せんたん
I saw a delicious chicken dish on SNS and knew I had to try it, so I headed to Higashi-Ginza. The restaurant is located on the 11th floor of a stylish, slender building. I arrived before opening time, and the staff kindly showed me to a counter seat by the window, offering a great view. The lunch menu featured "Chicken Hitsumabushi" as a standalone dish or part of a course. I opted for the standalone dish with less rice. I ordered genmaicha tea to drink. Inside the counter, Shonai Jidori chicken was being grilled over a high flame, with the aroma of the sauce getting me excited. The "Chicken Hitsumabushi" was served in an iron pot, accompanied by chicken soup, a sparkling egg yolk, nori, wasabi, green onions, pickles, and plenty of chicken on rice. First, I tried the soup, which was incredibly rich and delicious. I couldn't resist taking a few sips before moving on to the rice. The dish was divided into four parts for different eating styles: 1) as is, 2) with condiments like sansho pepper, sesame, and chili, 3) with the egg yolk for a TKG experience, and 4) with the rich chicken soup for ochazuke. Each way of eating was delightful, with the combination of flavors and textures making it a satisfying meal. The egg yolk was particularly impressive, not breaking even when picked up with chopsticks. Mixing it with the sauce and enjoying it was a highlight. Lastly, pouring the chicken soup over the rice, adding nori, green onions, wasabi, and sesame, created a refreshing ochazuke. The meal was accompanied by genmaicha tea, which helped cleanse the palate after the rich flavors. Despite the slightly higher price for lunch, the experience was worth it, and I left feeling fully satisfied. Another delightful meal, thanks!