The Kanda and Jimbocho areas in Tokyo are well known for secondhand bookstores. Surprisingly, there are also many highly reputed restaurants in the area. Unlike areas like Shinjuku or Shibuya, here you find peace and quiet. Most restaurants are inconspicuous, and in this feature, we introduce one such restaurant that is loved by locals: Kurasuke, an eatery that specializes in Hida wagyu (beef).
Hida beef is from Gifu Prefecture, and its reputation in Japan is as good as Kobe beef. What makes Hida beef special is its marbling. The best thing about Kurasuke is how cost-effective it is. You can choose from various set meals for lunch that are priced at around the 1,000 yen mark.
When you see the signboard in the picture above, you have arrived. The restaurant is on the second floor. Typical Japanese-style interiors like bamboo blinds and noren-style curtains add an atmosphere of warmth.
The Signature Lunch Experience
If it’s your first visit, make sure to try the signature lunch set: Hida wagyu set meal. It takes just about 5–7 minutes for you to be served.
A magnolia leaf is placed on a grill of a Hibachi. The beef is mixed with miso and cooked on the magnolia leaf. Isn’t that unique?
In addition to the grilled meat, the set meal also comes with salad, pickles, and miso soup. The portion of rice is quite substantial too.
As time passes, the beef is cooked slowly on a gentle heat. The aromas are intoxicating, to say the least.
Since the meat is minced and cooks quite quickly, you can eat it in about 5 minutes from the time it is served. Our first thoughts are that it is quite intense in flavor on its own, but when eaten with rice, it is just right—succulent and flavorsome.
The flame automatically goes off after 5–7 minutes. If you look at the bottom of the meat, you will see a little bit of charring, and it adds an interesting dimension in terms of flavor to this delicious piece of wagyu.
Seasonings and Magnolia Leaf Detail
The staff recommendation is to eat it in two ways. The first is to add a little mayonnaise sauce, which makes it sweeter and creamier.
The second is to add shichimi (blend of seven spices), which makes it more exciting with a bit of spiciness.
Although these are commonly found seasonings, they bring about a completely different taste. On finishing, you might feel like you’ve had three different kinds of beef dishes. We highly recommend that you try this place as it’s not expensive and the ingredients are top-notch.
On finishing the meal, take a closer look at the magnolia leaf. The people of Hida feel connected to the hou-no-ki (magnolia tree). Magnolia leaves have a faint fragrance and are said to have an antiseptic effect. They are often used in Japan to wrap sushi. A beautiful yet practical way to serve food.
Dessert
Just when we were about to leave, we were told that there would be a free dessert too.
A cute chestnut-shaped monaka. Probably the most common traditional Japanese dessert in Japan, Monaka is a Japanese sweet made of azuki bean jam filling sandwiched between two thin crisp wafers made from mochi. The jam can also be made from azuki beans, but also with sesame seed, chestnuts, or rice cake. Modern variations include ice cream fillings.
Unexpectedly, this free dessert was the finale of this meal. The ice cream has a caramel sauce flavor, which is super refreshing, and it brings a perfect end to this lunch.
If you have a chance to visit Kanda in Tokyo, don’t forget to check this reasonably-priced restaurant!
Details
Address: 2F, 3-5-15 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: Lunch, 11:30-14:00; Dinner, 18:00-23:15. Closed on Sunday and public holidays.
Telephone: 03-3296-3551
