked chicken or a garlic pasta, served with a salad, rice and a drink. It can be a little tricky ordering food in Japan as you will be pressed to stumble across an English menu. It kinda adds to the charm of the whole process.
We settled in with a few beers and enjoyed the cheap and cheerful eats that Okidokei has to offer. It really was like being invited into someone's home and made this little meal all the more special. All I can say is always look up, you never know what wonders await as you climb up those stairs.
An odd marriage of chicken parmigiana and curry sauce. I love the Italian skew that cafes in Japan take.
Braised beef curry, garlic pasta or baked parmigiana chicken with curry sauce. Set menu with rice salad and a drink for ¥1000.
Shimokitazawa is known for its unique Japanese soup curry. This is Okidokei's approach to that notion. A little island of rice sitting in a shallow sea of slow cooked beef curry.
Look out for this sweet little sign and journey up the stairs.
This is Taikan Nagai. He is the curator and manager of this little abode.
Jiro Dreams of Sushi is the story of 85 year old Jiro Ono, the world's greatest sushi chef. It was a remarkable and mouthwatering little gem. We followed it up with a tasty little trip to Sake Bar.
Oh Bonsai. I just love you. I can never get enough of your sashimi bites.
Salmon sashimi bites ~ sashimi-grade salmon tartare, mixed with grated ginger and dengaku miso, placed on witlof leaves, dressed with aioli and chives Wagyu beef tataki ~ seared premium wagyu beef rump cut into thin slices and dressed with garlic soy caramel sauce and mustard vinaigrette. Witlof and leek julienne with a sprinkle of parmesan Crab claw balls Fried chicken bites Chicken teriyaki
Every time I eat here I say OH BLESS. I think we all fondly remember eating at the old location. The little arcade, with the outdated magazines and five little tables. I always want to get up and clear all the tables for them and get their new site organised. Its still damn tasty and easy on your pennies so all is always forgiven. I just love the staff and especially the owner .. oh bless!
Tako yaki are Japanese ball shaped dumplings. Almost like a little pancake ball full of yummy chopped up eight legged sea creatures, pickled ginger, green onion and tempura scraps. I loved the gorgeous sign and almost militant approach to feeding the masses at the William Street Festival. The takoyaki pan sure got a work out.
