One of the awesome things about awesome things about Tokyo are the lunch specials. Lunch is always cheaper, a little more casual, and just as delicious. Tenshige, in Akasaka, is scrunch-your-fists-up delicious. They offer two bowls at lunch: tendon and kakiage. As with so many other choices on menus in Japan, it seems like the difference is imperceptible. But there’s actually is a difference: tendon is separate tempura pieces on rice and kakiage a mix of prawns and shellfish in a tempura cake. Both are dipped into a vat of secret recipe tempura sauce making for an addictive bowl of piping hot texture contrasts. The crispy-crunchy batter holds up to the sauce in some spots, and soaks straight to the tender seafood in others. They pop on a tiny touch of yuzu peel for a bite of brightness and the pickles that come with are a welcome foil. It’s a warm, tiny room run by three women chefs (hopefully you get a seat at the counter) who are efficient and super friendly. They don’t speak English, but seeing as there are only two options, you can pretty much get by. Don’t say no to the miso soup when they ask – it’s delicious. Oh, and as with anything good in Tokyo, expect a bit of a line up!
