＊You can also read this article in Korean and Taiwanese. Please click on the links below.도쿄에서 오마카세 코스를 제공하는 텐푸라 레스토랑東京提供主廚推薦套餐的天婦羅餐廳！Go to Featured Articles Top PageOmakase: Best Tempura Restaurants in TokyoThis article explains the basics of "Omakase" cuisine, a fundamental part of Japanese food culture. At the end of the article, we introduce top-tier tempura restaurants in Tokyo, that offer Omakase course meals. Please find a restaurant that suits your preferences.OMAKASE: What is the meaning of "Omakase"?When you see "Omakase Course" on a menu at a restaurant in Japan, it means that the chef will serve a selection of recommended dishes in a course format. In other words, it is a style where you leave the choice of dishes up to the chef.The culture of "Omakase" in Japan started with sushi stalls during the Edo period and became established with the development of high-end sushi restaurants after the Meiji period (post-1868). Based on the artisan's high-level skills and a trusting relationship with the customer, "Omakase" has expanded to various culinary genres and has become an integral part of Japanese food culture. "Omakase" is loved by many as a style that allows diners to fully enjoy the chef's creativity and skills.Nowadays, "Omakase" is spreading beyond Japan to other countries. This style is being embraced internationally because the dining experience of appreciating the chef's expertise and creativity is both innovative and appealing to everyone. Along with Washoku, which has been registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, the spread of "Omakase" around the world signifies the global recognition and appreciation of Japanese food culture.What is Tempura?Tempura is a highly popular Japanese dish enjoyed from home-cooked meals to high-end dining. Characterized by its crispy texture and lightness, tempura involves coating ingredients such as seafood and vegetables in a batter and deep-frying them. The appeal of tempura lies in its simplicity, which brings out the best in the ingredients. The batter typically consists of flour, water, and eggs. Tempura is enjoyed not only as a main dish but also as part of Kaiseki (Japanese multi-course meal) and set meals.The Charm of TempuraThe charm of tempura is its ability to showcase a variety of ingredients, allowing diners to enjoy the fresh flavors of each season. In spring, you might find tempura made with mountain vegetables and bamboo shoots; in summer, tomatoes and corn; in autumn, matsutake mushrooms and chestnuts; and in winter, yellowtail and turnips. Tempura restaurants often feature seasonal ingredients, offering special dishes that can only be enjoyed during specific times of the year. Be sure to try the seasonal and varied ingredients in tempura to savor their unique flavors.Omakase at Tempura RestaurantsOmakase cuisine is an excellent way to fully enjoy tempura, as it allows the chef to showcase their skills and dedication to seasonal ingredients. The dishes are served at the peak of their flavor, allowing guests to enjoy tempura in its most optimal state—crispy and full of flavor. The omakase style ensures that dishes are served at the perfect timing, matching the pace of the guest's dining experience. This creates a unique and memorable dining experience, with new flavors and surprises. A typical omakase tempura course might include appetizers followed by 14-16 seasonal tempura items (shrimp, fish, vegetables), accompanied by seasonal rice and dessert. Through omakase, you can fully appreciate the allure of high-end tempura.The Skilled Techniques of Tempura ChefsThe expertise of tempura chefs is crucial to the deliciousness of tempura. Let's explore the skills and charms of these artisans.One of their key skills is ingredient selection. Chefs carefully choose the freshest and highest-quality ingredients from the market each day. The batter for tempura, made from flour, water, and eggs, requires precise mixing and adjustment based on weather and humidity to achieve a light, crispy texture. The frying process, a critical aspect, demands mastery. Chefs must manage the oil temperature precisely, adjusting it based on the size and thickness of each ingredient to ensure even cooking. The motion of placing the ingredients into the oil is also important to ensure an even coating and beautiful finish. Lastly, presentation is key, as tempura is also visually appealing. Chefs arrange the pieces thoughtfully, enhancing their visual appeal and whetting the appetite.Through the careful selection of ingredients, precise batter preparation, expert temperature control, and artistic presentation, tempura chefs uphold and advance the tradition of Japanese tempura culture.Enjoy the Traditional Japanese "Omakase" Experience!Overall, "Omakase" is a special and traditional dining style that allows you to fully appreciate the chef's skills and creativity. With Omakase offered in various culinary genres, you can enjoy this experience in different forms depending on the occasion. Additionally, Omakase frees you from the stress of choosing from a menu, allowing you to relax and enjoy your meal. This is especially convenient for first-time visitors or at restaurants with extensive menus. When traveling to Japan, be sure to experience authentic Omakase cuisine in its birthplace.Here are the Best Tempura Restaurants Offering Omakase Courses in TokyoBelow, we introduce some of the finest tempura restaurants in Ginza, Tokyo, that offer Omakase courses. Once you find an Omakase course that suits your preferences, please feel free to send a reservation request through our service. Since these restaurants are very popular, we recommend making your reservations well in advance.Back to "Omakase" Article TOP
