Tokyoen: Birthplace of Japan's Harami Yakiniku – Discovering Delicious High-Value Dining!
In Tokyo’s bustling Ueno, cross a viaduct into Higashi-Ueno’s Korea Town to discover Yakiniku Tokyoen (焼肉 東京苑), a low-key yet highly renowned restaurant. Established in 1948 (Showa 23), this veteran yakiniku spot is celebrated as the originator of Harami (skirt steak) in Japan, a fact often highlighted in media. Even famed artist Tsuyoshi Domoto once visited for a TV show and ecstatically praised its “supreme deliciousness!”
The intimate space seats only about 20 (at the counter and a few tables), fostering a friendly yet lively atmosphere. The air is rich with the aroma of charcoal-grilled meat, and the staff’s cheerful calls create that classic, down-to-earth Japanese yakiniku experience. Due to limited seating, reservations are absolutely essential, especially for dinner. Also, note that it’s cash only, so come prepared with Yen.
Upon entering, you’re greeted by traditional “smoky” tabletop grills. The intense heat perfectly sears each carefully selected cut of meat, filling the air with a unique, appetite-stirring aroma and smoke. Be advised: your clothes will inevitably absorb this delicious BBQ scent – a distinct characteristic of dining with these traditional grills!
Tokyoen’s crowning glory is its Harami (skirt steak). Unusually devoid of fibrousness, it boasts a perfect meat-to-fat balance. Though thick-cut, it’s wonderfully elastic; a mere 5-second sear on the charcoal grill locks in the juices. The result is an explosion of rich, fatty aroma, an incredibly satisfying chew, and a flavor profile that’s both complex and delicate. It’s heavenly with beer or a whisky highball—savor by alternating bites and sips for ultimate enjoyment!
Their Horumon (offal), particularly the exceptionally tender part of the large intestine, is also noteworthy. Extended preparation renders it incredibly soft. As it grills, dripping fat crisps the edges, yielding a rich, savory flavor that intensifies with each chew – a rare treat. The Tokujo Rebā (Premium Liver) is famed for its “fresh from the slaughterhouse this morning” quality, completely free of any gamey taste. Lightly seared to keep the inside pink, it’s creamy smooth with a hint of sweetness, an unexpectedly elegant take on offal.
The Ribeye is sumptuously fatty with melt-in-your-mouth marbling that floods the palate with flavor – the epitome of a yakiniku ribeye! It’s a perfect way to indulge in the delicious interplay of rich meat and fat, and pairs exceptionally well with rice (one slice might just conquer a whole bowl!).
For a refreshing counterpoint, the Gekikara Tomato (Spicy Tomato) features crisp tomato topped with select green peppers and chopped vegetables, all dressed in a special sauce. Its stimulating spiciness is a superb contrast to the sweet richness of the grilled meats, making it an ideal palate cleanser.
Tokyoen’s secret to enduring success lies in its unwavering, almost obsessive dedication to the quality of its ingredients. The restaurant maintains long-term partnerships with 12 trusted suppliers at the Tokyo Central Meat Wholesale Market, and the owner personally handpicks top-grade A5 Wagyu each morning, ensuring every cut meets the absolute highest standards. Before hitting the grill, the meats are marinated in a special house sauce, creating a sublime pairing, particularly with simple white rice. This commitment to premium meat has garnered a loyal following across all age groups, allowing guests to savor various delectable cuts alongside beer or Japanese sake in a comfortable, satisfying setting.
What Tokyoen offers is an unadorned, truly authentic yakiniku experience. This rugged genuineness, this commitment to the real deal, is precisely what makes it stand out in a fiercely competitive market and forges its strong brand identity. It attracts a discerning clientele weary of a_g_generic, overly polished dining experiences – those who actively seek genuine, memorable meals and willingly embrace minor “inconveniences,” like the lingering, smoky aroma of grilled meat on their clothes. This, in essence, is the unique and potent brand power of Tokyoen.
翻譯日文語音菜單於後方
Japanese voice menu translation provided at the back
뒤쪽에 일본어 음성 메뉴 번역이 제공됩니다
后面提供日文语音菜单翻译
Tokyoen (東京苑) – Store Information
- Budget: Lunch approx. ¥1,000 / Dinner approx. ¥6,000 – ¥7,999
- Type: Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ), Horumon (Offal Cuisine), Korean Cuisine
- Phone: 03-3835-0488
- Reservations: Accepted
- Hours: 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM (It’s recommended to confirm the last order time with the restaurant)
- Closing Days: Open daily (No regular closing days)
- Address: 2-15-7 Higashi-Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 4 min walk from Ueno Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
- Children: Welcome
- Payment: Cash Only
- Smoking Policy: Smoking permitted at all seats
店舗とのコラボレーションで、無料の音声メニューを作成いたします。ご興味のある方はぜひご連絡ください！goodxssss@gmail.com
