Tokyo Chikuyotei 东京竹叶亭 JR Central Towers Nagoya

Our first meal in Nagoya was at this place at the 12th floor of JR Central Towers at Nagoya Station. One of the things that I wanted to try was the Hitsumabushi or grilled eel bowl. Authentic ones, please.

As usual, we were hungry. Hotel was nearby Nagoya Station and we were too tired to go hunt for food. Was walking around and saw the directory for restaurants at the station. Hmm, Din Tai Fung? No thanks. But it was pretty popular amongst the locals there. Steak? Ooh, maybe. Grilled eel? Yes please!

this was how we decided on lunch

So having locked on our target, we went up to recce the restaurant. Thankfully, the queue wasn't too long and so we put our names down and sat quietly awaiting to be called.

Chikuyotei shopfront

Once seated, we were served hot tea and wet towel.

We were quick to decide on the Hitsumabushi lunch course. One could choose amongst two styles; Nagoya or Tokyo style. Friend chose the Nagoya style so I had the Tokyo one. We enquired on what's the difference and was informed that the difference was only in the sauce. Nagoya-styled has sauce glazed onto the eel.

Tokyo-styled Hitsumabushi @ ¥3,640 (incl. tax)

One could read the instructions from the card on the 3-ways of enjoying the Hitsumabushi dish. Or, do it free-style as you like!

can't wait to dig in

I liked the Tokyo style and so did my friend. The Nagoya styled eel had a more crispy exterior and a tad tougher. Mine was all soft and nice. Yummy!  But I think mine had more rice, judging from the size of the bowl.

Nagoya-styled Hitsumabushi

eaten with soup

There's sansho peppers powder on the table to jazz up the taste if you think it was a tad too boring. It has a slight numbing effect much like the peppercorn in mala-hotpot so exercise caution!

sansho pepper 山椒

It was a satisfying meal. Made a mental note to try this in Kyoto to check out the difference or simply, to enjoy grilled eel again.

Tokyo Chikuyotei 东京竹叶亭 

Location: JR Central Towers 12F, 1-1-4 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 450-6012, Japan
Website: http://www.chikuyotei.com/nagoya-en.html
Tel: +81(52)589-0112
Business Hours:
Lunch: 11:00～15:30 (Last order 15:00)
Dinner: 17:00～23:00 (Last order 21:30)

Shodoshima Daigi Ginza Core 小豆島 大儀 銀座店 - 銀座コア

It was by chance that we stumbled upon this shop. Wanted to eat sushi buffet at Tsukiji Tama Sushi but unfortunately we arrived without reservation and by the time we queued, the buffet wasn't available. Wandered around Ginza Core and chanced upon this udon shop.

The shop has various condiments and somen packs displayed at its store front and we were greeted by the proprietress, an elderly lady. Decided to dine there and sat ourselves down. The place was rather quiet and we were the only customer at that time.

Japanese menu

quiet shop

Wet towels and hot tea were served immediately while we pored over the menu. Request for an English menu and it was rather easy to order. Just point at the picture!

English menu

Was feeling famished so ordered a Tenzaru set. The shop only has udon or somen, so make your choice. Friend was having the Gyuniku Udon so I got myself a somen.

Gyuniku Udon ¥1274.40 (incl. tax)

Was very happy with my choice of the somen. It was very good. The noodles were cooked just right and retained its bouncy-ness. Cold somen dipped into the soy sauce and sometimes eaten with minced daikon, ginger paste or spring onions. So yums!

Tenzaru Somen ¥1566 (incl. tax)

The tempura portion was rather generous too. It had prawn, brinjal, white fish, sweet potato, ladies finger, and asparagus.

天麩羅

素麺

It was a happy meal! ごちそうさまでした！

Shodoshima Daigi 小豆島 大儀 銀座店 - 銀座コア

Address: B1F Ginza CORE, 8-20, 5-Chome, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: [Mon-Sun]11:00～20:00 (Last Order 19:30)
Website: http://www.ginza-core.co.jp/shops/gourmet/gourmet_09.html

Exploring Telok Ayer - Royz Et Vous and Fu Lin Bar

Got a chance to explore the Telok Ayer area a little bit more the other day in November when a few of us (Kris, Jennifer and myself) trooped down there to meet up with Tiara for lunch.

For first timers to the area, the famous landmark to look out for would be the Thian Hock Keng temple. It's a Mazu (Sea Goddess) temple and is one of the oldest and important temple for the Hokkiens. Rebuilt in 1839.

Thian Hock Keng Temple

Next to this landmark, is Chong Wen Ge cafe. Hmm, a cafe in a temple-like structure? Instagram-ready with its beautiful tiles.

Chong Wen Ge Cafe

Directly opposite of the temple would be Royz et Vous cafe that serves decent cuppa. The cafe is spacious and serves halal-food.

Royz et Vous Cafe

interior

Mocha and Piccolo

For lunch, we had yong tau foo at Fu Lin Bar. That place would be packed by 12pm so head on down early. Otherwise, the wait for a table would be at least 20 to 30 minutes.

Fu Lin Bar

Yong Tau Foo in a hipster looking bar but with traditional signboard. Interesting. The interior had dim lightings and crowded on weekdays as the office workers nearby seemed to like this place by quite a bit.

To order, just pick your ingredients and pay at the counter. Indicate whether you'd like rice or noodles. Pay and wait. You'll be buzzed once the order is ready. Most items will be deep-fried after payment.

wait

interior

Got myself the minimum pieces (6) and the noodle was good. Doused with meat sauce and pretty Q.

Fu Lin Yong Tau Foo

If you're still feeling peckish, there's always Frankie's Peanut Pancake to fill the gap.

peanut pancake - ban chiang kueh