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Visiting Western-style cuisine in Asakusabashi, Torikoshizen - Unchanging Western-style cuisine edition
Western cuisine in Japan has developed uniquely as a culture specific to Japan. In Tokyo, there are several Western-style restaurants that have been in business for over 100 years and have become special establishments. Among them, there are few old-fashioned, traditional establishments that have remained unchanged over the years. One Shin Tei is one of these precious old-fashioned establishments, founded in 1906 and operated by three generations. The restaurant was established at a time when Western cuisine was not yet popular, with a chef who had worked on European routes providing full-course meals on unfamiliar plates. The second generation shifted to serving individual dishes during the difficult post-war period, and the third generation, who took over at a young age, continues to uphold the traditional Western cuisine of One Shin Tei, influenced by the flavors passed down from the previous generation. The third generation, a cook of Western cuisine, is also active as a photographer, even publishing books, and working as a photographer in the downtown area. One Shin Tei is located about a 5-minute walk from Asakusabashi Station, just before the Torikoshijinja Shrine on Kuramae Hashidoori Street, with a prominent yellow and red sign. Passing through the large white noren curtain and opening the sliding door to enter the restaurant, one is greeted by a nostalgic dining table ambiance with three 4-person tables and homey condiments. The walls display photographs of the owner, and a monochrome photo book of downtown scenes is also sold. The menu is very simple, with popular items such as omelette rice, fried dishes, and a combination of four items, as well as curry and hashed beef rice. The most popular item is the three-color rice, a combination of three dishes created by the third generation. The greedy three-color rice, which has become popular since the coverage of the omelette rice, attracts many visitors from afar. In response to feedback that customers also wanted to try curry and hashed beef but found it difficult to visit casually, the three-color rice was devised about 30 years ago and has since become a popular option. The meal starts with miso soup and pickles, followed by a large plate with three colors arranged in a unique visual presentation. The omelette rice, which appears small, is wrapped in a thin egg and served with ketchup, while the hashed beef is reminiscent of a nostalgic, thick, creamy stew served on rice. The curry, made with ingredients such as pork and onions and a mild curry powder, is easy to eat, with a similar creamy texture to the hashed beef. The recipes seem to have been preserved from the Showa era, recreating the taste of nostalgia. The owner's love for the nostalgic atmosphere of the Showa era is evident in the dishes, which feature a blend of rich and Worcestershire sauces, capturing the essence of Tokyo's daily life and cherishing the Showa era. The deep immersion in the good old days allows one to savor a taste of nostalgia that seems to have stopped time, akin to a monochrome photograph.