The Nippon Series: Burgers of the Wagyu kind.

In an attempt to keep a balanced diet, in complementing all that ramen, tempura and okonomiyaki, one can't possibly go wrong with good ol' beef burgers, and of course when in Japan, one would go for beef of the Wagyu variety!

Stumbled upon Kobe Gavly at Kyoto Ramen Koji, the most unlikely of places amongst the ramen shops.

Kobe Gavly

According to them, the patties here are made of Kobe beef. I got the most basic burger which is the Kobe Gavly, with a side of some deliciously sinful deep fried sweet potato wedges. The patty itself was like a big, slightly flattened meatball wedged between the buns with lettuce and tomatoes. Portion was a tad small but it was delish nonetheless.

The Kobe Gavly

Where:

Kobe Gavly @ Kyoto Ramen Koji in Kyoto Station.

From one small burger to the next, heading back to Tokyo. This one isn't Wagyu but it is a good burger. With tummies rumbling, this was a great find from a stroll through Roppongi. 

The 3rd Burger @ Roppongi 

The Edamame Beans Burger was pleasant to the tastebuds. Who knew that edamame beans paste go well with a beef patty? Everything from the buns to the vegetables were super fresh. Yummylicious! So far, small burgers seems to be the trend though.

Edamame Beans Burger

Where:
The 3rd Burger @ Roppongi

Last but not least, there's Burger Mania!

The Platinum Burger

The Platinum Burger is a scrumptious burger with three Wagyu steak slices. It was a little tough to bite the steak slices at times though. Hard work for a piece of meat, but all well worth it.

Where:
Burger Mania @ Hiroo

Next trip, I'd like to give Blacows a try as it apparently beats Burger Mania with its quality Wagyu burgers at a level on its own. Tokyo, I'll be back!

The Nippon Series: Tempura and Tonkatsu - Deep fried goodness!

I've long been a fan of pork, and when it comes deep fried - Oh my!

Under the recommendation of my Tokyo-based cousin, I went with Saboten in Shinjuku.

Saboten @ Keio

It seems like just like in Singapore, there is always a line outside every restaurant at mealtimes. There's a beautiful, and very tempting display outside with the selection of dishes they serve to keep customers salivating.

Tempting display.

At Saboten, they first serve you a healthy appetiser in the form of shredded cabbage. Get your dose of vegetables before the sin of deep fried pork cutlets kick in.

Healthy appetiser - shredded cabbage.

Then, the star of the meal. Topped with an omelette, the pork was breaded and deep fried to perfection. NOMNOMNOM. Too happy for words.

Pork Loin Cutlet Katsudon.

Where:

Saboten is a chain with over 500 restaurants across Japan, you will not miss it.

I went to the one on the 8th floor of Keio Department Store in Shinjuku. 

Now, on to Tempura!

After visiting the Imperial Palace (more like a walk in the grounds outside and getting annoyed with Chinese tourists), it was time to fill up. Walked over to the labyrinth that is Tokyo Station for some Tempura at Keyaki. By that time, I was beginning to become familiar with the place so finding the restaurant wasn't such a task.

Keyaki @ Tokyo Station.

The Keyaki Tempura Bowl was satisfying to say the least. Consisting of shrimp, squid, sand borer (a type of fish it seems, never heard of it!), sweet potato, lotus root, eggplant, and green pepper, this sizeable portion was simply happiness. 

Oh, almost forgot to mention that Japanese rice is amazingly good, every single grain of it, regardless of the dish is comes with.

Keyaki Tempura Bowl.

Where:

Keyaki @ Tokyo Station