A Culinary Adventure at Hantei: Discovering Tokyo’s Best Kushiage

During one of our wanderings through Tokyo, we stumbled upon a culinary gem tucked away in the elegant Shin-Marunouchi Building—Hantei, a restaurant renowned for its exquisite kushiage. Kushiage, for those who might not know, includes anything from deep-fried skewered meats and seafood to vegetables and cheese. Each piece is lovingly breaded with panko breadcrumbs or tempura batter and fried to a golden crisp. It’s the perfect treat, whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a hearty meal.

Our discovery of Hantei happened quite by chance. We were scouting for a nice place to grab lunch near Tokyo Station, reminiscing about a previous French dinner at Burdigala in the same building. Burdigala had given us stunning views and fantastic food, so we were hopeful about finding something just as delightful for lunch. The Shin-Marunouchi Building didn’t disappoint; nestled within its modern confines are upscale boutiques and eateries, all overshadowed by its prime location right across from the bustling Tokyo Station.

As we ventured into Hantei, we were immediately taken by the cozy ambiance. We opted to sit at the counter, which turned out to be the perfect choice. It gave us a front-row seat to the culinary action in the kitchen and a chance to chat with the chef—a small touch that made our visit feel more personal and engaging.

From the get-go, the service at Hantei was impeccable. Our waitress was incredibly attentive, timing each course perfectly. She seemed to know exactly when to have the chef start on the next dish, ensuring that everything from our appetizers to our desserts was served at the ideal moment.

The kushiage itself was a revelation. The vegetables were fresh and vibrant, the seafood was succulent, and the meats were tender and flavorful. Each skewer was a delightful crunch of perfectly fried goodness. By the time our dessert arrived—a light, airy treat to finish off a rich meal—I was pleasantly full and more than satisfied.

After our meal, we couldn’t help but linger by the window to admire the view of Tokyo Station. The scene outside was a stark contrast to the quiet, refined atmosphere inside Hantei, and it just added to the richness of our experience.

We spent some time after lunch exploring more of the Shin-Marunouchi Building. It’s clear that there are many more treasures within its walls waiting to be discovered on future visits. Each floor seemed to offer something new, from chic fashion boutiques to other intriguing eateries, promising many more adventures to come in this stylish corner of Tokyo.

Reflecting on our day at Hantei, I’m thrilled we decided to venture into the Shin-Marunouchi Building on a whim. What we found was not just a meal, but an experience—a delightful peek into the world of Japanese kushiage, served up with a side of superb hospitality and stunning city views. It’s these kinds of unexpected discoveries that truly enrich our travels, making each trip uniquely memorable. I can’t wait to see what other surprises Tokyo has in store for us!