Fly to Japan’s best-kept food secrets with Cebu Pacific

Japan’s best-kept food secrets 

As far as foodie destinations go, Japan is undoubtedly one of those that have tickled the fancies of gourmet connoisseurs and food lovers alike. The Land of the Rising Sun never ceases to amaze with its treasure trove of culinary finds. Dubbed as the “gastronomic capital of the world”, Tokyo boasts of more Michelin-starred restaurants than in any other city, even surpassing Paris. One of these is Nakajima Restaurant, not far from Shinjuku-Sanchome station, where budget-savvy travelers can treat themselves to a superb dining experience with set lunches of iwashi sardines that go for a bargain price of ¥800 (around P350).

 

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Japan’s finest food discoveries, however, aren’t just confined to fancy establishments included in the Michelin Guide. A vibrant alleyway of food stalls collectively known as Ebisu Yokocho is located just minutes from Ebisu station. Set against a modern-meets-retro backdrop, the trendy watering hole is a hodgepodge of affordable and authentic Japanese offerings¾yakitori, teppanyaki, sushi and oden, to name a few¾all awaiting diners looking to eat, drink and be merry. Made for mingling with locals and bar-hopping with friends, food stalls open their doors at 5PM all the way to 4AM.

Live tuna auctions. Finally, nothing spells gastronomic feat quite like beating the early morning crowd at the much-lauded Tsukiji Fish Market. A fixture in most travel itineraries, a visit to one of the world’s largest wholesale fish markets is punctuated by the live tuna auctions. Starting daily at 4AM, people line up as early as 2:30AM to witness the one-of-a-kind local spectacle, then reward themselves with gargantuan breakfasts, from nearby eateries serving up a smorgasbord of tasty raw fish treats.

Food adventures in Nagoya and Osaka. Aside from Tokyo, visitors can look for comfort food in the centrally located city of Nagoya. As the country’s largest producer of freshwater eel, locals pride themselves in their trademark style of preparing unagi¾grilling it whole without steaming.The unique cooking technique gave birth to the Hitsumabishi, Nagoya’s signature unagi-based dish. Typically eaten following a four-step process, it is accompanied by a bowl of rice, a pot of broth and a plate of condiments such as dried seaweed and wasabi. First-timers must give this a try in Atsuta Houraiken, the restaurant said to have started it all. Chicken also figures prominently in the local menu, as evidenced by the popular Nagoya Cochin chicken, a distinct heirloom breed prized for its exquisite taste and texture.

 

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Deliciously tender and full-flavored, the meat can even be eaten raw, presented like delicate slices of sashimi. Those with insatiable appetites can also make a trip down south to the city of Osaka, a gourmand’s paradise that lives by the traditional Japanese concept of kuidaore, which translates to “eat until you drop”¾Osaka’s food-loving culture in a nutshell.

Street food galore. Opening the floodgates of gustatory heaven, one can expect to be spoilt for choice with the vast array of food, be it traditional, contemporary, fusion and anything else in between. The main attraction remains to be street food though, the go-to place being the bustling entertainment and lifestyle hub of Dotonbori. Here, visitors can delight in all-time favorites: takoyaki and okonomiyaki in their most authentic form or savor lesser-known fare kushikatsu, deep-fried meat skewers, or ikayaki, squid pancakes.

Making it possible for budget-conscious adventurers to make that dream trip to Japan is Cebu Pacific, with direct flights from Manila to Osaka, Tokyo (Narita) and Nagoya. The first Philippine low-cost carrier to offer direct flights between Manila and these key Japanese cities, Cebu Pacific offers fares as low as P3,999, up to 60 percent lower than other airlines. With the extra savings, tourists can spend less on airfare and more on memorable travel experiences. Visit www.cebupacificair.com for more information.

 

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