Why do people come to Japan? Some might profess that they want to see the temples of Kyoto or to feel the crushing weight of an o-mikoshi carried down a festive avenue. Still others want to experience what they vaguely call "the culture" - Sumo wrestling, tea ceremonies, ikebana and so on.
To be sure, everyone comes for different reasons. But during a stay of any length, all would do well to follow a piece of sagely advice: "Go ni itte, go ni shitagai" (which roughly translates: When in Rome do as the Romans do). Substitute 'Tokyo' for Rome and 'Tokyoites' for Romans and you get the big picture.
And since everyone must eat while in Tokyo, they should visit this wonderful izakaya night spot full of local color for an authentic Japanese experience. Ask a beginner about Japanese food and he might tell you it's just sushi and ramen. But one visit to Isshin and you'll know what it's really all about. In fact, if you choose well from the menu you're likely to leave an expert.
This place has got a wide selection of delicious mouth-watering home cooking. Start with a "masu" lacquer box-full of saké (always filled overflowing the brim) and then pick at a few isshin-bo deep-fried rice sticks as you thumb through the English menu. Can't decide between the beef, chicken, or fish items? Why not one of each?
The agedori negi (Yen 950) is a fried fillet of chicken in a mildly sweet spring onion sauce; despite the sauce, it manages to stay crispy and light. Then try the fish of the day, often a yaki-zakana grilled aji mackerel or other variety. Served with ground-up daikon radish and soy sauce, it's healthy and hearty. The gyusuji to daikon no assarini (Yen 750) is a simmered earthernware bowl full of beef in a delectable sauce. Everything goes well with boiled rice in a tub, and Isshin's rice has a pearly gleam and a lightness only found in rice shipped in from Kagawa prefecture on the island of Shikoku. For dessert, try the tempura ice cream - its combination of warm fried dough and cool ice cream is a perfect way to end the meal.
Located in the basement of a building selling tropical fish, Isshin is what the Japanese call a real "anaba" a place that's popular with those in the know. With a relaxed woodsy atmosphere decorated in bamboo, it's easy to see why the restaurant is so well-liked. Whether it's your first taste of authentic Japanese cuisine or your 101st, Isshin's the one place you shouldn't miss. Go there and feel like a true Tokyoite.
Open from 6pm until 2am, last order at 1am.
Hiroo 5-19-15, Shibuya-ku, Arai Bldg., B1.
Tel. 3442-0224 |
