So, the first day we went to Asakusa in the Northeast part of Tokyo metroplex. I've always seen pictures of Asakusa temple growing up. This is such an icon for Japan and what they represents, their tradition despite the fact that we're probably driving a Japanese car or use any Japanese appliance at our home representing how much technology they have to offer.
After the morning touring, we were hungry for some real Japanese food. "Real" being made by someone really, truly born Japanese. Not like the Japanese food in Texas that is made by some underpaid migrant worker. Just as hard working just not authentic. Anyway, they are very much into set lunches. Unlike in the States, they come with soup and small sides. Oh yeah, they have the proper portion on food too. I *heart* Japan!
The next thing I love it there is my favorite bean paste pastry. Basically, it's a soft waffle on the outer shell, inside they have red bean paste traditionally. That day I've seen one filled with cheese, apple & cheese, chestnut, pastachio, and strawberry. What I like about that is the new shape they have. As you can see, this is a birdie and a lantern like the one hanging on Asakusa's temple.
At night we walked down to a Curry Shop around our area. It's very neat that you buy a ticket from the vending machine. Then you take the ticket to the counter and they give you water and food. Of course, we don't know a lick of Japanese, so we relied heavily on pictures. There's no telling if we're getting exactly what we see, the pictures on the vending machine is tiny (that fits the buttons) so there are no way to see if you're getting exactly what we thought we are ordering.
The first one was spicy curry sauce with ham over rice. They come with miso soup and veggies. Of course, that glass of green thing is melon soda. Urm, yeah, if you ever go to the World of Coca Cola and get to the tasting room, you'd get to taste the sodas they offer all over the world and this is one of them. Mind you, it doesn't taste like melon just more like fizzy green soda.
The next thing I love it there is my favorite bean paste pastry. Basically, it's a soft waffle on the outer shell, inside they have red bean paste traditionally. That day I've seen one filled with cheese, apple & cheese, chestnut, pastachio, and strawberry. What I like about that is the new shape they have. As you can see, this is a birdie and a lantern like the one hanging on Asakusa's temple.They have tons of booths that sell these. Some do it with a machine, which fill the molds put the fillings and bake them. Once it's baked it seal them into little packs. I did find 2 booths that did them by hand.
At night we walked down to a Curry Shop around our area. It's very neat that you buy a ticket from the vending machine. Then you take the ticket to the counter and they give you water and food. Of course, we don't know a lick of Japanese, so we relied heavily on pictures. There's no telling if we're getting exactly what we see, the pictures on the vending machine is tiny (that fits the buttons) so there are no way to see if you're getting exactly what we thought we are ordering.The way they operate feels like going to Waffle House style that just cooks you your food right in front of you, except not cheap or greasy or dirty. Of course most of the food is pre-measured and needed to heated up. It just the Japanese fast food. It literally did not take more than 5 mins. There are businessmen that just comes in after work, on their way home, and just grab one of these meals. You do get alot for little price. I would say most of time we paid less than 5 dollars US per person per meal. So, I can totally dig this type of fast food.
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