Yeah, let me introduce you to Monjayaki, a local delicacy in Tokyo. Although, it’s worth mentioning that Monjayaki has been gaining popularity nationwide recently, evolving rapidly as it incorporates local ingredients from different regions. I wonder if younger folks these days even know that it was once considered a specialty of Tokyo. Well, if you’re already here in Tokyo, why not give it a try at its place of origin?
What is Monjayaki?
Monjayaki used to be more like a snack for kids around Asakusa. It was super simple, just mixing flour with water or broth, throwing in a bit of cabbage, and adding some sauce, then cooking it all up on a hotplate. It wasn’t really seen as a proper meal, more like a quick fix for hunger. But somehow, over time, it’s evolved into quite a respectable dish, with all sorts of ingredients being added to it like pork, beef, shinp, oister, cheese, rice cake, and more.
Since it’s cooked on a hotplate, you can even cook things other than Monjayaki on it. Plus, since the basic ingredients are provided by the restaurant, and the cooking is done by the customers themselves, it’s become a hassle-free option for eateries, which might be one reason why it’s become so popular.
What do you think of Monjayaki?
While seeing Monjayaki for the first time might not make someone immediately drool with anticipation, once you give it a try, the taste is guaranteed to win you over. Starting from its still slightly gooey state, savoring the changing flavors as it crisps up a bit at the bottom, and adding bonito flakes or seaweed on top for an extra kick, you’ll find yourself wanting to order another round in no time. The variety of flavors depending on the ingredients used is also part of the fun of Monjayaki.
Grilling meat like in the picture, or cooking up seafood, Monjayaki joints might just be the ultimate spot not only for food but also for drinks.
Especially during chilly weather, nothing beats pairing it with some hot sake.
The secret behind Monjayaki!
In Japan, it’s a classic spot for couples who’ve just started dating. Sitting face to face, sharing a hotplate, cooking Monjayaki together sparks conversations like, “Is it ready yet?” or “We better eat before it burns!” or even “It’s already too burnt, let’s put out the flame!” When there aren’t many shared topics yet, sharing Monjayaki becomes a memorable experience. Plus, if you’ve got the skills to whip up a vibrant Monjayaki, the success of that date is pretty much guaranteed!
If you take your friend who isn’t familiar with Japan to try Monjayaki and show off your impressive skills, your stock is sure to rise!
（If you want to learn how to cook Monjayaki, click here!)
If you’re around Ginza, why not check out the holy grail of Monjayaki? There’s a street in Tsukishima packed with Monjayaki joints. Can’t tell you which one’s the best, some have lines out the door while others are completely empty. Just stroll down Tsukishima Monja Street and trust your nose to guide you!
A. Start Walking from Tsukishima Station close to Tuskishima Monja Street
Starting is Tsukishima Station on the Yurakucho (Metro) Line or Oedo (Metro) Line (marked as A on the map). Whether you come out from Exit 5 or 7, you’re pretty close to Monja Street. Well, no matter which exit you take, you should get to Monja Street in about 5 minutes or so.
Now, the real challenge begins. Once you hit the street (marked as B to C on the map), you’ll see rows of Monjayaki joints, to be precise, that’s all you’ll find. Finding the perfect spot for you from here might be quite a task. But fret not. Since Monjayaki is basically a super simple dish, the taste won’t vary much from place to place. The real differences might lie in the prices or other dishes they offer besides Monjayaki. (All the shops haven’t be tried, so probably.) You could opt for a cozy spot where you feel at ease, or go for the one with a line, a sort of endorsement, so to speak. It’s all part of the adventure.
At any of these joints, you can ask the staff to cook the Monjayaki for you, which is safer for the first time, but what do you think?
There’s also a dish called Okonomiyaki, which is the sister food of Monjayaki. It’s like a pancake with various ingredients mixed in. Many places serve Okonomiyaki too, so definitely give it a try!
On your way back, the easiest way is to retrace your steps and take the subway from Tsukishima Station on the Yurakucho (Metro) Line or Oedo (Metro) Line (marked as A on the map).
Since you’ve come this far, if you head a little further west, you’ll soon reach the Sumida River. Taking a stroll along the Sumida River can be nice.
This area is a town that has sprung up on a river sandbar, so it’s not large, and you’ll soon find yourself at the edge of the sandbar. If you want to walk a little further, crossing the river towards Ginza wouldn’t be a bad idea either. That way, it could turn into a pleasant stroll.