Early November, 2009
Ningyocho, Tokyo
Nice early Fall weather
My friend at work – Jennifer and I decided to go out for lunch on a work day in early November. I've always wanted to try the Oyako Don at Tamahide so that is where we went. Our office is near Ningyocho which has a very old Tokyo feel to it with lots of cute shops and traditional restaurants. Tamahide is one of the most famous restaurants of Ningyocho. It's specialty is the Oyako Donburi . It was invented by the wife of the 5th generation owner of Tamahide in the late 1800s. Basically she took left over soup, eggs and chicken, made an omelet and served it over a bowl of rice. Oyako means parent/child and since dish is made with chicken and egg, she named it Oyako Donburi (donburi is "bowl"). It was one of my favorite dish to have for lunch while growing up in Japan. So I was very excited to try the famous Tamahide Oyako Donburi. We thought we got there early – just before opening time of 1130am – but there was already a line. We waited for about 20 minutes, got in and ordered the 1300 yen special. The Oyako Donburi came with some pickles and chicken bouillon soup. I have to say it was disappointing. I didn't think it was that good and definitely not worth the wait. Jennifer also agreed but we were happy we went as it is a very well known landmark/institution in Tokyo.
Photo of Tamahide during the Edo days
The line to get in for lunch
The handwritten directions on how to line up.
Just when we thought we could get lunch, another line inside.
First we had to order and pay, then we sat down. Tea and chicken soup were served while we waited for our Oyako Donburi.
Oyako Donburi: The bowl on top had pickles in it.
This is what Oyako Donburi looks like. The green stuff are the pickles.