In the city of Kinzutsumi, located on the east side of Tokyo, where vitality and the charm of a down-to-earth town intersect, "Yakitori Tradition Kinzutsumi Store" stands out as a unique presence. I visited during lunchtime. Stepping into the glass-enclosed open space of the restaurant, I was greeted by a pleasant aroma of charcoal fire and a stylish yet warm interior design. Business travelers and families mixed well together, creating a lively atmosphere on weekdays.
First, what caught my eye was the stunning “upper karabī”. The way the sesame seeds were arranged is truly artistic. The contrast between pink and white is beautiful. From the thin slices, one can sense the skill and pride of the butcher. The sesame oil and salt and pepper applied to each slice enhance the natural flavor of the meat. When cooked over a metal grid, the fat melts away quickly, accompanied by a fragrant aroma. Taking a bite, one experiences both the slight charring on the outside and the creamy texture inside. The juices burst forth in your mouth, creating a truly sensual experience.
続いて登場したのは、赤身の肉の盛り合わせです。こちらはしっかりとした肉質ながら、絶妙な下味が施されており、噛みしめるごとに肉本来の甘みと旨みがじんわりと滲み出します。部位ごとの食感の違いも楽しく、肉好きにはたまらないラインナップです。そして、色鮮やかなタンやホルモンも皿に彩りを添え、焼肉の奥深さを改めて感じさせてくれます。
What really caught my attention was the number of small dishes that come with the lunch set. The “green onion salad” has a crisp texture that feels great to the palate. It’s lightly seasoned with sesame oil and black pepper, making it an excellent side dish that can refresh you between meals of grilled meat. The side dishes like kimchi, namul, and pickled cucumbers are also perfectly flavored, each contributing its own unique flavor without overpowering the others, maintaining a harmonious overall taste.
And, the drink of that day was a refreshing soda mixed with yuzu syrup. Along with the floating ice in the glass, the aroma of yuzu gently caressed the nasal cavity, effectively clearing away the greasiness from the meat. The combination of grilled meat and yuzu truly turned out to be an excellent pairing—a new discovery indeed.
The staple dish, rice, was cooked to perfection. The sweetness and shine of the rice were particularly prominent. When enjoyed with the grilled meat sauce, it felt like a stage device that further enhanced the deliciousness of the beef. Meanwhile, the soup featured a harmonious blend of eggs and wakame, offering a homey yet refined taste. This contributed significantly to the overall excellence of the meal.
Finally, I would like to mention the service provided by the staff. Their brisk movements and attentive, precise customer service were truly remarkable. Even amidst the busyness of lunchtime, they never lost their smiles. Their subtle care made the dining experience pleasant. This is why Toraji has been supported by many customers over the years.
With the convenient location of Kinzai-machi, "Yakitori Tradiz Kinzai-machi Store" has become a dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary concept of a barbecue restaurant. High-quality meat, exquisite cuisine, and a comfortable atmosphere – all these elements combined create a place that offers a satisfaction level even greater than that of a lunch or dinner meal. The delicious taste of the "upper karaage" I tasted today, along with the heartfelt hospitality, will surely become an unforgettable memory that will stay with me until my next visit.
