How to Eat Japanese Food Like a Local: Best Dining Tips from Shinjuku’s Popular Restaurants

【Tonkatsu Shinjuku Saboten】
How well do grated sesame sauce and tonkatsu go together?

Tonkatsu is one of Japan’s most beloved dishes. There are, in fact, a variety of tips for enjoying tonkatsu at its best. One thing many people are curious about is restaurants that serve it with grated sesame sauce. When should you grind the sesame seeds? How do you use the mortar? What about the sauce? Here, we introduce some must-know tips for enjoying tonkatsu.

Read Next

How to eat tonkatsu | Grind your own sesame sauce, but what do you do with the mortar?

“Tonkatsu” (breaded and fried pork cutlet) is a beloved dish throughout Japan. There are actually a great variety of ways to enjoy this classic favorite. We were particularly fascinated by a specialty restaurant that serves tonkatsu with a surigoma (ground sesame) sauce, and we’ve asked about their recommended methods to enjoy this dish.

Store URL here　https://shinjuku-saboten.com/shop/list/

【Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi – Main Branch】
The true pleasure is eating freshly fried tempura in silence

Tsunahachi is a counter-style tempura specialty restaurant in Shinjuku. When you hear “counter tempura,” some people may feel intimidated by the different atmosphere compared to casual eateries. However, the style of frying right in front of you is the very essence of tempura. Here, we introduce how to enjoy tempura to the fullest at the counter, where its deliciousness truly shines.
Click here for a detailed guide on how to eat

Read Next

How to eat tempura | Sit at the counter to savor the ultimate in freshly-fried flavor and texture!

In Japan, there exists a style of tempura specialty restaurant where customers are seated at the counter. The format of frying “right before your eyes” is the true heart and soul of tempura. To enjoy this style of tempura at its very best, we’ve visited “Tsunahachi Sohonten”, a time-honored tempura specialty restaurant where guests enjoy freshly-fried tempura at the counter.

Store URL here　https://www.tunahachi.co.jp/store/index.html#1

【Sekai no Yamachan】
There’s a trick to it! How to eat Tebasaki chicken wings

Tebasaki chicken wings are popular as both a rice dish and a snack for kids. With bones attached, they may look difficult to eat at first, but there is actually a simple step-by-step method. Master this technique, and you might even steal the spotlight at a drinking party!? We asked a specialty restaurant for their recommended way to eat them.

Read Next

How to eat tebasaki karaage, Nagoya-style fried chicken wings | Hold the joint and go in for a bite!

When you visit Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, it will be hard to miss the classic izakaya (traditional Japanese pub) dish of tebasaki karaage, Nagoya’s local style of fried chicken wings. Of course, this dish can be enjoyed in Tokyo, too. The number of bones in a chicken wing may present a challenge, but with a few simple tricks, you’ll be leaving nothing but the bones behind. Master the art of enjoying these wings, and friends will be asking you for tips at the next party!

Store URL here　https://www.yamachan.co.jp/shop/tokyo/seibushinjyuku.php

【SPICY CURRY ROKA】
Enjoying a rich variety of flavors: spice curry

Spice curry comes in many different styles depending on the cook or the restaurant. If you’re used to regular curry, you might feel a little unsure at first. The owner of the popular Shinjuku-area restaurant SPICY CURRY ROKA, Eri Saito, shares the basics of how to enjoy spice curry!
Click here for a detailed guide on how to eat

Read Next

How to eat spice curry | Okubo Tokyo spice curry ROKA

There are various styles of spice curry depending on the person who makes it and the restaurant where it is served. We asked Eri Saito, owner of SPICY CURRY ROKO in Okubo, Tokyo, a popular restaurant with a long line of customers on a waiting list, to show us the basic way to enjoy the unique flavor at any location!

Store URL here　https://www.instagram.com/spicycurryroka/

【Nagahamaya】
A way of eating that makes you want to order extra noodles: Hakata ramen

Hakata ramen boasts a passionate fan base. It is characterized by its rich pork bone broth and straight, thin noodles. Even after finishing one bowl, you may find yourself craving an extra serving of noodles. We asked Nagahamaya, a Hakata ramen specialty shop in the Shinjuku area, to teach us how to enjoy Hakata ramen to the fullest.
Click here for a detailed guide on how to eat

Read Next

How to eat Hakata ramen | customize your noodles, and even add extra servings!

Fukuoka’s renowned “Hakata ramen” is beloved by great numbers of enthusiastic fans. The richly-flavored tonkotsu (pork bone) broth and straight, thin noodles are hallmarks of authentic Hakata ramen. This style is rather different from Tokyo ramen, so we visited Nagahamaya, a noodle shop specializing in Hakata ramen, to learn more about the smart way to enjoy this popular regional ramen!

Store URL here　https://www.tonkotsukun.com/tenpo#anc_1

【Marugame Seimen】
Endless possibilities with condiments and toppings: kama-age udon

Kama-age udon is freshly boiled udon served with a dipping broth. While simple on its own, adding condiments and toppings opens up endless ways to enjoy it. This time, we asked Marugame Seimen—practically synonymous with kama-age udon—for their recommended ways to eat it.
Click here for a detailed guide on how to eat

Read Next

How to eat kama-age udon | Limitless arrangements of condiments and toppings!

Kama-age udon is a dish of freshly-boiled udon noodles dipped in dashi broth. It is a local dish of Kagawa, a prefecture on the island of Shikoku. This dish offers limitless variations by adding aromatic condiments and toppings to suit your taste. To learn more about the smart way to enjoy kama-age udon, we visited Marugame Seimen, a renowned restaurant which is practically synonymous with this iconic dish.

Store URL here　https://stores.marugame.com/110346

【Kushikatsu Tanaka】
Enjoy the freshly fried, crispy texture: kushikatsu

When it comes to enjoying Osaka’s famous kushikatsu and snacks in the Shinjuku area, Kushikatsu Tanaka is a go-to spot. With such an extensive menu, many people find themselves wondering what to order. In the article below, we introduce how to enjoy kushikatsu at the popular izakaya Kushikatsu Tanaka!
Click here for a detailed guide on how to eat

Read Next

How to eat kushikatsu (deep fried skewers) at Kushikatsu Tanaka | Enjoy one of Osaka’s specialties with some drinks!

Kushikatsu is one of the most popular foods in Osaka. It is a perfect accompaniment to alcoholic beverages, made by coating meat, seafood or other ingredients in a light batter and deep frying them. In this installment, we visited the popular restaurant Kushikatsu Tanaka, known all over Japan, to find out how to enjoy the classic kushikatsu!

Store URL here　https://kushi-tanaka.com/restaurant/detail/shinjukukabukicho

【Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto】
Its spiciness becomes addictive: Mouko Tanmen

When you’re craving something spicy in the Shinjuku area, head to Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto. In the article below, Komiya from the comedy duo Sanshiro—who has an intense passion for Mouko Tanmen—shares tips on how everyone from beginners to extreme spice lovers can enjoy it, guaranteed to turn you into a Nakamoto fanatic. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to enjoy Mouko Tanmen even more.
Click here for a detailed guide on how to eat

Read Next

How to enjoy Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto | Recommended arrangement of comedian Komiya from Sanshiro

Many people in the Japanese entertainment industry openly profess to be fans of Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto. In this installment, we asked Sanshiro's Komiya, the most passionate of them all about Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto, to show us how to enjoy this dish, which can be enjoyed by beginners and lovers of super spicy food alike. This is sure to make you a Nakamoto fanatic as well.

Store URL here　https://www.moukotanmen-nakamoto.com/shop/shinjuku/

【Nagasaki Champon Ringer Hut】
Surprisingly versatile with many ways to customize: Nagasaki champon

Nagasaki champon, a local noodle dish from Nagasaki, can also be enjoyed in the Shinjuku area. Packed with vegetables and considered healthy, it has recently become especially popular among women. Are you eating it plain without any customization? There are actually many more fun ways to enjoy it! In the article below, we visit Ringer Hut to introduce these lesser-known methods.
Click here for a detailed guide on how to eat

Read Next

How to eat Ringer Hut’s Nagasaki chanpon | Flavor variations with dressing or shiotare (salt-based sauce)!

Nagasaki chanpon is the most popular local noodle variety in Nagasaki. It is very popular among women these days because it is healthy and contains a lot of vegetables. We asked a popular chain restaurant, Ringer Hut, about the smart way to enjoy Nagasaki chanpon.

Store URL here　https://shop.ringerhut.jp/detail/r0823/

【Ningyocho Imahan】
Enjoy melt-in-your-mouth beef and seasonal vegetables: sukiyaki

If you want to savor sukiyaki—one of Japan’s quintessential celebratory meals—we recommend Ningyocho Imahan Shinjuku Takashimaya. In the article below, we introduce how to enjoy carefully selected Japanese black beef, seasonal vegetables, and even the finishing touches of the meal.
Click here for a detailed guide on how to eat

Read Next

How to eat sukiyaki | Savor the beef on its own, then move on to the vegetables!

Sukiyaki, thin slices of tender beef simmered in a savory-and-sweet sauce with accompaniments such as vegetables and tofu, is one of the best-known Japanese dishes around the world! To a Japanese person, sukiyaki is a truly luxurious treat for special occasions. As this dish is most commonly enjoyed at home, being invited to have sukiyaki at a restaurant can be a somewhat stressful situation. Not to worry – we’ve asked the experts at a sukiyaki specialty restaurant, Ningyocho Imahan, for some tips on the smart way to prepare and enjoy sukiyaki in a restaurant setting!

Store URL here　https://restaurant.imahan.com/shinjyuku-takashimaya/

【Kisoji】
The key is to swish it through the broth three times: shabu-shabu

Shabu-shabu is enjoyed by lightly swishing meat through hot broth. For shabu-shabu in the Shinjuku area, Kisoji Shinjuku Sanchome is a great choice. In the article below, we share tips on how to enjoy shabu-shabu at its most delicious.
Click here for a detailed guide on how to eat

Read Next

How to eat shabu-shabu | Keeping the broth clear is essential!

Shabu-shabu is a long-beloved dish throughout Japan. Following the Second World War, beef dishes were introduced to Japan from Europe and America, which led to the shabu-shabu style of enjoying beef becoming popular throughout the nation. In this style, thinly-sliced pieces of beef are briefly swished through a simmering dashi broth, and enjoyed with a variety of condiments. We’ve asked a shabu-shabu specialty restaurant for some advice on the smart way to enjoy this classic dish.

Store URL here　https://navi.kisoji.co.jp/shop/K226?beforeViewType=SL1

前の記事

How to Eat Japanese Sweets Properly: Tips & Techniques from Popular Dessert Shops

From traditional Japanese wagashi to Western-style pastries and even souvenir sw...

次の記事

Spicy Food Guide in Tokyo: Best Curries, Hot Pot, Ramen & Global Flavors

Feeling like you need a refresh or a burst of excitement? Spicy food is the perf...

*The information is based on the time of reporting or creation, and may differ from the current situation.

text: goodiefoodie編集部

photo: goodiefoodie編集部

tags:

share:

Copied!

Home › What To Eat › How to Eat Japanese Food Like a Local: Best Dining Tips from Shinjuku’s Popular Restaurants