Before I traveled to Japan this time, I had so many of my Japanese friends recommending me to try Monjayaki in Japan. It is a local delicacy in Tokyo that many Japanese people enjoy due to its unique dining experience and flavour. It is a food you can enjoy with all five senses. Have you ever tried a meal where you can basically toy with your food as you scoop up some flavourful Japanese pancake with a little spatula?
I originally wanted to try Monja in Tokyo. Depsite my initial wish, I could not manage to do that sadly as my time in Tokyo was very limited and I missed the last call. However, I am so glad that I chose to try my first-ever monjayaki in this restaurant. It is situated in one of the most romantic and sophisticated areas of Nagoya as well as Japan. You have the mighty Mirai Tower beaming with radiance, a modern pond with colourful lightings and other cool stores nearby. So, even if you need to wait in line, your wait won't be long and boring. The store itself is very modern with bright lightings and beautiful interiors all around. Its open kitchen and windows are also very welcoming that you will feel at ease as you take your seat. Here, you do not just eat the food. You eat with the atmosphere. Even if you do not choose to drink alcohol, I bet you will be drunk with the unforgettable mood it has to offer.
When it comes to the food, I tried its "Mentaiko-Mochi Monja with Mozzallela" and its famous "Kuuya Special Okonomiyaki" along with the parings of Japanese alcohols suggested by the staffs. Sometimes, people have negative experiences with Monjayaki because it can be overly salty. However, this chain got its flavour profile in such a balance that you will enjoy it without a doubt. Both menus were so filling and flavourful and it was simply so fun and enjoyable to see the staffs cooking them and eat them with a little spatula. If you do drink, you should definitely eat Monja with some nice Japanese alcohols such as namabiru, high ball or the highly-recommended "Hoppy Set". I give you my word that you will not be disappointed.
Regarding the service, there is a reason why Japan has the most number of 3-Star Michelin restaurants in the world. There is also a reason why this restaurant is rated mightily at 4.9. Some of you might know but Google Review in Japan is different from other countries. A restaurant is considered good if it is above 3.5 and it is considered great or even excellent if it is rated above 4.0. Japanese people scarcely give out 5 stars that it is seriously absurd that this restaurant is rated 4.9 despite the presence of generous tourists. During my dining experience, it was so wonderful to see so many Japanese young adults working so hard and serving customers with an excellent professionalism and enthusiasm throughout the night. Those of you who ever worked in a kitchen or restaurant know how hard and draining it is to work in front of a sizzling teppan (hot plate) for long extended hours. However, many of the staffs demonstrated their world-class Japanese service mindset with bright smile and warm hospitality for their guests despite their challenges. For my case, the server named "Keichi" was especially top-notch as he welcomed and served me with such a passion to brighten the atmosphere and experience.
There may be other great Monjayakiyas in Japan. However, I am strongly convinced that this restaurant is one of the best (if not the best) Monjayaki restaurants in the world. It will guide you gently but greatly to the world of Monja with its superb taste, service and atmosphere. Even as a local guide, I do not normally write a lenghty review like this. Being honest, it is my first restaurant in Japan that I felt good enough to grant my time to review. I did it this time because I have been thoroughly impressed all around by my dining experience.
Simply, just try Monjayaki here. You will cherish your moment and memery for...
Read moreWe had a wonderful experience at Tsukishima Monja Kuuya Nagoya Hisayaodori Park, thanks in large part to our waitress Noka! From the moment we sat down, Noka made us As first-timers to monjayaki, we were a bit uncertain about what to expect, but Noka was incredibly patient and enthusiastic in guiding us through the entire experience. Her warm personality and genuine care made the meal so much more enjoyable. We ordered the grilled squid, mentaiko mochi monja, and a side of plum cucumber, finishing with the red bean and green tea crepe topped with green tea ice cream. Every single dish was outstanding!
What really made this dining experience special was how much fun we had and how nice the waitress was. She also helped cook.
If you’re visiting Tsukishima Monja Kuuya, definitely ask for Noka – she’ll make your experience truly unforgettable. We can’t wait to come back!
Highly recommended for anyone looking to try authentic monjayaki in a fun, welcoming atmosphere
One tip. The food is ready to enjoy just a few minutes after they leave. Don’t wait more than a few minutes or the food will...
Read moreOur children like it and eat it well!! It's delicious, but it's expensive compared to the amount because it has more than 80% cabbage. It's enough for an adult man to eat a cup alone. At first, I thought a female employee would make it right away while leaving the menu, but she doesn't care for a long time lol I'm grateful that an employee named Sougo came and responded to me!! There's no waiting, maybe because I visited on a weekday evening! The iron plate is not clean, and the reason why the review rating is good is because the employees give the store business card and ask for a review right in front of them. That's why someone says it's kind in the review... Rather, Sekainoyama, who has a low Google rating, was kinder and more delicious (although it may vary by person, he eats salty food...), Monjayaki isn't a dish to make you busy, but the staff pretends to be busy looking at whether it's the owner or manager, so when you go, you'll know what it feels like!! Make sure to ask for the bill when you go out... The calculation...
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