In many parts of the world, hygiene inspectors would probably (and admittedly quite rightly) put an immediate stop to this Tokyo gyoza shop the moment they set eyes upon it. And yet that said, it’s hardly unusual in its decidedly carefree approach to cleanliness. Something that’s very apparent in many of the bars and eating places I’ve featured before. An aspect of Japanese life that provides one of the country’s many contradictions, as despite the overwhelming adherence to rules, fundamentals such as basic kitchen hygiene can be happily considered inconsequential.
Not that I’m complaining. Quite the opposite in fact, as personally, I find such places absolutely fascinating. They are invariably very photogenic too. And just like pretty much all of them, the food this one makes is as delicious as the surroundings are dirty.
Sean says
Awesome first shot. Wow!
Lee says
Thanks a lot. Always wanted a shot inside, so very pleased to have finally got one.
Denise says
He makes me feel so much better about my kitchen! 🙂
Lee says
Haha, yes, makes me feel a lot more relaxed too.
cdilla says
Amazing. Can’t be any ill effects or it would never have been open for so long. And with 45 reviews and a 4.6 rating! The only negative thing I saw was advice not to look inside 🙂
Those king size dumplings look great and at 30 JPY each an absolute bargin.
Lee says
Yeah, like pretty much all these places, the food is fresh so no problems at all.
That’s funny one review said not to look inside. Solid advice. Have to be admit I was a little bit shocked when I saw how messy and cluttered it actually was.
scruffy says
‘Fantastically grubby’. Truest title ever, Lee. It looks like a pile of concrete pavers stacked in a big pot on the grill. Then I noticed the 3 sided tray type things on the opposite counter and realized we must be looking at a stack of those.
On another note, when looking around on You Tube, I chanced upon a live cam of a busy street in Shinjuku. There was a little weather report in the upper corner and I used google translate on my phone to read the location from that. It looked like only service vehicles were allowed to drive through, and all night long there was a steady stream of interesting people going hither and thither. My husband, a staunch homebody, said that can’t be 3;00 in the AM, look at all the people out. Ha ha. You can’t always tell who is out on their way to work, and who is making their way home after being out all night. I see how you could find such interesting subjects in this vicinity.
Thanks again for all your photos and background information. I love this photo blog.
cdilla says
If you watch that Shinjuku Kabukicho webcam (if it’s the same one I watch) in the early hours before the rubbish is collected you can sometimes see small opportunistic critters zipping around. Those on their way home jump, point and exclaim, those on their way to work just shrug and walk on by 🙂
Lee says
@scruffy Thanks a lot. There was so much to take in. Couldn’t really do that when taking the photo, but looking at the result afterwards, I was amazed at all the stuff in there.
Yeah, Shinjuku never sleeps. The crowds there heading to the station for the last trains on a Friday and Saturday are incredible. And clearly a lot of people don’t go for those trains. No shortage of options should they want to stay out all night too.
And thanks so much for you kind words. Really nice to hear.
@cdilla I’ve seen quite a few startled reactions to said critters in Shinjuku. Not surprising how many there must be there, but still quite surprising how many it’s possible to see.
scruffy says
Cdilla, I’ll watch for this. Thanks!