まめぞう
The vicinity of Iidabashi intersection is an area where high-end restaurants like Canty are gathered. In a brick-style building a little east of Canty, there is a restaurant called Birinkahanten on the 2nd floor. The owner chef, Mr. Fukunaga, is from Shanghai and has been in Japan since 1989, serving as the head chef at the Roppongi branch of "Chugoku Hanten" for 18 years. In 2007, he opened "Birinkahanten". The restaurant is known for offering a wide variety of Chinese cuisine beyond regional classifications such as Beijing, Sichuan, Shanghai, and Guangdong. At the core of Birinkahanten's cuisine is the concept of "food as medicine". By regularly consuming well-balanced and delicious dishes, one can prevent illness and treat any existing health issues.
The young staff of Birinkahanten are selling take-out bento boxes at the front of the restaurant. Walk past them, go to the back, and take the stairs to the 2nd floor. Open the automatic door and enter. Two people are waiting in front of you. The restaurant is not very spacious. The 4-person table is full, but they confirm that it's okay for you to wait a bit. The two people in front of you are quickly disinfecting a 4-person table that just became available, so you can sit down soon. You order the number 1 set lunch, and as you wait, a group of five women exits a private room and goes to the register. They ask if it's okay to share a table, and you are guided to a private room. Another solo female guest joins you at the table. Shortly after, you are served with a hand towel, cold tea, rice, chopsticks with the restaurant's name on them, soup, and pickled vegetables. The main dish and vegetable salad arrive soon after. The number 1 set lunch includes "Stir-Fried Pork and Dried Tofu", which is a light and elegantly flavored dish. The soup is a hot and sour soup with plenty of vegetables and eggs. The salad contains fresh vegetables with apples, without any dressing. The main dish, soup, and salad are all beautifully presented. You enjoy a second helping of rice. The lunch follows the concept of "food as medicine" and ends with almond jelly and iced coffee. The almond jelly is also elegantly prepared. A very satisfying lunch indeed. The lunch here typically costs 1,100 yen with dessert and coffee included. There are various options available, with the most expensive ones not exceeding 2,000 yen. You pay 1,100 yen in cash and leave the restaurant satisfied.