Ramen and udon are extremely popular Japanese dishes, but have you ever wondered what other must try Japanese food are available in the area? Keep reading for my recommendations!
Izakaya Ittoku
An izakaya is a type of Japanese restaurant where a variety of small, usually inexpensive dishes are served for a group of people to share and enjoy while drinking. This is the perfect place to go to with a few friends to try out different Japanese dishes- from yakitori (skewered chicken), grilled squid, sushi, to okonomiyaki (savory pancake), Izakaya Ittoku has it all!
Shiki
Located in Brookline, Shiki serves all different types of authentic Japanese dishes. For lunch, try their teishoku: a lunch set served with miso soup, salad and white rice. You choose the main dish from a list—tempura, broiled mackerel, kaki fry (deep fried oyster; pictured below)—just to name a few!
Yume Ga Arukara
If you love udon and haven't tried this place yet, grab your phone right now and order some udon for take out! (Currently take-out only due to COVID-19). You can choose from warm or cold udon noodles, and the toppings are beef, scallions, tempura flakes, and spicy sauce. The texture of the housemade noodles are chewy and perfect. Hands-down the best place in the area to get udon! The owner also has a ramen restaurant called Yume Wo Katare down the street.
Koko Bakery
Bakeries are one of the places I always visit when I go to Japan. All of the breads, pastries, and sandwiches at Koko Bakery are handmade and fresh, and taste just like the ones I find in Japan! You will definitely find something here that satisfies your needs. Want savory? Try a bread with corn, cheese, bacon, or curry. Something sweet? Try their cream pan, melon pan, or their azuki milk!
Maruichi Market
At this family owned Japanese market in Brookline, you will find everything you need from ingredients, snacks, and cosmetics, to grab and go meals! I recommend stopping by on your way home from dining at Shiki, which is close by. Even if you don't have anything specific to buy, walking around in this market is very fun!
All five of these locations have given me a taste of Japan, and I hope you get a chance to try some delicious Japanese cuisine!