When you think of Asakusa, Hoppy Street is likely one of the first things that comes to mind. However, on weekends, the main thoroughfare is often packed with people, making it a bit challenging to drop in without a reservation.
If you’re heading out without a plan, I recommend straying a bit from the main area. Not only can you discover new places, but you can also easily find a spot to dine without the wait.
This time, I stumbled upon "Asakusa Yataro Staminaya," a hidden gem that’s worth sharing.
Affordable and Impressive: The "Maruchou Whole Roast"
While chain restaurants often serve whole harami skewers marinated in a pot, offering offal as a whole piece is quite a surprise! And it’s huge!
Technically, it’s not exactly one whole piece, but the portion is still more than satisfying.
They recommend grilling it whole before cutting, so onto the grill it goes—what a sight!
The impressive size aside, grilling it whole has the added benefit of retaining the rich fat, which is truly mouthwatering as it puffs up over the heat.
Once the skin gets a nice crisp, cutting into it reveals juicy, plump fat. What a pleasure to meet you, deliciousness! As someone who’s a bit clumsy, I kept dropping pieces off the grill, so I highly suggest cutting it in the center to avoid this mishap.
There’s no way this wouldn’t be delicious. Hot, juicy, and bursting with flavor—this is what makes offal so irresistible!
Of Course, the Classic Meats Are Delicious Too!
The thickness of the beef tongue is delightful! It’s tender yet has a satisfying chew, making it hard to stop eating.
The salt marinade is quite strong, yet it doesn’t overpower the flavor of the meat, which is always a plus.
The thickness of the Mino (beef tripe) is also a treat! While some places serve it in large, chunky pieces, the golden rule for offal is to cook it thoroughly. If it’s too thick, it can be tough on an empty stomach, but here, the thickness is just right, similar to the tongue.
Both are done cooking around the same time, steadily filling your belly.
The classic harami and the pork cut known as "France."
The harami is lean, tender, and just the way I like it. The seasoning is well-balanced, making it the perfect companion for drinks rather than rice.
As for the "France," which I tried for the first time, it’s pork, yet it has a rich flavor reminiscent of beef. It’s also tender and juicy. Seriously, is it really just 500 yen? I couldn’t believe the price.
I asked about which part of the pig "France" comes from, but I completely forgot after having a few drinks… If you ever visit, please ask the staff and let me know!
A Hidden Gem Just Off the Main Street
Wandering around without a plan, I decided to go with my instincts and stepped into "Asakusa Yataro Staminaya," which I found in a side street a bit away from the crowded Hoppy Street. The exterior has an old-school charm, but the interior is clean and not greasy at all. It’s a place where women or families can comfortably dine.
It’s just a 3-minute walk from Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station and a 5-minute walk from Ginza Line Asakusa Station, making it easily accessible. Despite its proximity to the station, the streets are calm and easy to navigate. Plus, there are plenty of other hidden gems nearby, making it an ideal spot for bar hopping.
On weekends, it’s not uncommon for dinner reservations to be fully booked, so if you arrive early, you might be asked to finish by 6 PM. It’s also perfect for a quick drink session of about an hour.
While the classic Asakusa spots are great, enjoying grilled offal at a hidden gem like this also allows you to soak in the old-town atmosphere, making it a highly recommended experience.
