Like many restaurants in Japan who specialize or serve only one type of dish, Kaneko Hannosuke only serve tempura! But what makes this place even more unique is the restaurant’s secret sauce. This is another one of my favorites during my trip and it definitely set the bar high for tempura!

Wait & layout: We came on a weeknight around 7 and the line was already wrapped around the corner. We thought the wait would’ve easily been 1.5 hrs but the line moved pretty swiftly. You’ll be asked to place your order before you get seated inside. The restaurant has 2 levels with bar seating. All orders are prepared downstairs then sent through a food lift if you’re seated upstairs. There’s coat hangers and hooks under the table since there’s not much room in between.

Food: Edomae (secret sauce for rice) + tendon (tempura over rice) Each bowl consist of 2x shrimp, eel, chopped squid, soft boiled egg, shishito pepper & seaweed over rice with their secret tempura sauce.

Let me start by saying how on first impression, I would’ve complained and wanted my tempura and sauce separated. And I know that’s rude in Japan, so I didn’t. However, after trying the first bite, I’m not even mad. The sauce is literally everything! It’s light and naturally sweet without being sticky. It complimented the batter really well and doesn’t overpower the individual items. The tempura itself was delicately coated. My favorite was the soft boiled egg. They managed to perfect the boil and deep fry! The yolk was still oozing out! A few parts obviously do get soggy but the sauce keeps you busy! In fact, even the rice is thoroughly covered with sauce. And did I mention the portion size ? This one bowl contains about 2 bowls of rice. I watched as the lady on my right wolfs down everything in 10 minutes! Now that’s a true local! No wonder there’s a fast turn over rate. This place is just simply amazing!