The Omotesando 幸せのパンケーキ (Japan)

In the past few years, the popularity of the souffle pancake has grown so much that there are chains popping up around Japan. Most foreign visitors have raved about this unique style that it is nothing like what they expected. 

Thanks to a video from Simon and Martina, I had to try the Omotesando's shop in Kichijoji (吉祥寺) as I was heading there anyway. Since I was aware to be early, my group and I signed up for the earliest time-slot (10:00) and there was no queue so we got in almost immediately. It is also better to visit during the weekdays because most people will be at work already. 

Yes, we had five people so that's how we are able to try so many different flavours. This is definitely not your typical flat pancake. In fact, it is the opposite because they tasted very eggy, airy/fluffy as a cloud, and the sweetness was just right. All the ingredients were super fresh. Even though it seems like a large plate, it did not feel like a heavy breakfast. Once you try this, you can't go back to the old fashion style flat pancake. The chefs take such great care in making this 20 minute griddle cooked pancake all are shaped identical and with the perfect golden brown colour. They also have a self-serve dispenser with lemon and orange infused water, which was perfect to end off the breakfast.

Seasonal Fresh Fruit Pancake 季節のフレッシュフルーツパンケーキ

Seasonal Fresh Fruit Pancake 季節のフレッシュフルーツパンケーキ

Classic Flambooise Pancake クラシカルフランボワーズパンケーキ

Original Happy Pancake 幸せのパンケーキ

Milk Tea Pancake with Granola 紅茶ミルクパンケーキ自家製グラノーラがけ

Thick Sliced Bacon with Scrambled Eggs and Pancake
厚切りベーコンとスクランブルエッグのパンケーキ

Overall, I think the Omotesando is a must try because they serve super tasty pancakes and you really do feel the happiness from their amply named chain. If you don't want to wait in line for a long time, avoid the tourist locations like Shibuya and Ginza and go early.

Address: 

24 locations in Japan

Preferred location: Kichijoji 吉祥寺店

〒180-0004 Tōkyō-to, Musashino-shi, Kichijōji Honchō, 1 Chome−8−5 レン

〒180-0004 東京都武蔵野市吉祥寺本町１丁目８−5 レンガ館モール

Hours of Operation:

Monday to Friday 10:00 - 20:00 (LO: 19:15)

Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: 10:00 - 20:30 (LO: 19:40)

Average Cost:

Approximately JPY 1000 to JPY 2000

Phone: 

042-221-2222

Reservations:

Reservation time-sheets are located at the shop front. Must sign-up for available times and will be called when seat is available. 

Can also reserve through Web Booking app.   

Smoking/Non-smoking:

Non-smoking

Menu:

Japanese and English menu available.

Payment:

Cash, credit card

No electronic money

Additional Reviews/Information:

Tabelog

TripAdvisor

Madai Ramen Mengyo 真鯛らーめん 麺魚 – 錦糸町店 (Japan)

Ramen is a staple in Japanese diets because of its cost, convenience, richness, and heartiness. There is practically a ramen shop on every street. The queue outside the shop is usually a good measure of their popularity. 

Madai Ramen Mengyo (真鯛らーめん 麺魚 – 錦糸町店)  is a unique ramen shop that specializes in  the red snapper/red seabream broth. Their special broth earned them the 17th Tokyo Ramen of the Year (2016-2017) award. With their increasing popularity, they have also ventured into the cup noodle business where you can experience their ramen at your local 7/11 convenient stores. 

I was super hungry that day so this is the super-sized version with double the usual toppings. The sakura smoked pork (aka chashu or char siu) was super tender and the smoky flavour is really compatible with the with the yuzu paste to enhance rich taste of the fish broth. The 100% Hokkaido wheat ramen was el dante and just thick enough to pick-up the broth and bits of red snapper meat. 

Most people take about 10 to 15 minutes to finish, but the queues can be long so be sure to go early. If you like bang for buck, try the Rice porridge set which includes the snapper ramen and rice to add to the broth after you finish the ramen. 

Address: 

2-8-8,Koutoubashi,Sumida-ku, Tokyo, Japan
東京都墨田区江東橋2丁目 8−8 パークサイドマンション





Hours of Operation:

11:00 - 21:00

Average Cost:

Approximately JPY 800 to JPY 1500 depending on the number of toppings.

Phone: 

03-6659-9619

Reservations:

Not required. First come, first served. 16 seats in total.

Smoking/Non-smoking:

Non-smoking bar seats

Menu:

Order by ticket machine with Japanese and English on buttons.

Payment:

Cash only

Additional Reviews/Information:

Tabelog
Yelp