- By: Elinori Guidinger Yamaguchi
Tucked underground along Chazawa Street, Isaan Kitchen brings the harmonious flavors of Thailand directly to the heart of the town. The restaurant specializes in north-eastern Thai cuisine, featuring herb-centered flavors and punchy, flavorful curries, soups, noodles, and rice plates.
The menu offers various regional dishes, such as their Som Tum Pu Para green papaya salad, which has a strong, acidic, citrusy flavor, served with salted rice paddy crabs. I also recommend their Sen Lek Nam, which consists of thin rice noodles served in a hot, savory broth with chicken and garnishes. The broth itself is nostalgic, instantly transporting me back to a state of comfort from my time living in Thailand.
Isaan Kitchen has that familiar, homey feeling that reminds me of the hole-in-the-wall restaurants I used to frequent. The interior is filled with antiques and photographs, along with Thai music playing in the background. Isaan Kitchen is a hidden gem rooted in culture, serving some of the most flavorful dishes in Sangenjaya. A perfect restaurant for a quick solo lunch or a relaxing dinner with friends.
2. By: Nicole Balboa Vargas
As I searched for ways to expand my cassette tape collection, I stumbled upon a jazz and soul bar called “Junc de cote cote.” When I first stepped into the place, the music lover in me could not believe her eyes. There were at least three thousand vinyl records stuffed into that tiny bar, along with one of the best sound systems I have ever encountered.
I was greeted by Akira-san, a middle-aged man who runs the place by himself. He served me a drink of his invention, and that’s when I knew that I’d be back.
I spent long nights in that bar listening to Akira-san’s vinyls, most of them new to me. Now and then, I would meet other Sangenjaya bar owners who came to visit Akira-san. The colorful conversations with strangers, free rounds bought for the whole counter, and new musical discoveries awaiting each time quickly made me a regular.
If you are also on the hunt for a cassette tape store, browse through the brochures of local music stores stocked at the counter. Akira-san is knowledgeable, but more importantly, willing to indulge in questions about cassette tapes, despite his preference for vinyl.
3. By: Owen Lefkowicz
Los Tacos Azules blends traditional Mexican tacos with seasonal Japanese ingredients.
The restaurant specializes in crispy carnitas and breakfast omakase tacos, crafted from fresh, local produce on a rotating menu that always impresses. Its sophisticated navy-blue interior nods to their signature blue corn tortillas, handmade from imported Mexican corn.
Good eating aside, the passionate team is what truly brings Los Tacos Azules to life. Hostess Erika, half-Japanese and half-Mexican, was born in Japan but raised in Mexico. Kitchen staff Ryosei, also of mixed heritage, grew up in Cancún and joined to gauge Japan’s reactions to Mexican food. Run-chan, who grills and assembles tacos, uses local ingredients from Chiba. Taka-chan from Osaka was drawn by the pop-up vibe. The staff shares a deep bond across diverse backgrounds—their love for authentic Mexican cuisine. They uplift each other, delivering elegant food and warm service. It challenges norms by introducing authentic Mexican breakfast culture, tacos as a morning staple, contrasting Japan’s usual evening beer-and-tacos scene. Los Tacos Azules bridges Mexican flavors and Tokyo’s vibrant food scene. With blue corn tortillas, dedicated service, and a loving team, LTA builds community in Sangenjaya, one early taco at a time.
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