The dining experience at the Asakusa Una-Ito International Street Store was truly a special experience that engaged all five senses. Upon entering the store, one is immediately immersed in a calm and Japanese atmosphere, accompanied by the fragrant aroma of charcoal fire. This sets the stage for an exciting culinary journey ahead. Once seated at a table, warm hand towels are offered as a welcome gesture. The attentive care and polite service provided by the staff truly relax the mind and make the dining experience enjoyable.
The white-braised dish is a masterpiece that, despite its simplicity, fully captures the essence of the ingredients. The plump flesh is skillfully cooked, and the natural sweetness and umami of the eel are perfectly preserved within it, spreading throughout the mouth with a gentle sensation. Although it may seem bland at first glance, the aroma of the skin roasted over charcoal adds depth to the dish, offering new discoveries with each bite. It can be enjoyed in various ways: with a fresh squeeze of lemon for a refreshing taste, or with wasaebi for a spicy accent. The versatility of this dish makes it a true delight.
And, the umami of the umana. Just looking at it is enough to captivate one's eyes with the brilliance of the sauce and the beautiful roasting color of the fish. The eel is plump and has a rich layer of fat, yet it doesn’t seem too greasy at all. The sauce is neither too sweet nor too spicy, maintaining an excellent balance that enhances the flavor of the eel. Moreover, this sauce adheres tightly to every grain of rice, making it impossible to stop eating even with the last bite. The refreshing taste of the liver caught in the bowl complements the rich umami of the umana, providing a long-lasting aftertaste after the meal.
The skewered menu is also one of the unique pleasures offered by this restaurant. Each piece shown in the photos demonstrates the perfect degree of grilling. The teriyaki sauce has a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, allowing the fat of the eel and the aroma of the sauce to blend perfectly in the mouth. The liver grill contains concentrated umami flavor within its slightly bitter taste, making it an irresistible dish for those who enjoy a bit of a unique taste. The moment of enjoying these skewered dishes while sipping cold beer is truly blissful. The frothy beer shown in the photos exemplifies this sense of freshness.
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning the atmosphere within the restaurant. Given the location in Asakusa, the Japanese-style interior gives a sense of nostalgia. Although this area attracts many tourists, the restaurant is quiet and peaceful, allowing customers to enjoy their meals in a comfortable environment. Every detail, from the brightness of the lighting to the arrangement of seats, has been carefully considered, ensuring that customers can enjoy a pleasant time.
Additionally, this restaurant places great emphasis on its drink menu. There is a carefully selected range of drinks such as beer and sake that are considered to be compatible with eel dishes. In particular, local sake not only enhances the rich flavor of the eel but also has a light taste, allowing for a smooth enjoyment alongside the meal. The beautiful bottles of sake that I caught my eye during the meal also gave me a sense of specialness.
And, the pickles and tea served at the end serve to complete this dining experience. The pickles may seem modest at first glance, but each bite is surprisingly refreshing, enhancing the satisfaction after the meal. The tea, too, is fragrant and warm. Sipping it while basking in the aftertaste of the meal, one feels both physically and mentally fulfilled.
The Asakusa Uon Tetsu International Street Store is not just a restaurant specializing in eels. It is a place where one can experience the allure of eel as an ingredient in various ways. As can be seen from the photos, every dish is not only beautiful and flavorful, but the overall care and attention to detail that the store exudes provide visitors with a special experience. It is truly a wonderful place that makes you want to visit again and again.
