Ochanomizu is a historic neighborhood in Tokyo, known for its academic institutions, music stores, and proximity to cultural landmarks. The area is home to Yushima Seido, a Confucian temple, and Kanda Myojin Shrine, a famous Shinto shrine. Ochanomizu is also close to Akihabara, making it a great spot for exploring both traditional and modern Tokyo. The food scene here is diverse, offering everything from classic Japanese dishes to international flavors.
1. Butadon (Pork Bowl)
Overview: A hearty bowl of rice topped with thick slices of charcoal-grilled pork, coated in a sweet and spicy sauce.
Preparation: Pork is grilled over charcoal, basted with a soy-based sauce, and served over rice.
Taste: Smoky and rich, with a balance of sweetness and spice.
History: Butadon is a popular dish in Ochanomizu, especially at Butayaro, a well-known local eatery.
Ingredients & Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains pork and rice. Not vegetarian.
2. Sanuki Udon
Overview: Thick, chewy udon noodles served in a light dashi broth or with dipping sauce.
Preparation: Wheat flour is kneaded, rolled, and cut into thick noodles, then boiled and served with broth or sauce.
Taste: Soft and chewy, with a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
History: Sanuki udon originates from Kagawa Prefecture but is popular in Ochanomizu, especially at Maruka Udon.
Ingredients & Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains wheat. Fully vegetarian.
3. Kanda Yabu Soba
Overview: Traditional soba noodles served hot in broth or cold with dipping sauce.
Preparation: Buckwheat flour is mixed with water, kneaded, and rolled into thin noodles. The noodles are boiled and served with soy-based broth or dipping sauce.
Taste: Earthy and slightly nutty, with a smooth texture.
History: Kanda Yabu Soba, established in 1880, is one of Tokyo’s oldest soba restaurants.
Ingredients & Vegetarian-Friendly: Made from buckwheat. Fully vegetarian.
4. Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet)
Overview: A thick pork cutlet breaded with panko and deep-fried until golden brown, served with shredded cabbage and tonkatsu sauce.
Preparation: The pork is coated in flour, dipped in egg, covered in panko, and deep-fried until crispy.
Taste: Crispy on the outside, juicy and tender inside, with a rich, savory flavor complemented by the tangy sauce.
History: Tonkatsu Marugo in Ochanomizu is famous for its high-quality pork cutlets.
Ingredients & Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains pork and wheat. Not vegetarian.
5. Curry Udon
Overview: A fusion of Japanese curry and udon noodles, creating a thick, flavorful dish.
Preparation: Udon noodles are boiled and served in a rich curry sauce made from roux, vegetables, and spices.
Taste: Bold and aromatic, with a balance of spice and creaminess.
History: Takeya is a well-known spot for curry udon in Ochanomizu.
Ingredients & Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains wheat and spices. Vegetarian options available.
6. Matcha-infused Dishes
Overview: Various dishes incorporating matcha, including desserts, drinks, and even savory items.
Preparation: Matcha powder is blended into batters, creams, or sauces to create unique flavors.
Taste: Slightly bitter with a rich, earthy sweetness.
History: Restaurant 1899 Ochanomizu specializes in matcha-infused cuisine.
Ingredients & Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains tea and dairy. Vegetarian options available.
7. Hamburg Steak
Overview: A Japanese-style hamburger patty served with rice and sauce.
Preparation: Ground beef is mixed with seasonings, shaped into patties, and grilled or pan-fried.
Taste: Juicy and flavorful, with a rich umami depth.
History: Miura’s Hamburg Ochanomizu is a popular spot for hamburg steak.
Ingredients & Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains beef. Not vegetarian.
8. Chinese-style Dumplings
Overview: Dumplings filled with minced pork, garlic, and cabbage, then pan-fried until crispy.
Preparation: The filling is wrapped in thin dough and cooked until golden brown.
Taste: Crispy on the outside, juicy and flavorful inside, with a garlicky kick.
History: Konshinya Ochanomizu serves a mix of Chinese and Japanese dumplings.
Ingredients & Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains pork and wheat. Not vegetarian.
9. Indian Curry
Overview: Rich and flavorful curry served with naan or rice.
Preparation: Spices are blended with tomatoes, onions, and cream to create a thick curry sauce.
Taste: Bold and aromatic, with a balance of heat and creaminess.
History: Curry Johnny Ochanomizu is a well-known Indian curry spot.
Ingredients & Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains dairy and spices. Vegetarian options available.
10. Izakaya-style Small Dishes
Overview: Various small plates such as grilled skewers, fried foods, and pickled vegetables served alongside drinks.
Preparation: Ingredients are grilled, fried, or marinated.
Taste: Savory and varied, with flavors ranging from smoky to tangy.
History: Izakaya dining has been a staple of Japanese nightlife for centuries, offering casual and social dining experiences.
Ingredients & Vegetarian-Friendly: Varies. Vegetarian options available.