Kikuharu

Settling in over freshly steamed, meat-packed handmade shumai and wok-fried Shanghai yakisoba is an easy routine at Kikuharu. Located in Senzoku 4-chome, this tavern blends genuine Chinese culinary technique with the casual ease of an unpretentious neighborhood pub. Aromatic, deeply savory mabo tofu with a lingering kick headlines a menu thoughtfully crafted to pair with drinks.

Alongside the wok dishes, the house Kimura curry stands out as a favored way to cap off the meal. The tavern also keeps an assortment of casual small plates, from cold bites like chilled tofu, kimchi, and potato salad to warm favorites including stir-fried liver with garlic chives, red cocktail sausages, and pan-fried dumplings. Heartier options such as mixed ankake yakisoba, savory chukadon rice bowls, and set rice meals served with pickles and miso soup ensure nobody leaves hungry.

The drinks list is equally practical, offering draft beer, large-format bottled beers, and value-minded bottles of Kinmiya shochu to mix with various mixers over unhurried conversation. Open from 14:00 on days other than Monday, it accommodates everything from a late lunch to daytime toasts and full evening dinners. Counter seats offer a comfortable perch for solo diners, while groups can settle in easily for relaxed rounds of good food and drink.