Shinjuku is home to an enormous variety of Japanese restaurants, but places that specialize in sukiyaki are surprisingly limited.
This article explains what sukiyaki is for first-time visitors to Japan and introduces restaurants in Shinjuku where you can actually eat sukiyaki, based only on officially confirmed information.
What Is Sukiyaki?
Sukiyaki is one of Japan’s most well-known traditional hot pot dishes.
It is typically made with thinly sliced beef simmered in a sweet and savory sauce called warishita, which is made from soy sauce, sugar, and mirin.
Common ingredients include beef, long green onions, grilled tofu, shirataki noodles, chrysanthemum leaves, and mushrooms.
Ingredients are added gradually to the pot and eaten as they cook, allowing diners to enjoy the changing flavors and textures.
In Japan, sukiyaki has long been associated with special occasions such as family gatherings, celebrations, and business meals.
Why Sukiyaki Is Eaten with Raw Egg
One distinctive feature of sukiyaki is dipping the cooked meat and vegetables into raw egg before eating.
The raw egg softens the heat of the food and mellows the sweetness of the sauce, enhancing the flavor of the beef.
In Japan, eggs are produced and distributed under strict standards for raw consumption, which is why this style is common.
If you are uncomfortable eating raw egg, it is perfectly acceptable to enjoy sukiyaki without it, and most restaurants will accommodate this preference.
Sukiyaki Restaurants You Can Eat at in Shinjuku
Ningyocho Imahan Shinjuku Takashimaya
A long-established restaurant widely regarded as a symbol of sukiyaki in Japan.
Located inside Shinjuku Takashimaya, it serves sukiyaki made with carefully selected Japanese black beef.
Its department-store location and consistent service make it a reliable choice for tourists, families, and business dining.
Mo-Mo-Paradise Shinjuku Sanchome
A popular chain specializing in sukiyaki and shabu-shabu, with an actual storefront in Shinjuku Sanchome.
The restaurant offers clearly priced sukiyaki courses, making it easy for first-time visitors to understand what to order.
It is also well accustomed to serving international guests.
Nabezo Shinjuku Sanchome
A hot-pot specialty restaurant focusing on sukiyaki and shabu-shabu.
The Shinjuku Sanchome location offers sukiyaki menus with staff support, which helps visitors who are unfamiliar with how to eat the dish.
Clear explanations and a casual atmosphere make it approachable for beginners.
How to Choose a Sukiyaki Restaurant in Shinjuku
In Shinjuku, sukiyaki restaurants generally fall into two categories:
traditional restaurants located in department stores, and casual hot-pot specialty restaurants.
If you are looking for a calm, classic Japanese dining experience, a long-established restaurant is a good choice.
If you prefer a more casual setting with straightforward pricing, a specialty hot-pot restaurant may be easier to enjoy.
Sukiyaki as a Cultural Experience for Visitors
Sukiyaki is not just about taste—it is also a cultural dining experience centered around sharing a pot at the table.
Many restaurants in Shinjuku provide English menus or visual guides, making it easier for visitors to try sukiyaki even without Japanese language skills.
Conclusion
Sukiyaki is a dish that represents Japanese food culture, and Shinjuku is a convenient place to experience it.
By understanding how the dish is prepared and choosing a restaurant that matches your preferences, you can enjoy a memorable and satisfying meal.
If you are visiting Shinjuku, sukiyaki is well worth adding to your list of Japanese food experiences.
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Click here to view the Japanese version on Daily Shinjuku.
