[Cooking Essay] The basement of the Kotsukaikan building in Yurakucho has so many delicious restaurants that the turnover is fast! With Mizusawa udon, seafood bowls, ramen, and katsudon, I can never decide where to go for lunch.

When I watch a movie in Yurakucho, I like to grab a meal while I'm there, but everywhere is packed during lunch hours. There are so many places where I'm surprised by the length of the lines, and I often end up wandering around the station area. In the end, I usually couldn't get into anywhere and would just settle for a safe, standard chain restaurant.

However, ever since someone who is obsessed with lunch told me that the basement of the Kotsukaikan building is the place to go in Yurakucho, I have thankfully been able to enjoy satisfying lunch breaks.

Of course, because of its prime location right in front of the station, it is incredibly busy, but because there are so many tiny restaurants packed into the space, the turnover is extremely fast. Even if there is a line, it's relatively easy for your turn to come around, and since you can always find a spot to slip into, everything goes smoothly.

On top of that, I'm so happy that there are so many delicious restaurants. I hope to try them all someday, and I always enjoy wandering through the hallways looking forward to it.

So, as of now, these are the four places I've been to, plus the soft-serve ice cream.

Mizusawa Udon Yaezakura

My love for the Kotsukaikan building started because this was the place I was recommended. The smooth noodles are great, of course, but the sesame sauce, which isn't too sweet, is the best. Adding chili oil halfway through to change the flavor is incredible.

A long time ago, when I went to Ikaho Onsen, I ate Mizusawa udon and was moved. I thought, 'Can such delicious udon exist?' Ever since then, I've wanted to eat it again. So, it's wonderful that there is a Mizusawa udon restaurant in Yurakucho. I often find myself riding the Yamanote Line thinking about wanting to go here.

I'm also happy that they are particular about the vegetables in their tempura, and you can taste rare varieties.

Ramen Menya Hyottoko

A famous shop for Japanese-style ramen. I had hesitated because there is always a line, but when I tried waiting, it was ramen, so my turn came around quickly.

This kind of highly transparent ramen is quite rare in Tokyo. The momentum of Iekei and Jiro-style ramen is tremendous, and even if it weren't, the rich, heavy flavors are more addictive, so it can't be helped. The old-fashioned light-style ramen is decreasing.

If you like yuzu, the one with yuzu is definitely the way to go. It's a perfect marriage when paired with the melt-in-your-mouth chashu pork. The trefoil is also refreshing, so be careful not to drink too much of the soup. The seasoned egg is also a delight.

Seafood Bowl Hirado Konne

This is a photo from when I happened to be there for an anniversary and was able to eat a special seafood bowl at a promotional price. That said, it's a hidden gem where you can enjoy seafood shipped directly from Hirado on a regular basis.

Seafood bowls can be hit or miss, right? Even at markets and fishing ports, rip-offs are rampant, so let alone at restaurants in the city.

That's why the existence of a seafood bowl shop that is definitely delicious is reliable. The Hirado antenna shop is also nearby, so there is a sense of official security. That kind of thing is surprisingly important.

Katsudon Akebono

A Showa-style tonkatsu restaurant. While waiting in line outside, it's surprisingly fun to write your order on a handheld whiteboard and show it through the window. I get nervous wondering, 'Is my handwriting messy?'

The katsudon you eat at the counter is very filling. The seasoning is gentle, so you can eat it to the end without getting tired of it. The white parts of the egg are glossy and really whet the appetite.

The staff work together in harmony and provide service with a smile, which gives me energy. It naturally makes me think, 'Let's do my best this afternoon too!', so my heart feels satisfied and delicious as well.

Soft Serve Ice Cream - Hokkaido Dosanko Plaza

For dessert, the soft serve ice cream sold at the Hokkaido antenna shop is perfect. The milky flavor is luxurious, and while it's refreshing, it's also rich, so I could seriously eat it forever.

I like getting it mixed with Yubari melon. It's not just for summer; it's totally fine to eat in winter too.

That's all for the shops I've tried so far. I'll be going to Yurakucho often, so I want to steadily continue exploring!

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