中目のやっこさん
"Hama Shou Sushi" is a hidden gem located near the Tsukiji Outer Market. Despite the crowds in Tsukiji, this sushi restaurant seems to be a hidden spot. It's quite hard to find, but it's located on the first street from Shindaihashi Street, which is the busiest street. The restaurant is on the second floor, so look for the staircase above the sign with the restaurant's name. During the pandemic, they seemed to have been closed, but I visited for the first time now. As you climb the stairs, you'll immediately see a terrace-like outdoor seating area that looks like a garden. It's surprising to find such a terrace-like space above the Tsukiji Outer Market. Inside the restaurant, it has a fisherman's town vibe, and a substantial thick counter is placed in the center. There are two table seats, two raised tatami seats, each for about 6 people, so it seems to be a cozy space that can accommodate a large group. Two chefs are behind the counter, swiftly preparing and serving the sushi. The menu is displayed all over the wall, making it hard to choose! Nigiri sushi ranges from 165 yen, and seafood bowls start from 1540 yen, with a wide variety of options. Here are some of the set menu options: - Service Nigiri 1,540 yen - Yuzen Nigiri 2,035 yen - Seasonal Nigiri 2,640 yen - Special Nigiri 3,300 yen - Chef's Choice Nigiri 3,960 yen I ordered the "Chef's Choice Nigiri," which included: - Fatty Tuna - Yellowtail - Herring Roe with Kombu - Snow Crab - Lean Tuna - Ark Shell - Sea Urchin Gunkan - Salmon Roe Gunkan - Botan Shrimp - Conger Eel - Tamago (Egg) Soup - Duration: 30 minutes - Total: 3,960 yen (including tax) - Visited on a Saturday before 2 pm, with about 3 groups of customers already seated at the counter. Waited for about 12 minutes, listening to the banter between the chef and other customers. The sushi was served on a large plate, with the standout being the incredibly long conger eel. The vinegared rice was neatly placed in the center, while the long eel stretched out, offering a firm texture with a sweet taste that was delightful. Each piece of sushi had a delicious combination of flavors, with the vinegared rice adding a nice touch. In addition to sushi, there were various sashimi and grilled dishes like pufferfish sashimi, grilled mackerel, grilled amberjack collar, and grilled tuna cheek, so be sure to check out the handwritten menu. It was a Saturday lunchtime, and the surrounding sushi restaurants had long lines, but we were able to get a table at "Hama Shou Sushi" easily, making it a hidden gem. The place has a charming atmosphere reminiscent of the attic of Tsukiji, making it an interesting spot to explore.