Ueno Food Guide: Affordable Korean BBQ at Tokyoen (Tokyo)

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.