niponica is a web magazine that introduces modern Japan to people all over the world.
2020 NO.28
Tokyo: The Ultimate Gourmet Experience
Okubo: Crossroads of Asian Cuisine
A place to enjoy halal cuisine Islam Yokocho
Down a narrow alley off the main Okubo-dori Avenue, there is a multinational quarter known as “Islam Yokocho.” Here, visitors can feel the atmosphere of Islam with streetside eateries ①, shops that sell both food and spices ②, a mosque housed in a building, and more. The grilled chicken ③ is made using halal chicken rubbed with spices. It is also available for take-out.
One of the world’s three grand cuisines Turkish
Turkish kebab is a dish of thinly sliced meat that is layered together, grilled over fire, then shaved, and served with salad in bread. There are numerous kebab stands in Okubo, but there is also a restaurant where customers can enjoy not only take-away kebab ①, but also a course of authentic Turkish dishes starting with appetizers of hummus and tzatziki to spread on a piece of pita bread ②. (HiSAR)
A rich selection of various local cuisines Chinese
Okubo is home to numerous Chinese restaurants that serve local dishes from Yanbian, Hebei, and other regions in China. They attract many customers looking for a taste of home. Here you can find a variety of Chinese cuisines: from the famous grilled lamb skewers of Northeast China ①, to the crayfish dishes originating in Hunan ②, which recently have become all the rage, to Chinese mitten crab ③, which is very popular in Japan. (Horaishu)
A symphony of spices Nepalese
The growing number of Nepalese people living in Okubo has led to a rapid increase in restaurants catering to their needs. Nepali Momo (dumplings stuffed with chicken minced meat, onion, and spices) is one of the most popular dishes in Nepal. (Momo)