Hyperlocal Tokyo

The Evolution and Flavor of Fish Set Meals I visited "Uokyu Eat-in Ajimise" in Ningyocho. This shop, known for its Kyoto-style kasuzuke (fish marinated in sake lees), offers an eat-in space where you can enjoy the kasuzuke fish sold on the first floor. This time, I savored the "Ajiwai Teishoku" (Flavor Set Meal). ◎ Good Points ● Fresh and Delicious Fish The two types of fish included in the set meal, silver cod and silver salmon, were all exceptionally well-seasoned. The silver cod, in particular, stood out with its characteristic sweetness and deep umami of kasuzuke, and you could tell the difference with just one bite. The grilling was also perfect, with a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. ● Abundant Side Dishes and Balanced Flavors The Ajiwai Teishoku includes small dishes, miso soup, and rice in addition to the fish. The small dishes featured unique flavors, such as scallop simmered in soy sauce and yuzu salt paste, all of which went well with rice. The scallop simmered in soy sauce, in particular, had a rich flavor that spread with each bite, making it a perfect match for rice. The miso soup also used Hiroshima Fuchu miso, offering a rich and flavorful experience. ● Free Rice Refills The rice was made with Uonuma Koshihikari, and the cooking was perfect. The free refills were a welcome bonus, allowing me to enjoy plenty of rice with the delicious fish. The staff's prompt service when I asked for a refill was also impressive. ● Speedy Service and Hospitality The time between ordering and receiving the food was very short, allowing me to enjoy my meal smoothly. Especially during weekday lunch hours, when congestion is expected, the restaurant's turnover rate was good, and the waiting time was short. The service was also polite, and they answered my questions kindly, making for a comfortable dining experience. △ Other Points ▲ The atmosphere of the restaurant was simple and calm, but the counter seats were the main seating, and there were only a few table seats. While it might not be suitable for large groups, it's perfect for solo diners or small groups. Also, as it's a popular restaurant, it was crowded after 12:00 pm. Reservations are not possible, so it's best to arrive a little early. If you arrive at 11:30, you can usually get in. ☆ Summary "Uokyu Eat-in Ajimise" is a set meal restaurant that boasts fresh, delicious fish and abundant side dishes. The silver cod kasuzuke, in particular, is worth trying at least once. The free rice refills are also a welcome bonus, making for a highly satisfying meal. Next time, I'd like to try another set meal menu.

I finally visited this place after being curious about it for a while. The first floor sells pickled fish and bento boxes, while the second floor is a dining area. Even though I was dining alone, I was seated at a table with other customers. However, there were roll-down curtains separating the tables, so I didn't feel uncomfortable with the people next to me. I ordered the codfish set for 1550 yen (excluding tax). The pickled fish was very fatty and perfectly cooked. I couldn't help but order another serving of rice. It was a delicious meal.

I visited Uokyu, a famous fish shop, after hearing that you could eat their fish in their eat-in area. I sometimes buy their fish at the basement food court, but I honestly wondered if it was really that popular and if it was the best. I wanted to evaluate their cooking methods, so I was excited to try it! I ordered the silver cod set meal. To be honest, it was delicious, but not the best. I felt it wasn't worth the price. The saikyo-zuke (marinated in sake lees) silver cod at "Kinsoku Gyu Kuro Urushi", a kaiseki restaurant in Kojimachi, is overwhelmingly delicious for the same price. They even remove all the bones, making it safe for the elderly and children. I also buy the saikyo-zuke from this Kojimachi restaurant and bake it at home, and the deliciousness is perfectly replicated. My family always uses Gyu Kuro Urushi's silver cod saikyo-zuke for gifts and souvenirs for my parents, and it's always praised for its authentic restaurant flavor. In contrast, Uokyu still had bones, and the side dishes of the set meal felt like company cafeteria food, which was a bit disappointing. Maybe I had too high expectations? If you like saikyo-zuke, I highly recommend trying it at least once.

I visited for lunch and had the limited-edition 15-serving 'Taste Set Meal'. The sake-marinated dish was delicately flavored with a touch of sweetness, making it impossible to stop eating rice. The free rice refills are a very welcome service. I'll definitely be back! 😋

Wednesday, July 2024 I visited Uokyu based on online searches, hoping to get some discounted fish. The store seemed to be a combination of a retail shop and a restaurant. They provided a cooling pack when I purchased the fish, and the expiration date was about a week. 08:10 Arrived at the store 1 person in line ahead 08:40 Ticket distribution Only 2 people in line, so tickets were readily available 09:00 Store opened All tickets were sold out.