Shirihoudai

The big question everyone has when in Japan is “Where to eat?”  There are thousands of options at your disposal, from the convenience stores (called combini) to the high end Michelin star rated restaurants.  What is in between is where I’ll usually dine.  Parsing down that list even further are the chain restaurants that you’ll see now and then usually within close proximity to any train station.  I’ll give you a quick rundown of my favorites. . .

Mos Burger - Great selection of burgers and the food actually looks like the pictures on the laminated menus at the ordering counter.   I’ve tried the fish burger, mos burger, kalbi rice burger among others.  Rice burgers are cool, just like having a gyu-don in the palm of your hand, but watch out, they are piping hot when they bring it out!

Yoshinoya - Don’t try to order a chicken bowl here, it ain’t happening. This is the original giant bowl of rice, beef, and for the hardcore Japanese (or people who think they are), a raw beaten egg poured on top.  yummmmmmmy!  Always a destination for me when I’m visiting.  Gyu-don oomori - thats my usual order.  On a cold winter’s day or typical rainy day, nothing tops this place.

Except for maybe Tenya! I have a weakness for tempura and for a quick cheap ten-don (tempura bowl), this is the place to go.  Just look for the blue and yellow signs.  Part the curtains, touch the black bar to open the automatic doors and let your fried food fantasy come alive!

 Hokka Ben or Hokka Hokka Tei as the sign on the storefront is called specializes in bento box lunches.  Another quality quick meal right here.  Made my days living in rural Saitama a more pleasurable experience knowing I could get a great meal, right down the block that tasted like it was homemade.   Yes, you can taste the love here.  I always ordered the katsumeshi: 

 Lastly there is Ringerhut. Odd name for a noodle place, but do they know how to make their Nagasaki Champon! While in kyushu, I went to the Ringerhut near Sasebo station and got the Champon + gyoza set. Man, that was good! Even tried their Saraudon (seafood over fried noodles) and that was excellent!

Man, now i’m hungry. . .

All pictures were ripped from their respective restaurant sites, sorry for not asking first!