The Most Delicious City in the World?!
by spinshellResidents of Tokyo have long enjoyed living in a city of gastronomic delights. And many have noticed that the fan-base has grown to include a steady stream of out of town guests. Following the release of Michelin’s 2008 Tokyo guide, Japan’s capital has now reached global culinary fame.
But what sets Tokyo’s restaurants apart from the rest?
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The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries cites seasonal ingredients and hospitality as key components in creating the perfect Japanese meal. A cultural focus on fresh ingredients makes dining out in Japan a pleasurable and often memorable experience.
Each day at 4 AM the world’s biggest fish market springs to life as trade begins at Tsukiji. Besides the plentiful seafood here, almost every variety of Japan’s seasonal produce is up for auction. These fresh ingredients are used to prepare the days’ dishes in Tokyo restaurants and are especially savored in traditional Japanese Kaiseki restaurants. Kaiseki, an elaborate type of Japanese cuisine recognized for its ornate traditional dishes served one at a time, demonstrates the importance Japan places on hospitality and artistry when it comes to dining.
In November 2007 when Michelin released its Tokyo guide, not only was it Michelin’s first for an Asian city, Tokyo also took the cake by receiving more stars than any other city in the world.
With a total of 191 stars, Tokyo was awarded with nearly triple the number of stars given to Paris – its closest competitor with 65 stars.
In Tokyo, eight restaurants received the top three-star rating. One of which was Koju, a traditional Japanese restaurant nestled in the back streets of Ginza. Chef Toru Okuda from Koju comments on Tokyo’s success.
Chef Toru Okuda, Koju
Japanese cuisine is about enjoying ingredients as they are, without added seasonings like in French and Italian cooking.
When asked if Tokyo was the most delicious city in the world he responded…
French food is good in Paris, but what about Italian, Japanese or Chinese food in Paris? In Tokyo we have good French, good Italian, good Chinese, good ramen, and good okonomiyaki. I don’t think there is any other city in the world that has all their bases covered like Tokyo does.
Reflecting on what receiving three Michelin stars means to him, Chef Okuda belives it to be a challenge.
If it were a report card I’d be relaxed now. But instead I have the responsibility to continue making myself better.
With so much choice in the city, Spinshell asked some local residents to share their favorite dining spots.
Tamsin Bradshaw, Freelance Writer
My favorite restaurant is Zakuro. The quality of beef is amazing, it’s traditional and very expensive – but it’s divine.
Vivien Lueng, Yoga and vegetarian aficionado
Some of my favorite restaurants are vegetarian friendly – they include: Veggie Paradise, Good Honest Grub, Pure Cafe, Eat More Greens…
Other popular locations covered all spectrums of the market, ranging from foreigner-friendly spots like Fujimamas in Omotesando to more upscale venues like My Humble House in Ginza.
A recent survey by the Japan National Tourism Organization found that over 70% of tourists list sampling traditional Japanese food as a priority when visiting. Clearly the Michelin guide only confirms what locals and tourists have known for years, that Tokyo restaurants serve it the best.
For an extensive list of great restaurants in the city, visit our city guide on Spinshell.TV.
Quotes have been slightly altered for print. For the accurate quotations, please refer to the video.
Story by Karryn Cartelle
All Rights Reserved, Spinshell Inc.
Spinshell Reports are three minute episodes of useful information about visiting and living in Japan.
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- Hold the Dashi! Going Veggie in Japan
- Settling in to the City
- Tokyo Day Trips
- Bright Lights, Big City
- Getting Married in Japan
Tags: dining, ginza, japan, kaiseki, koju, michelin, Tokyo, toru okuda, tsukiji