Tokyo Restaurant Tips by Mia_Jade

Raj Mahal: Royal Indian food for the price of commonality Raj Mahal Review

Who could imagine that you could taste the gourmet food of India prepared only for its royalty for mere 1000 yen in Japan? (About $8 US) My husband who turned me on to this restaurant begged me not to tell about this restaurant to anybody. This restaurant is just awesome! As I said, for 1000 yen not only you can enjoy the finest Indian food but also you can eat it as much as you want!! Yes they have a buffet for the lunchtime.

You can find many buffet style Indian restaurants in Tokyo and I have been to most of them but so far this restaurant is the best.

The buffet is only on during the lunchtime. (11:00am-3:00pm??)

Favorite Dish: Try their creamy vegetable curry. That's my favorite.

Address: Near Shinjuku station east exit

Comparison: about average

Phone: 03-5379-2525

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Indian

Kua' Aina: Real Burgers Away from Home Kua' Aina Review

Imagine yourself in Hawaii with a juicy and hearty hamburger. That is what Kua' Aina is.

Kua' Aina was originated in Hawaii and is selected "Best of Honolulu" honors in the Honolulu Weekly's contest.

You can choose rye, whole wheat, or Kaiser roll of your choice as well as a slice of cheese from 5 different kinds. You can also add some slices of avocado if you want to make it really Hawaiian.

This is the only place I know where serves great homemade hamburger in the city so if you are tired of eating Japanese food try this place.

They also deliver.

Favorite Dish: Avocado burger is my favorite. You can choose the amont of meat (either 1/2lb or 1/3lb) and they cook fresh each time on the grill. The burger is served with avocado slices and when you bite it, it melts in your mouth.....ummmmm soooo good.

Their sandwich is also good also their french fries are must. Very crispy and tasty.

Address: 5-10-21 Minami-Aoyama,Minato-ku

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Refer their website for the map. There are several other locations in Tokyo as well.

Phone: 03-3407-8001

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: American

Syonben Yokocho: The ultimate Tokyo experience

Shonben means "p*ss" in Japanese. I don't know how this little alley jammed with bunch of little Izakayas (Japanese style pub) and restaurants is called like so. Perhaps some drunken businessmen do their business on this alley. There is no doubt to say the whole alley looks cluttered and grim and no where near as frilled or polished but there is something in the air that I love so much here not to mention the food.

People who come here is another great thing about this alley. Once you get to know the people who gather here, you could hear the wickedest stories like nowhere else.

If you are totally not into the idea of eating anything from this alley, it is worth a peek since this alley seems it has stopped ticking the time away…since 1950.

Favorite Dish: Yakitori (skewered chicken) of all sorts is very nice. If you are adventurous, try their “Motsu-ni”, which is a stewed beef and pork’s intestines in miso (bean paste) sauce.

Address: Near JR Shinjuku station east exit

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: Go out from the east exit towards Studio ALTA. Turn left at the intersection. You will see the alley sort of under the railroad trucks.

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Local

Tofuro: Jazzy Izakaya with Sizzling Food Tofuro Review

Tofuro is one of my all-time favorite Izakaya (Japanese Tapa style pub). Here you can enjoy everything Japanese food has to offer.

The architecture of Tofuro is one of the important aspects of creating that unique atmosphere. Wood screens and wood benches, Irori (open hearth) in the middle cooking fresh fish on the sticks. If you would like more privacy, you can ask for a private room looking down the crowd downstairs.

Food is another important aspect of what makes Tofuro my favorite. Along with regular menu, you will get a piece of paper that has special dishes for the day. Depending on what is fresh that day, or maybe how the chef feels like on that day, you will get something different all the time. Most importantly, whatever dish you choose you are guaranteed to get tasty, fresh food.

Don't be reluctant to ask for a English menu if you are not familiar with the language. Some stuff can also speak very good English and would be very happy to help you choose food.

Favorite Dish: As I described above, whatever you get would be very nice but especially any kind of law fish (sashimi) is very nice. Look out for what is fresh on the piece of paper that I mentioned.

If you are not too keen on low fish, try their Irori grilled fish or skewered meat (kushiyaki).

They have a killer drink menu as well and my all-time favorite is Ume-shu (plum wine) on the rocks.

Comparison: about average

Directions: There are also many other locations all over Tokyo. To find out a location near you please refer to their website. (In Japanese only)

Phone: 03-3205-8255 (Takadanobaba)

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 5

Theme: Japanese/Sushi

Website: http://www.ramla.net/index.html