Travelogue: Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka and Dinner in Dotonbori

I feel as though at least sixty percent of my posts are about Japan - I just have so much to write and show you all about it! It's quite obvious that I miss it a lot and it's easily one of my favourite countries to visit due to the people, food and sights. It's an all encompassing country. Each time I go back I always learn and explore something new and fascinating. 

We had landed at Narita and spent four days in Tokyo before travelling to Osaka via Shinkansen. We were intending to visit a few cities in Japan however not enough to warrant the 7 Days Japan Rail (JR) Pass. The pass itself gives you access to all trains on the JR Line and the JR Line Shinkansen (Bullet trains), but we were comfortable with our Suicas (similar to the Perth SmartRider but much cuter) and irregular train ticket stubs.

You can opt for a 14 day and 21 day JR Pass if you're travelling for a considerable amount of time, but note that not all train lines throughout the country are JR Lines and you may find yourself having to resort to another type of train ticket. Note that it can only be purchased outside of Japan. JTB Australia is a good source of information and can help you out with the purchase.

Be aware that although the Shinkansen may connect you to the necessary cities in a quick and fuss free manner, it can easily cost two hundred dollars. Weigh up the pros and cons of Shinkansen travel and optimise your planning around it! From Tokyo to Osaka it cost us $167.92 for a one-way Shinkansen ticket which we purchased at Tokyo Station in Marunouchi the night before. It made sense for us to do so and we of course reserved ourselves seats in the smoke-free cabin. 

Tokyo Station

The next morning we found ourselves loading our suitcases and once packed, Anthony and Jason pushed them into the tiny elevator fit for two people in order to send them down the four flights of stairs. Lisa and I received them on the ground floor, calling out to the boys and sending the elevator back up for the next round. What was a bit of a joke a few days before became a practicality. 

We laced up our sneakers, popped the key of the Airbnb back in its hiding spot and pushed our suitcases across the road to the nearest taxi. Soon, we were off to the same train station we were at the night before. We boarded the Shinkansen, found our seats and squashed our luggage in the space between our legs and the seat in front of us. 

The softest swiss roll you will ever eat

Waiting at the platform

Getting a few supplies from Kiosk

Slightly squashed legs but comfortable seating

As per usual, a train attendant came past with a trolley full of snacks and drinks. She wheeled the trolley through the aisle and a ticket inspector followed her to review the ticket purchases. A few naps and packets of Calbee later, we heard the announcement for Shin Osaka. Be aware not to miss your stop, as you'll go quite a bit further than you'd expect - given it is a bullet train! You cannot liken it to missing one stop on the Perth railway network.

Coming out of Shin Osaka Station we were met with a sea of taxis and directed to a line of people. Turnover was fast enough, and an elderly taxi man wearing a suit and bow tie greeted us and proceeded to pack our suitcases. Jamie, Anthony and Lisa were then off, with Jason and myself following behind them. Our taxi drivers somehow took different routes and Jason and myself ended up reaching our Airbnb before them. 

Shin Osaka Station Taxi Rank

Although the taxi drivers were confused by the address of the apartment, we found it in the end with some handy navigation from Google Maps and the taximan's knowledgeable friend on speed dial. Two secret 'dead drop' like envelopes after, we had the keys and headed up to our respective apartments. 

Osaka is a big city and has a wealth of accommodation to choose from. As we were a travelling group of five it became much easier to book Airbnb. We happened to come across two apartments within the same building under the one listing. I could not recommend Tom and Meli's apartment enough. I mean, they had heated floors and the fancy Japanese toilet that lights up when you approach it.

Technology aside, it was well located - about a two minute's walk from the nearest subway station (Daikokucho) and so well equipped. The bathroom and toilet were separate (this makes such a huge difference) and it came complete with a washer, dryer and pull out sofa bed. 

After a little apartment reconnaissance and comparison, we readied ourself for a night of exploring of the nearby Dotonbori strip. Dotonbori is incredibly popular and was so full of people for Christmas Day. As a general rule it's really quite busy but you can understand why once immersed in the food, sights and sounds. It is no wonder that Osaka is considered to be Japan's kitchen as the number of food stalls and restaurants were unsurpassable. We found ourselves walking down the strip, following the smells and flashing lights to an array of different street food. 

Smoke entering the night sky at a meat stall

Smoke filled the air as stalls owners cooked beef outside and billboard crabs moved their arms and legs as a sign of attention. In addition to the lit up street, down alleyways and corners we found cherished local haunts - ramen, udon, okonomiyaki, taiyaki and the like. We even came across the world's second best melon pan bun - somehow modest? 

We could not help ourselves but stand in line at the Takoyaki Museum, ordering a little boat of six pieces of octopus filled takoyaki. Foolishly we refrained from entering the museum, probably because we were just so overwhelmed with the amount of food there was to be had. 

Lisa and I didn't mind one bit about waiting in line for the takoyaki, especially as we were completely mesmerised by the way in which the chefs spun the little dough balls around in their spherical moulds. Not wanting to overload our stomaches with too many delicious mouthfuls of octopus, bonito flakes, spring onion and okonomiyaki sauce, we only bought one boat. Don't be caught in the trap of stuffing a takoyaki into your mouth until it's relatively cool - too many burnt tongues and still I have not learnt my lesson. I'm sorry tastebuds.

It was in Osaka that we discovered a newfound love for Pablo. So much love was there for this cheesecake that we had it at least three times during our stay in Osaka. We were in Osaka for four days and almost averaged one of these cakes a day had they not been sold out on the one occasion we had lined up for it. Seriously. They're so good. I could almost do a whole post on them but here's the run down: You can choose the degree to which the cheesecake is baked - be it raw, medium or firm and it will have varying degrees of exploding cheesy custardness. 

The original is amazing and the chocolate appears to be pretty good too but they only bake a limited number per day and are quick to be sold out. The cheesecake chain even have their own theme song which plays over and over as you wait in line for your cake. It's so addictive that Anthony was even singing it in the shower.

You can hear a snippet of it here (the theme song, not Anthony). Jamie has even tried to replicate this godly cheesecake but to no avail, so I suggest getting your hands on as much of this stuff as possible when you're in Japan and Osaka as it is Osaka's pride and joy for good reason. 

Our first Pablo - little did we know it was going to be the end of us and the beginning of serious cravings

Osaka take their food very seriously and omiyage stores sell trinkets and trinkets of food related goodies. Omiyage is something like a souvenir or gift for friends or family, but as gift-giving is central to Japanese culture, it's a little more than that. An omiyage store in Osaka is unlikely to mirror an omiyage store in Tokyo.

It is often full of regional produce and crafted items only available to its location and prefecture. If you can't take the food home, opt for some fake food as it's very popular and an easy novelty item. When shopping for omiyage, pay attention to the expiry date as some items won't last for more than two weeks.

This guy is pretty famous and makes for a delicious caramel pudding

Finally it was time to eat a proper meal (we had nibbled at three or four different stalls down the strip) and headed for Warai, a famous Okonomiyaki Restaurant. Okonomiyaki is a savoury pancake, sometimes with noodle and other times without. Noodles are made fresh and the produce is selected especially for okonomiyaki purposes. They were crispy on the outside and deliciously soft in the middle. It's half cooked for you, allowing you to continue cooking your own pancake on the hot plate - mind the fingers. 

Okonomiyaki ranged from octopus to beef, chicken and plain with noodles. The best of all the pancakes was the Warai's Star Recipe which was covered in strings of mayonaise and was beautifully sweet and savoury. Everything was so flavourful and delicious. We ordered a side of umeshu (plum wine) on the rocks and some fireballs to accompany our meal. Warm and buzzed from the flittering bonito and wine, we ventured out to the streets of Dotonbori again to let our stomachs digest before searching for dessert. 

I had been hanging out to visit Don Quixote (or Donki for short), a huge contemporary store that sold everything from kitchenware to beauty products, snacks and adult party costumes. It's a busy and really cool place to shop and is open 24 hours a day. I really only wanted to visit for the multitude of socks I could purchase. I mean, how cute are these?! 

We made our way around, past the canals and to the famous thirty-three metre Glico Running Man on the Ebisubashi bridge - a sign that was erected in 1935 as the mascot to the famous Japanese confectionary manufacturer, best known for Pocky pretzels (of which you can buy giant sized in Japan). Although it seems a little out of place amongst the other advertising, it is iconic and many people mirror the victory stance for a photograph. 

Matcha

Custard

Matcha, custard, Mont blanc

Hot caramel

We walked all around the Dotonbori district and found ourselves in Shinsaibashi Suji, where even more food resided along higher end shops and restaurants. We came across a man selling piping hot sweet potato for 100Y and matcha filled cream puffs that could almost give Chu Bakery a run for its money. Safe to say we stuffed ourselves silly. We somehow managed to stagger our way back to our apartment with full bellies and happy food thoughts.

The walk helped us digest the last of the cream puffs and so collectively we thought it a good idea to dig into the Pablo Cheesecake. Lisa and Anthony later retired to their apartment and I watched Jamie make candy sushi from a box of candy food art we bought in Tokyo the day before. After taste testing ridiculously sweet candy that we could not actually digest, we went to bed, in order to fuel up for another day. 

A couple of places we visited which you may feel inclined to also visit: 

• Don Quijote - 〒542-0084 大阪府大阪市中央区 7−13
• Warai - 1-5-6, Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
• Hop Chou a la creme - 1-5-6, Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
• Little Osaka Omiyage Market - 1-7-21 Dotonbori
• Ebisubashi bridge - 1 Chome-6 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka
• Takoyaki Museum - Chuwa Daiichi Bldg., 1-6-12, Dotombori, Chuo-ku, Osaka City
• Pablo - 2-3-15 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka

Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed this travelogue. More to follow!

Mile End Glamping

While those in Europe may have the opportunity of hopping onto a train to find themselves in a completely different country, for those who live in Western Australia it's a little harder to do so. It is far more common to hop into the car and prepare for a three hour drive to the South West, where wine, cheese and the countryside is in abundance. 

Deciding to spend a short weekend away in the Margaret River Wine Region, Yallingup or Dunsborough is not unusual and with many people flocking there whenever a public holiday surfaces. Back when the weather was better, Jason and I decided to go somewhere a little bit different. Usually we would rent a beach house or a holiday home, but when it was just the two of us, we opted for something else. Through my web wanderings I came across Mile End Glamping, a glamourous and unique camp perfect for two in Yelverton.

These beautiful domes elevated from the floor are lovingly furnished, complete with a full kitchen (including a dishwasher), bed, washing machine, bathroom, toilet and even a spa on the deck outside. Beach and sea influences come together in a mellow way, blending perfectly against the country setting. 

The domes were warmed naturally by sunlight and the temperature itself was regulated nicely from within the dome. There is of course even an air-conditioner to use if required. As the sun rises so will you, as the light will gently edge you awake. Once you're awake and drag yourself off your marshmallow of a bed, it is hard to ignore the sound of leaves rustling and birds calling you to explore. 

When getting ready you'll find fluffy white towels and robes. All that's left is deciding where to go ... but of course the lovely duo at Mile End Glamping are well prepared, with a little list of recommendations for your perusing on the table. We usually went out for lunch and spent the evening enjoying each other's company, cooking dinner on the barbecue with local produce and eating inside. Lamb, seared peach slices and buttered corn was on the menu. We finally popped opened the Cane Cut from Xanadu we had purchased back in 2012 too.

The kitchen itself was fully equipped with an induction cooker and all of the pots and pans required. Dishes were placed in the dishwasher every night and the fridge and freezer kept our cheese purchases from the Margaret River Cheese Factory fresh and cold for the trip back to Perth.

Evenings were a sweet reprieve. The sun set over the trees and cast beautiful purple hues through the windows. The dome itself glowed from the inside out.

Sunlight streamed through the small circular windows at all times of day and the large windows were perfectly situated to watch the sun set over the trees in the evening. The dome and large windows were a brilliant way of actually forcing you to enjoy and observe nature and have a much needed digital detox. Some nights we sat and watched the sun set from the deck or read books in the spa. Granted there was a television and good reception - it was still the perfect way to unplug. 

There are two domes on the land, both reasonably sound proof and very, very rain proof. The domes were perfectly situated from key attractions, wineries, beaches and lunch bars. Don't forget to take a peek at the coast, breathe in the salty sea air or connect with the West Australian countryside. One thing to note is the stone and red dirt road, be prepared to get your tyres and wheels dirty. It's an easy sacrifice for solitude.

I highly recommend a short term stay at Mile End Glamping, if not for the beautifully unique dome structures or well thought out and provisioned ammenities, then simply for the views and opportunity to reconnect in comfort. 

Chicho Gelato

Chicho = Cheeky Kid. 

Chicho Gelato has come a long way since its market cart days. I remember being first enamoured by a deliciously fresh mint and watermelon sorbet offered one hot day at the Perth Upmarket. Since then both myself and a handful of other gelato fanatics were in love and Chicho had a following. The little gelato cart continued to move throughout Perth's markets, scoring itself a regular attendance at the Twilight Hawkers Market where flavours of strawberry mascarpone and banana and Mexican chocolate surfaced. 

It was a welcome surprise when the little gelato cart morphed into a gelateria run by the enthusiastic and lovely owners, Carly and Chez. Committed to new wave gelato, new tastes and flavour palates, Carly and Chez gained ideas from London, learnt the art at Gelato University in Italy, sought inspiration and flavours from America and honed in on taste in South America, cementing their studies and adventures in a modest gelato cart in Perth.

This combination of art, education and science (one is a chemist and the other an engineer, after all) has paved the way for the circulation of old favourites and seasonal tempters on the menu.

Approximately twenty different flavours are on offer at any given time with specials including gelato collaborations with local chefs. Lavender and honeycomb, banana and black sesame, miso and caramel are just a few seasonal tastes to get your curiosity going. All produce used is locally sourced and all gelato, made fresh.

If your commercial tubs of ice-cream aren't quite cutting it anymore when you feel like binging out - don't fret, Chicho have a takeaway option. We've made use of this a few times and as such Tash has bought some over for after dinner dessert, paired with an apple crumble and boardgames. It's just as good even when you're not amongst the other gelato go-ers or the cute and kitsch setting of the shop. Pozzetti even hold the gelato in pristine condition.

Lines tend to form out the door on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights and the gelateria is buzzing, no matter how cold it may be outside. Besides, cold weather is perfect weather for preventing your gelato from melting - allowing you to savour every last spoonful that little bit longer. With dark and milk chocolate on tap, it's hard to resist. 

During winter months, Chicho introduced the Brioche Con Gelato, an amazingly soft and buttery Sicilian brioche bun made by local baker, Bare Baker. You had the option of drizzling a little chocolate on the gelato of your choice and then either eating the brioche fresh or toasting it up in the brioche toaster. I always opted for the latter as you were greeted with a little pocket of goodness. Although not currently on the menu now, it will be back next year. If you're in a group, the Cinque Sapori is a small set of five connected bowls and of course five scoops of your fancy.

I highly recommend a visit to Chicho Gelato.  The only problem is choosing which flavour to try first. 

Address
180 William Street, Northbridge 6000
Opening Hours
Sunday - Wednesday 12pm - 10pm
Thursday - Saturday 12pm - 11pm

Beau est Mien - Bloom Voyage Launch

Beau est Mien is a treasured prints and design store, frequented by an array of members of the artistic community and those with a penchant for beauty. The celebration and launch of an inspirational floral collection designed and illustrated by store founder and artist Magali and lovely store manager and equally talented Alina, was had at Beau est Mien. 

A flood of natural light is constant, shining brightly on the beautiful products and items for sale in the store. Upstairs, light floods through the windows of the studio where prints are pressed and artistic talent realised. On the night of the launch, the space was shifted into a contemporary art gallery, showing off unique artworks from the Bloom Voyage Collection and collections before. 

I had the pleasure of capturing a few moments of the night's launch. If you feel so inclined, take a peek at what they have to offer!

Beau est Mien Prints and Designs
Address: 458 William Street Northbridge
Website: http://www.beauestmien.com.au
Instagram: @beauestmien
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beauestmien
 

Tokyo Food Guide

Tokyo is so highly concentrated with restaurants, coffee stops and little hole in the wall food stalls that you would not ever have expected. It is so easy to miss the best and most noteworthy places due to the sheer amount of choice in Tokyo (not that it's a bad thing). 

Below are a few key places for ramen, sushi and of course - coffee. It's an ever expanding list! Don't forget to click the name of the establishments, as it will link straight to their website. 

Cafes, bakeries and sweet treats

A - Z cafe
カフェ エートゥーゼ

Escape the hustle and bustle of Omotesando and visit a cafe of Yoshimoto Nara's artwork. Take a peek at the rooftop bar.
5F, 5-8-3 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku

akebono mochi shop
銀座あけぼの

Small but perfect is how to describe this mochi shop and their Japanese confectionary. Tokyo's most famous mochi shop has been operating since 1948.
5-7-19 Ginza, Chuo

aOYAMA FLOWER MARKET TEA HOUSE
青山フラワーマーケット ティーハウス

A beautiful tea house hidden behind a blooming flower shop. An instant favourite with earnest service. Here you'll find yourself time and space to enjoy Tokyo and nature's splendours.
5-1-2 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku

Aoyama Flower Market Tea House

be a good neighbour
良き隣人であること

A new day starts here with a perfectly brewed coffee and humble message. Tea, scones and light buttery toast is also offered.
3-51-6 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku

Cafe Kitsune

bread, espresso &
パンとエスプレッソと

The original morning requirements, bread and coffee, are staples at Bread, Espresso &. Get yourself a thick slice of French toast in a skillet and enjoy the ambiance. 
3-4-9 Jingumae, Shibuya

c*lab project tokyo
シーラボプロジェクト

A Japanese and European patisserie offering cakes, cookies, tarts and sweet spongey rolls. If you want to try a roll but not eat all of it, you can have a slice cut especially for you. Although, who could stop at one slice?
1-30-23 Inokashira, Mitaka

cafe kitsuné
カフェ キツネ

Cafe Kitsuné is a must visit, if not because the in-house baristas have been trained by Omotesando Koffee's Eiichi Kunitomo, then for the decor and fox shaped sugar cookies.
3-17-1 Minami, Aoyama

FLORESTA DONUTS
フロレスタ高円寺店

Best known for its animal donuts, Floresta offers organic indulgences if you're a little worried about your carb intake. 
3 - 3, 4-14, Koenjikita

Cafe Kitsune

little nap coffee stand
リトルナップコーヒースタンド

Sadaharu Aoki

Directly across from Yoyogi Park, Little Nap Coffee Stand will serve you an unassuming brew in a paper cup with a smile. 
5-65-4 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku

rose bakery
ローズベーカリー銀座

Famed Rose Bakery carrot cake. Enough said.
6-9-5 Ginza Chuo

sadaharu aoki
パティスリーサダハルアオキ

Sadaharu Aoki aims to create delicious but simple pastries with Japanese Flavours and French technique.
3-4-1, Marunouchi

Santa Monica Crepes

Santa Monica CREPES
サンタモニカ クレープ 

With over one hundred flavour combinations and choices, Santa Monica Crepes and its neighbours down Takashita Street are no-brainers. If you are feeling especially indulgent, get double the whipped cream. One crepe is enough to put you into a sugar coma.
1-16-8 Jingu-mae Shibuya-ku

shiro-Hige Cream Puff Factory
白髭のシュークリーム工房

My Neighbour Totoro cream puffs full of custard and cream and not to mention, so cute!
5-3-1, Setagaya-ku

Totti Candy Factory

The roastery by Nozy Coffee
NOZY珈琲

With beans from Indonesia, Brazil and Ethopia, this Single Origin Coffee Shop is sure to delight.
5 Chome-17-13 Jingūmae

Daily Chiko
デイリーチコ

Eight layers of soft serve in varying flavours including grape, soda, banana, matcha, chocolate and strawberry balance in a single cone at Nakano Broadway.
5-52-15, Nakano Broadway

Totti candy factory
トッティのキャンディ工場

Billowing cotton candy clouds of three colours and flavours are often bought from this cute and mega pink store in Harujuku. Cake pops and other sweet treats are also taken away in magical bags full of sugar.
16-1 Jingumae, Shibuya

Fast Food/Conbini Stores

That conbini life cannot be overlooked, particularly as Japa's seemingly understated convenience stores have some of the freshest, tastiest and cheapest food on offer. Here you can find juice, fresh fruit, karaage, icecream, onigiri, sushi, small bento boxes, dumplings and even steamed cakes in addition to your typical sweets and chips. Don't forget to swing by:

• Lawson's (There is even a Natural Lawson's selling organic products only and it's the best!)
• 7/Eleven (More than just an association with Krispy-Kremes)
• Family Mart (Also, any place that stores Muji products is an incredible place in my opinion)
• Mini-Stop
• Newdays

Kaiseki

Nihonbashi Yukari
日本橋 ゆかり

For those that wish to experience a traditional multi-course degustation in Tokyo, Nihonbashi Yukari is the way to go.
3-2-14

Ramen

Afuri
阿夫利 ラーメン

Yuzu flavoured broth may seem unorthodox however it is a complete treat at Afuri for those citrus inclined. The noodles are top notch too.
1-1-7 Ebisu, Shibuya

Fuunji
風雲児

Literally translating to "Lucky Adventurer", this small but popular shop specialises in tsukemen broth and regardless of what size bowl - be it small, medium or large, it will cost you all the same. Be prepared to want more.
2-14-3- Yoyogi, Shibuya

Ichiran Ramen
蘭

Tonkotsu ramen knows no bounds at Ichiran. Simple but delicious, this ramen restaurant covers the main staples and then some. Customise your sides, choose the way your noodles are cooked and if you'd like the green or white part of the spring onion.
1-22-7 Jinnan, Shibuya

Ippudo Ramen
博多一風堂

Sure, Ippudo can be found in Sydney and Singapore, but it cannot be replaced for authenticity and quality as it stands in Tokyo. Pull up a seat, pick your side dishes and get ready to slurp hot and tasty ramen noodles in tonkotsu broth.
1-3-13, Hiro, Shibuya

Santouka Ramen
めん山頭火

Slices of marinated charshu pork, perfectly half-boiled egg still gooey on the inside and bamboo shoots sit in a beautifully arranged bowl every time.
1-18-5, Nishi-Shinjuku

Tsuta Ramen
蔦

Tsuta Ramen is the first and only Michelin starred Ramen restaurant in Japan. With rare blends of soy sauces, the shoyu ramen is deemed perfection. It is so popular that they now have ticket machines, so be prepared to get in line from 8am onwards if you're dedicated.
1-14-1, Sugamo, Tokyo

Sushi

Genki Sushi

Genki Sushi
元気寿司

A change to the typical sushi conveyor belt, Genki Sushi delivers your food to you via trains. Just place your order through the touchpad.
24-8, Udagawacho Shibuya

Sushi Dai
寿司大

Tsukiji's most famous sushi bar comes hand in hand with one hour waits and expertly cut sushi. The fatty tuna cannot be missed and the sweet soya is brushed onto each piece with the right amount of restraint.
4-16-10 Tsukiji, Chuo

Sushi Kanesaka
銀座・丸の内の江戸前寿司 鮨かねさか

Committed to perfecting the art of sushi - balance, taste and humidity, Sushi Kanesaka has not gained two Michelin stars for nothing.
8-10-3 Ginza, Chuo-ku

 

Sukiyabashi Jiro Honten
すきやばし次郎

Jiro dreams of Sushi, so does Barack Obama and thousands of other die-hard sushi fans. Take cash and reserve in advance for a seat at the ten seat sushi bar of dreams.
Tsukamoto Building B1F, 4-2-15 Ginza

Sushi Saito
鮨 さいとう)

A three Michelin star sushi resutaurant innocently located in Roppongi may actually spoil your sushi tastebuds forever. Reserve at least four months out if you're dedicated. 1-4-5 Roppongi Minato

Soba

Yutoku Soba
ゆふ徳

This home-made soba noodle shop is the perfect place to practice your slurping techniques, especially as slurping is seen to be a sign of pure enjoyment. 
4-12-2 Meguro, Tokyo

Soranoiro
ソラノイロ

Although Soranoiro has won awards for its chuka soba, many people tend to visit to test out the Special Vegetable Soba (Vegan), of which includes a healthy serving of carrot-based broth.

Tempura

Tempura Masa
てんぷら 真

Fresh ingredients of your choice are presented to you prior to being coated in batter and fried. Tempura Masa (Tenmasa) uses a light oil and therefore the tempura has a particularly light and refreshing taste.
1-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku

Anzu Ginza Mituskoshi

Tonkatsu

Anzu Ginza Mituskoshi
銀座杏子日式豬排

Tender, intense and flavoursome Joshu pork loin is served with the freshest and finest accompaniments, salads and rice. The loin is marbled, delicious and melts in your mouth.
4-6-16 Ginza

Butagumi
豚組

A restaurant in the middle of a suburban neighbourhood, marked only by a crescent moon window will serve you arguably the best tonkatsu in Tokyo as it specialises in pork and pork only.
2-24-9 Nishiazabu, Minato

Kimukatsu
キムカツ

Crispy and textured, kimukatsu is a little different to your regular tonkatsu restaurant. Thinly sliced pieces of pork loin are layered on top of each other to make one regular cut of tonkatsu.
4-6-5, Ebisu

Maisen Tonkatsu
とんかつ まい泉

Incredibly well known in Tokyo for being a restaurant in a public bath house, Maisen Tonkatsu is also known for its succulent tonkatsu and light but crisp coating.
4-8-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku

Tonki
とんき 目黒店

One of the few restaurants in Tokyo with seating where you can watch the chefs prepare your tonkatsu dish.
1-1-2 Shimomeguro Meguro

Udon

tokyo Ment-sudan
東京麺通団

This self-serve restaurant offers a range of hot and chilled udon noodles among the numerous toppings (buffet style) on offer. Mentsudan is also particularly well known for their tempura, too.
7-9-15 Nishishinjuku

Udon Yamacho
うどん　山長

For less than about $15 AUD, this fancy looking restaurant has all of your udon requirements covered. Fat, thing or medium noodles are cooked al dente. Note, English menus are not offered.
13-6-5, Ebisu Shibuya

People behind the places: OEC Bob Cafe

I stumbled upon OEC Bob one Saturday, looking for a place to stop and spend a little time while running errands. I was welcomed with a friendly smile and conversation from the manager behind the counter. I ordered a matcha latte and was later on my way. I came back a second and a third time with friends for food and on the fourth I decided to ask the manager with the welcoming disposition a few questions about her unique cafe and its fusion of Japanese, Korean and Western flavours and elements.

Laken manages Original Eco-Friendly Cafe (OEC) Bob, while her sister owns the cafe. Their hometown in Korea is well known for traditional Korean food and Laken has spent a lifetime enjoying her mother's incredibly good cooking. Admittedly a picky eater growing up, Laken's high standards are due to the influences from her childhood, with access to the freshest ingredients and surrounded by good food. This has no doubt influenced her understanding and knowledge of taste.

Although her hometown is known for traditional Korean food, OEC Bob is a welcome fusion of Japanese and Korean flavours with Western twists. Here you can delve into an ebi katsu burger where tempura prawn balls are filled with wasabi tartare sauce and placed between two soft buns and sugar fried lotus crisps on the side. The summer menu features Laken's favourites - an assortment of fresh sushi options, the Japanese cuisine of which her sister specialises in. 

OEC is related to the eco and environmental consciousness that is reflected throughout the cafe. When undertaking hospitality and management studies in Sydney, the courses offered had a very environmentally sustainable focus. Laken recounts that it was only ten short years ago that the Korean government began to take an interest in nature and preserving the environment. Her studies enforced the importance of sustainability and Laken wanted to contribute her efforts and commitment to the environment with respect. Even the take away containers are cardboard boxes, where possible, in the effort to reduce reliance on plastic.

Takoyaki $7.00

"Around the area, we saw a man delivering plants on his bike. We now fill our cafe with plants from this company, where they provided training to people who needed jobs and this included using bikes to deliver plants to people. We wanted to keep the focus to be as eco-friendly as possible, a local artist painted on our walls some interesting art with environmentally friendly paint and gave us the idea to re-cycle second hand furniture, tables and chairs from the second-hand shop, with the designs done by us."

The cafe has an interesting feel to it, the service is so friendly and warm and the team at OEC are committed to their customers and friends. Not to mention, the playlist of music is great - say hello to some sweet 80's tunes and a little Bob Dylan. In terms of the winter menu, Laken's recommended and favourites are the Bulgogi kimchi burger and the soft shell crab burger, where the lotus crisps are sprinkled in chilli and salt flakes. The bibimbap is also a notable choice, although keep in mind that the ingredients that make a traditional bibimbap what it is are not necessarily included, as the flavours cater to a majority of Western tastebuds. 

Vegetable gyoza $7.00

Ebi katsu burger $13.90

The curry is warm, mild and perfect for winter, coming with a generous cup of miso soup. The tonkatsu is crispy but not dry and although it looks a little heavy, it is far from it. It smells and tastes great and is incredibly similar to Japanese curry restaurant in Tokyo, but with the seaweed salad and daikon on the side adding fresh relief balancing the dish. You can also choose if you'd prefer deep fried chicken, pork or tempura prawn on soft steamed rice. 

The takoyaki is generously sized and all pieces have octopus inside them, unlike some restaurants that do not always include octopus in each bursting mouthful. What's wonderful about the takoyaki is that it's available all day. Especially if you have cravings at particular times of the day, OEC Bob has it covered. 

The drinks menu has some interesting options which also include fairy floss affogato and hot chocolate. If you are wanting something sweet, check to see if there are any home made baked cheesecakes in the fridge, because they are seriously so good. OEC is the perfect cafe for a catch up with friends, a burger or even some alone time over a good cup of coffee and a novel. If the weather is good, the patio is the perfect place to sit. The cafe also offers free wifi for customers. 

Pork curry donburi $13.90

Karaage chicken $9.50

Matcha latte

For Laken, the most rewarding aspects about running and managing the cafe is the "interaction with customers, and providing a true service. If I didn't want to provide a true service I could just shut the door. [...] When I first arrived in Perth, I didn't know very many people, but after running this cafe I have made good friendships with customers and have gotten good ideas and feedback through the time spent with them. I can walk down the street and feel a bit like a movie star, with people stopping to say hello!" 

In addition to the earnest exchanges with valued customers, the ability to use her knowledge and commitment to eco-friendly values, is the aspect of having freedom to change and direct the design of the cafe, the menu and the layout to incorporate what the customer wants while running the business. 

All dishes have such unique twists to wholesome and hearty staple meals that are incredibly flavoursome. The food, presentation, quality and service is consistent, with plenty of regulars wanting to keep this cafe a secret for themselves. I kind of cannot blame them, the atmosphere is welcoming and warm, much like Laken and the staff at OEC Bob.

Address:
Shop 1, 145 Newcastle Street, Northbridge

Opening Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 8am - 6pm
Sunday: Closed