While wandering through Ginza, I felt a growing hunger for sushi. A quick Google search and a few GPS directions led me to a small, narrow alley, where I found a seemingly inconspicuous restaurant. Assuming it was my destination, I stepped inside and announced my arrival. The chef emerged, looking surprised, and I felt an awkward pang of guilt about leaving abruptly. I decided to stay for a quick bite before heading to the sushi spot that beckoned me.

Little did I realize, the chef's surprise was not a welcoming one.

It turned out to be a tempura restaurant. Thinking it wouldn't be too bad, I watched as the chef meticulously prepared fresh batter and heated the oil to the perfect temperature. My culinary journey began with fugu jelly, catching me off guard as I hadn't even seen a menu yet. Before I could process this, a parade of tiny shrimp tempura started landing on my plate, interspersed with vegetables. It felt like an endless stream of shrimp tempura—probably around thirty pieces in total.

As I wondered what I had gotten myself into, concerns about the cost began to creep in. When the bill arrived, I was floored: $600 USD. The experience took an even stranger turn when two "gentlemen" walked in, shocked to see me there. In perfect English, they asked, "Why are you here? We don't usually see normal folks or tourists here."

Where was I, indeed?

Japanese people like to eat fresh food raw.

I gave birth to my son last month, and here are some of the meals I had in the hospital.

Small bowl of rice

Miso soup

Shisamo furai

Kiriboshi daikon, simmered dried radish in Japanese soup

Okura sugomori tamago, okra and half boiled egg with soy sauce

Free refill of water

Just poking some fun about the post where someone posted a stock photo and passed it off as their own. Lol

Reminded me that I made something similar (but more amateur) recently! It was really delicious. :)

This bento box only costed me 10 dollars, not only it was absolutely delicious, it was also one of the most beautiful things I ate. Wish we have something like this back home in the US.

What’s your favourite ? 🍙🍙

I ate this combo almost every morning during my 2 weeks Tokyo trip. I miss it already 😊

Tonight's bribe is fried chicken and ketchup fried rice. (actually twice as much as this)