フォーリンデブはっしー
DEBU loves Monja in Tsukishima so much that he once lived alone in Tsukishima because of it. Or rather, it was more like "futari-gurashi" (living with two people) than living alone. After exploring various Monja restaurants in Tsukishima and personally favoring the creative ideas at "Himezen," a new star that seems to surpass it has been discovered! That is the restaurant "Koboreya" located along the Monja Street in Tsukishima, which has been open for just over a year. Looking at the menu, you can see the incredible dedication to ingredients such as soup stock and tempura scraps.
Alcohol at Monja restaurants in Tsukishima tends to be on the pricier side, with some places charging 600 yen for a highball or oolong high, but here, alcohol starts at 480 yen, and soft drinks are 380 yen, making the drinks reasonably priced. The dish "Koboreya Monja" is overflowing with ingredients, as the name suggests. Cabbage serves as the base, topped with large oysters, plenty of clams, chopped squid legs, as well as shrimp and Edomae anago hidden on the other side. The seafood mix is so rich that it's overflowing, and the use of lard (100% pork fat) on the tabletop adds even more flavor.
When the seafood Monja is ready to eat, the fish flavors burst in your mouth, with a hint of sansho pepper for a tangy kick. The dish doesn't get boring thanks to the crunchy cabbage, refreshing ginger, and savory aftertaste. The "Pork Belly and Coarsely Ground Meat Yakisoba" is another delicious choice, with thick, shiny noodles coated in garlic soy sauce that enhances the aroma of burnt soy sauce.
DEBU, being a creature that thoroughly enjoys discovering delicious restaurants, also tries the "Jet Black Monja," topped with squid ink and irresistible cheese. The dish is a mix of squid ink, firefly squid, octopus, and squid legs, with tempura scraps sourced from "Tempura Abe@Ginza," adding depth to the umami flavors. Butter is also added to this Monja, creating a rich and satisfying taste. This level of dedication to ingredients is hard to find in Tsukishima Monja restaurants, and despite its 3.07 rating on Tabelog, this hidden gem is definitely worth a visit.