Takashi Kumagai's Guide to B-Class Comfort Foods in Japan

A fusion Chinese-Japanese quick eats spot, the restaurant is known for its fried rice, wontons and ramen. In the summer, their Hiyashi Negi aka cold ramen, is a must to keep you cool in the Tokyo heat. "A speciality of Chiisha is the cold negi noodle, however, I always order crab fried rice and eggplant miso stir fry."

Home-style Western European style of cooking is combined with fresh Japanese ingredients, bringing together dishes like a mushroom and garlic spread, spare ribs and oyster gratin. This family-owned restaurant has been praised for its coziness and a perfect location for an intimate dinner. "I have been going there since a previous owner was running the place, and now that his son has taken over, it is still the best. I think the chicken cutlets here are the best in the world."

Specializing in oden and other small izakaya dishes, this bar mixes the old with the new, bringing diners back to simpler times. "This is a Gakudai specialty yakitori restaurant run by the wife and relatives after a previous owner passed away. I go there so often that they know everything about me."

This unassuming spot is a no-frills restaurant that focuses on the ingredient and specifcally specializes in yakitori or grilled chicken skewers. "When I moved to Shirogane area and was finding somewhere I can feel relaxed, I found this place. I also like the size of this place, which is just right. I like the atmosphere of a izakaya run by a mom by herself, not like a Minato-city. A place for my soul."

This restaurant is a favorite amongst the Ebisu community. A key plate to indulge in is Kozuchi's meat tofu, which is all about the sauce and a nostalgic and signature dish. The restaurant's small plates highlight the fresh ingredients to its core. "I have collaborated with this restaurant on the 'Wind and Sea' project. I often go here for lunch. I recommend the curry with pork cutlet, which is delicious."

Selected as Michelin Bib Gourmand for the 10th consecutive year, Ponchiken has perfected the crispy batter and juicy pork cutlet combo. "I am very picky about pork cutlets. I consider it is not good anymore when the batter comes off the meat. This Ponchiken has the best balance between the batter and the meat. And since they also have a “little bit of curry sauce” for 400 yen, Ponchiken fans pour that roux over leftover rice."

This Chinese fusion restaurant offers delicious spring onion soba in big portions. A simple and easy spot for lunch, it is one of the city's long-established Chinese restaurants. "This is a so-called Machi Chuuka, located in the shopping street of Azabu Juban. Paiko noodles – pork bone noodles – are super delicious. There are only neighborhood grandpas and grandmas who are regulars here."

This izakaya serves Japanese soul food centered around pork and beef. Featuring a standing bar, the spot is for quick bites that feature an array of grilled skewers cooked to perfection. "In the late 1990s, I used to get drunk here before going to a club called 'GOLD' in Shibaura. The original Chu-hi here is very intoxicating. I always wonder if there is something in it, but I have never been able to figure out what is really going on there."

A fusion restaurant serving up Western comfort food, the selection ranges from oven-baked rice casseroles to pizza and pasta as well as breakfast pancakes and a wide selection of cakes for dessert. "This is a famous cafe in Komazawa, run by THE Uichi Yamamoto (restaurant producer). I often eat gorgonzola chicken here."

This laid-back eatery is a community-favorite soup curry restaurant in Tokyo. The restaurant sits quietly in an alley and is peculiar at first sight with its cat-inspired decor. The unique touch adds to the restaurant's charm which ensures the ingredients of the curry complement the spice level of the curry. "This place serves medicinal soup curry. It has a menu for Uber Eats so if you stay at the Westin in Ebisu, I recommend you to order an Uber Eats from here. The yakuzen chicken curry here is really delicious."

People come here for their aromatic stews served with a side of rice and pickled veggies. This restaurant serves up Indian-inspired curries with naan and tandoor dishes. "I recommend this place when you want something spicy. I am going there there when I want to challenge my limits."

Located near Akasaka, this yakiniku izakaya that delivers Korean local cuisine complements organic Japanese ingredients that is taking Korean barbecue to the next level. "The Samgyeopsal (Korean pork belly) here is popular, but it does not upset my stomach. No matter how much you eat, my stomach never gets upset. And the ommas take care of all the work, so it's very easy to do and also cost-effective."