Although we chose 1pm we arrived early at 12.30pm and found that there was already people lining up for the same timeslot. The ticket only reserves you a spot in the line at that timeslot however you still might have to wait when you arrive just depending on how fast people are dining before you (but better than waiting hours!)


The wonton was not soggy at all and added a great texture to the ramen. When we bit into the soft boiled egg the yolk oozed out perfectly (see video below).


If you ever visit Tokyo I would highly recommend making some time to visit Tsuta. Although you might have to make two trips to collect your reserved ticket I definitely would not regret it (and essentially saves you time!)



蔦 | Tsuta Japanese Soba Noodles
Address: 1 Chome-14-1 Sugamo, 豊島区 Tokyo 170-0002,  Japan
Hours: Open today · 11am–4pm, 6pm-9pm
Phone: +81 3-3943-1007

Japan has some of the most interesting and unique attractions in the world - the Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku; Mario Go-karting around Tokyo (Maricar); and of course, the popular maid cafes.

The maid cafes are themed restaurants where all the waitresses are dressed as maids. Initially, it sounds really kinky but there is absolutely nothing kinky about the maid cafes (it's pretty tame and child-friendly!).

We checked out one of the more popular chains of maid cafes in Akihabara - Maidreamin. If I had to compare it to any restaurant, it would be hooters. What Hooters is to Americans, Maid cafes are to the Japanese.

We are welcomed by one of the maids, sat down and bunny ears are popped on our heads. She explained that there is a charge of ¥500 per hour in the cafe and each person had to order an item from the menu.

What we noticed with their menu is that all the meals were presented in a really cute way. We ordered the 'Bear swimming in curry topped with a tonkatsu'. This was really yummy!

Bear sleeping in Curry - ¥1340 (exc tax)

We also had the Bear Hamburger patty with Veggies. The patty was coupled with a demi-glaze sauce. It was pretty good!

Bear Hamburger Patty with Veggies - ¥1340 (exc tax)

Finally, we had a super-duper cute omurice - which was shaped as 2 sleeping bears, covered in an egg blanket. This meal was alright. More cute than delicious.

Sleeping Bear Omurice - ¥1580 (exc tax)

To complete the meal, we opted for a Matcha sundae - shaped as a turtle. Kawaii!

Matcha Turtle Sundae - ¥770 (exc tax)

In summation, it was definitely a unique experience but once is probably enough - unless you're hoping to bring friends to experience it. Oh, and John got to take a photo with the maid lol




Watch the video here 
Press play to watch more of the maid cafe



If it doesn't work, you can watch it on Youtube here.


Maid Cafe Maidreamin

Website: https://maidreamin.com/en 

Located in Otsuka, Tokyo is the second ramen shop in the world to receive a Michelin Star - Nakiryu.  It is only a 5min walk from Shin-Otsuka station (Tokyo Metro line) and about 7min walk from Otsuka station (JR line). Coincidentally enough, it's quite close to Tsuta - the first ramen shop in the world to receive a Michelin Star.


Nakiryu is renowned for it's signature dish - Tantanmen. However, if you want to taste their awesome ramen, you'd better arrive early.


We arrived 45min before opening (opening time - 11.30am) and there was already a line which steadily grew. It grew to the extent that the line had to separate on BOTH SIDES of the road. As the restaurant holds about 9 patrons at a time, we just made the first cut. As news of it's Michelin Star status spreads, it will only get busier so best to come a bit earlier to avoid disappointment.

Let’s get straight into it! Once we were called in, similarly to other ramen shops, we had to order via a vending machine. Thankfully, there were english menus so all we had to do was to match the corresponding Kanji from the pamphlet to the vending machine. Easy enough? Thankfully, I was Ok at recognising Japanese characters.

Watching the chef whip up the piping hot bowls of ramen was like watching a show. Oddly enough, I found the draining of the noodles to be the highlight. Who would have thought I'd be so fascinated by such cool noodle, draining techniques.


I was salivating as the bowl hit my table. Spicy, nutty, sesame broth with ground pork and topped with green onions. I’m no ramen expert, but that broth was absolutely delicious. Slightly spicy and peanutty but highly addictive. I couldn’t stop slurping.
The handmade noodles were awesome , with a firm texture and it held the broth really well. Still, at ¥800, what an absolute bargain!

Tantanmen - ¥800 (~$9AU)

We also got to try the Shoyu Ramen. Again, another awesome bowl of ramen. The broth was flavourful, the slices of chashu were nice and slightly chewy, although I prefer mine more fatty and tender. The noodles were a bit softer than the tantanmen noodles, but this worked well for the dish. The broth was sticking onto the noodles like glue. Now, to the egg. Wow that soft boiled egg was AMAZINGGGGG. The soft gooey yolk was so damn good.

Shoyu Ramen (with chashu and soft-boiled egg) - ¥950 (~$11AU)

Next time, I'll make sure I order an egg and extra chashu with my tantanmen. With extra noodles. Perhaps 2 bowls. Yes, it's that good.


Watch the video here 
Press play to see the ramen in all it's glory!


If it doesn't work, you can watch it on Youtube here.

NAKIRYU (鳴龍)
Address: Tokyo, Toshima-ku, Minami Otsuka 2-34-2
Phone number: 03-6304-1811
Opening Times: Wed to Mon, 11:30am to 3pm & 5pm to 9pm (Mon is only day time). Closed Tuesday
Website: www12.plala.or.jp (Japanese only)

Sorry about the lack of posts.. it's been quite a while.

But I have actually been working on Japan blogs and vlogs! I visited Japan during April and May and it is definitely Food Lover's Paradise. There is delicious food everywhere you turn.


Blog link: http://phatsthetics.blogspot.com.au/
Youtube vlogs: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcE4_NptsC-I4LMFPnHzCug