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JUN 13 2025

東京都内で味の世界旅行! マニア厳選の珍しい多国籍グルメで初めての味と出合う

Tokyo is the city with the most Michelin stars in the world. Not only is there a large number of gourmet restaurants, but the variety of food genres is also one of its attractions. Therefore, there are many restaurants where you can enjoy authentic local cuisine.
So in this article, under the supervision of international gourmet enthusiast "Ogu Gourmet," we will pick out some rare international cuisine restaurants. We will introduce the recommended menu items while touching on the background of each country's culture and history, and convey the charm of international cuisine that you may not have seen before.
Image 1: A world tour of flavors in Tokyo! Discover new flavors with rare international gourmet food carefully selected by food enthusiasts

Guide: Ogu Gourmet

He publishes a blog called "Traveling the World with Tokyo Gourmet." After his first trip abroad, he fell in love with local cuisine and has now traveled to over 70 countries. Since 2014, he has been blogging about his food adventures both in Japan and abroad, and has explored over 3,000 restaurants and featured cuisine from 110 countries. In 2024, he will publish an e-book called "Traveling the World with Tokyo Gourmet: Cuisine from 100 Countries" and is active as a guide in various media such as TV and radio.
Official Blog: Travelling around the world with Tokyo cuisine
X: @ogu_gourmet

[Asia] Discover dishes you may think you know but don't

Japan is an Asian country, and is geographically and culturally close to other Asian countries. However, there are still many unknown dishes to discover in Tokyo. There are some countries where there are only a few specialty restaurants in Tokyo, and you will be surprised at the depth of their food culture.

[Cambodia] "Bayon" offers a variety of dishes prepared by a chef from a famous local restaurant

Photo: [Cambodia] "Bayon" offers a variety of dishes prepared by a chef from a famous local restaurant

It is about a 5-minute walk from the nearest Ushigome Kagurazaka Station on the Toei Oedo Line. It is also easily accessible from Iidabashi Station, and the restaurant's name comes from Bayon Temple, one of the local Angkor ruins.

It opened in 2012. Chef Lesmai, who was scouted by the owner at the time, is from the beloved high-end restaurant "Romdeng" in the capital Phnom Penh, and is such a skilled chef that he even served as a lecturer to young chefs. He currently serves a variety of Cambodian cuisine as the owner chef.

Food recommended by Ogu Gourmet

Image 2: A world tour of flavors in Tokyo! Discover new flavors with rare international gourmet food carefully selected by food enthusiasts

There are two recommended dishes, one of which is "amok," a typical Cambodian dish.

Photo 3: A world tour of flavors in Tokyo! Discover new flavors with rare international gourmet food carefully selected by food enthusiasts

The mellow sweetness of coconut and the refreshing aroma of lemongrass are effective, and the soft, fluffy white fish is in a curry-like sauce. It is not spicy, and the tropical flavor of coconut is irresistible. It is also nice that it comes with rice.

Photo 4: A world tour of flavors in Tokyo! Discover new flavors with rare international gourmet food carefully selected by food enthusiasts

The other is "pumpkin pudding," a pumpkin that has had its seeds removed and is then stuffed with pudding and steamed whole. It looks impressive with a large vanilla ice cream on top of a sliced pumpkin, and the natural sweetness of the ingredients matches well with the creamy sweetness of the pudding and vanilla. It has a milder taste than Western pumpkin pudding, making it a dessert that will pleasantly surprise you.

Bayon

address26-4 Fukuromachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
phone03-5261-3534
Opening times11:30~14:30、17:30~22:30
Closed DayMonday
webBayon Official Site

[Tibet] The only one in 23 wards! "Tashi Dere" where you can enjoy a gentle taste and unique texture

Photo: [Tibet] The only one in the 23 wards! "Tashi Dere" where you can enjoy a gentle taste and unique texture

Located a 3-minute walk from Akebonobashi Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line, and within walking distance of Ichigaya Station and Yotsuya Station on the JR Lines, this unique Tibetan restaurant was opened in 2015 by a Tibetan owner and is the only one in Tokyo's 23 wards.

Tibetan cuisine is characterized by its mild flavor, which is based on salt and uses plenty of spices and vegetables. You can enjoy nutritious dishes such as the country's soul food "momo (Tibetan dumplings)" in a space decorated with countless tarchos (Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags).

Food recommended by Ogu Gourmet

Photo 5: A world tour of flavors in Tokyo! Discover new flavors with rare international gourmet food carefully selected by food enthusiasts

The most recommended dish is the Tibetan-style suiton called "Tengduk." In addition to Japanese suiton, there are similar dishes in China, but the key point of Tengduk is that it is full of vegetables and other ingredients that are unique to Tibet.

Photo 6: A world tour of flavors in Tokyo! Discover new flavors with rare international gourmet food carefully selected by food enthusiasts

The bowl is filled with vegetables and pork, and the flat, smooth dough is exquisite. The noodles are torn and simmered, so they have a unique twist and elasticity that is irresistibly delicious. The spices are just right but not too spicy, making it a hearty dish that warms you to the core.

Tashidel

address1F Yotsuyasakacho Nagatani Mansion, 12-18 Yotsuyasakacho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
phone03-6457-7255
Opening timesWeekdays 11:00-15:00, 17:00-22:00, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 11:00-22:00 (last orders 21:30)
Closed Daynone
webTashidel Official Website

[Chinese] Affordable and blissful breakfast from a trend-setting leader, "Kofukumibou"

Photo: [Chinese] Affordable and blissful breakfast from a trend-setting restaurant, "Kofukumibou"

Located just a minute's walk from Akihabara Station, Koufuku Ajibo is a Chinese restaurant that is open from 7am to 5am the following morning. It is run by the Ajibo group, which is said to be the originator of the popular Gachi Chuka (authentic Chinese restaurant run by a Chinese owner) in recent years. In addition to having over 13 stores in Tokyo, they also have stores in Fukuoka and Shizuoka, each with a different theme, such as lamb, hot pot, Hunan cuisine, and dim sum.

Opened in 2022, Xiangfu Mibou is characterized by its spacious kitchen and large number of seats. The restaurant also offers a wide variety of menu items, its specialty whole roasted lamb, and a wide selection of breakfasts (Chinese-style breakfasts). Breakfasts are also available at its sister restaurant Lao Shu Po in Okachimachi, but Xiangfu Mibou offers a better deal with its set menu.

Food recommended by Ogu Gourmet

Photo 7: A world tour of flavors in Tokyo! Discover new flavors with rare international gourmet food carefully selected by food enthusiasts

I recommend the breakfast. I stopped by Beijing during Golden Week this year and tried a local breakfast, and I felt that it was a faithful reproduction of the original. The key point is that the porridge, soy milk, salad, and pickles are self-service and all-you-can-eat. All of this comes with a set of fried bread and seasoned eggs boiled in tea leaves, and you can enjoy it for just 500 yen.

Photo 8: A world tour of flavors in Tokyo! Discover new flavors with rare international gourmet food carefully selected by food enthusiasts

The deep-fried bread is a good size, crispy and doesn't get soggy even after a while, and goes great with soy milk. By the way, the 800 yen set includes steamed shrimp dumplings, meat shumai, fried egg, wonton soup, kettle-roasted duck, and an assortment of roast pork and sausages, making it a luxurious and great deal.

Kofukumibo

addressB1F, 1-21 Kanda Sakumacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
phone03-3527-1658
Opening times7:00-10:00, 11:00-5:00 the next day
Closed Daynone
webAjibo official website

[Europe and the Middle East] A wide variety of delicacies using dairy products, herbs, and more

Many great empires have flourished in Europe and the Middle East since ancient times, and various food cultures have developed throughout history. Cuisine that effectively utilizes the bounty of the mountains and seas, as well as dairy products, fruits, herbs, and spices, is a defining feature of these regions. Here we will focus on lesser known delicacies.

[Northern Europe] "Altgott" is impressed by Icelandic lamb steaks, which are 1% of the total in Japan

Photo: [Nordic] "Altgott" is impressed by Icelandic lamb steak, which is only 1% of the domestic market.

8 minutes walk from Kichijoji Station. Chef Yaguchi, the owner, joined the Nordic restaurant "Gamla Stan" in Kichijoji at the age of 20. At the age of 26, he went to Sweden to hone his skills, and after training in various parts of Europe, he returned to "Gamla Stan". After that, when the owner moved to Sweden, he opened his own restaurant "Altgot" in 2022.

The cuisine is centered around Sweden, but also incorporates ingredients and recipes from Norway and Denmark. Based on traditional local dishes, the restaurant excels in Nordic gastronomy.

Food recommended by Ogu Gourmet

Photo 9: A world tour of flavors in Tokyo! Discover new flavors with rare international gourmet food carefully selected by food enthusiasts

The Swedish cuisine is also excellent, but my personal recommendation is the roasted lamb from Iceland. Only 1% of the lamb imported to Japan is from Iceland, so the restaurant is certified by the Icelandic Lamb Association and serves this rare meat.

The taste is exactly the same as the delicious one I had in Iceland. It is a bone-in loin steak with a high-quality chewy texture and juicy sweet fat. The delicate fat juices that disappear quickly are unique to lamb! The red wine and orange sauce adds a slightly sweet and sour richness to the dish.

Altgot

address2-28-1 Kichijoji Honmachi, Musashino City, Tokyo 2F
phone0422-21-2338
Opening times11:30-14:45 (last orders 14:00), 17:30-21:30 (last orders for food 20:30, last orders for drinks 21:00)
Closed DayMondays and Thursdays (open on public holidays/substitute holidays)
webAltgot Official Website

[Croatia] "Dobro" is a must-try lasagna-style dish with a paprika sauce

Image: [Croatia] "Dobro" is a must-try lasagna-style dish with a paprika sauce

Croatia is located in southeastern Europe. In Japan, it is famous as a soccer powerhouse. It has beautiful scenery facing the Adriatic Sea, many attractive World Heritage sites such as Dubrovnik, and is a popular travel destination due to its good public safety.

Croatia is a country rich in fresh seafood, but in fact there are almost no Croatian restaurants in Japan. Meanwhile, Dobro, which opened in 2003, is said to be the only Croatian restaurant in Japan. Located a two-minute walk from Kyobashi Station on the Tokyo Metro and a ten-minute walk from Tokyo Station, the restaurant offers casual large-plate set menus on the first floor and course menus on the second floor. Lunch is also available.

Food recommended by Ogu Gourmet

Photo 10: A world tour of flavors in Tokyo! Discover new flavors with rare international gourmet food carefully selected by food enthusiasts

Croatia is located across the Adriatic Sea from Italy, and its food culture is similar to that of Italy. I would like to recommend Croatian lasagna "Štrukli". Personally, I feel that the dough is more dense than Italian lasagna, and has a chewy elasticity.

The taste is different from lasagna and its predecessor, the Greek moussaka. While lasagna has a sour tomato flavor and rich cheese flavor, the strukmuli at this restaurant is dominated by a paprika cream sauce, which has a mellow sweetness. The flat pasta also contains fresh cheese, which blends beautifully with the sauce. We recommend dipping the accompanying bread into the sauce as well.

Dobro

addressHitachi 6th Building 1F, 2-6-14 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
phone03-5250-2055
Opening times11:30-14:30 (last orders 13:30), 17:30-22:00 (last orders for food 20:30, last orders for drinks 21:30)
Closed DayMonday
webDobro official website

[Arab] The sweets are also excellent. Palmyra is packed with fascinating Middle Eastern cuisine.

Photo: [Arab] The sweets are also superb. Palmyra is packed with fascinating Middle Eastern cuisine.

Palmyra, located about an 8-minute walk from the west exit of Ikebukuro Station, is a restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of authentic Arabic dishes prepared by a chef from Lebanon. The restaurant offers traditional Middle Eastern dishes, mainly from Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.

In addition to the famous Japanese menu items such as kebabs and falafel, there is also a wide selection of sweets, including "Paglava (Baklava)", which has become popular as the "world's sweetest sweet". The owner trained at the famous local sweet shop "Harrab", and the shop is homemade. Enjoy the exotic atmosphere in a space decorated with Syrian and Egyptian furnishings.

Food recommended by Ogu Gourmet

Photo 11: A world tour of flavors in Tokyo! Discover new flavors with rare international gourmet food carefully selected by food enthusiasts

There are two recommended dishes. One is "Katayofu", a mini pancake that can only be ordered by reservation. You can choose between the normal cold raw type and the fried type. The recommended raw Katayofu has a fluffy soft dough filled with plenty of yuba and pistachios made with milk, and the elegant sweetness spreads in your mouth.

Photo 12: A world tour of flavors in Tokyo! Discover new flavors with rare international gourmet food carefully selected by food enthusiasts

The fried version is wrapped in walnuts, raisins, and coconut, and is a crispy and moist Western-style pastry.

Photo 13: A world tour of flavors in Tokyo! Discover new flavors with rare international gourmet food carefully selected by food enthusiasts

Another recommended dish is "Kusa Maafushi", zucchini stuffed with rice, which is available by reservation only. You can choose between yogurt and tomato sauce, and we recommend the former. In the Middle East, many dishes have used yogurt as a sauce or dressing since ancient times, and it is very delicious with its sour and rich flavor. Minced meat and rice are tightly packed inside the soft zucchini, and it goes well with the sauce.

Photo 14: A world tour of flavors in Tokyo! Discover new flavors with rare international gourmet food carefully selected by food enthusiasts

The Saudi Arabian Pavilion at this year's Osaka Kansai Expo is a hot topic, and the traditional Arabian pilaf called "Kapsa" that is popular there can be eaten at this restaurant. It is rare to find Kapsa made by a local chef in Tokyo, so this is also a must-try.

Arabian Restaurant Palmyra

addressTO Building 2F, 2-58-8 Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
phone03-3981-8293
Opening times17:00-22:00 (L.O. 21:30)
Closed DayMonday
webPalmyra official website

[Africa] A gentler, more approachable taste than you'd expect

From Africa, we have picked a restaurant run by a skilled chef who has worked at an embassy for many years. African cuisine is relatively unfamiliar to most people, but once you try it, you will be surprised at how easy it is to eat. The food is not too rich, not too spicy, and rather has a gentle flavor.

[Kenya] Delicious coconut-infused chicken stew at Matthew Kou's Buffalo Cafe

Image: [Kenya] Delicious chicken stew with coconut as the key ingredient "Matthew Ko's Buffalo Cafe"

Matthew Kou, who came to Japan from Kenya and worked at the Kenyan Embassy for 25 years and the Angola Embassy for three years, opened the restaurant in 2015. The restaurant is located about a five-minute walk from Gotanda Station or Osaki-Hirokoji Station.

The cuisine is mainly traditional food handed down by the Kamba people of Kenya. The simple home-cooked meals, mainly fried and boiled dishes, are healthy and have a taste that suits the Japanese palate.

Food recommended by Ogu Gourmet

In general, stew-like dishes are common in Africa, and Kenya is a country where people also eat corn and rice as staple foods, as well as meat and fish.

Photo 15: A world tour of flavors in Tokyo! Discover new flavors with rare international gourmet food carefully selected by food enthusiasts

This is said to be the only Kenyan restaurant in Japan, and my recommendation is "Chicken Karanga." This is also a stew-like dish, but the secret to its deliciousness is its mild flavor and the sweet taste of coconut.

The chicken is refreshing and has a deliciously chewy texture. The vegetables are accented with carrots and green peas, making it both filling and healthy. The soup is light and has a strong spice aroma, yet is not too spicy, making it easy to eat.

Photo 16: A world tour of flavors in Tokyo! Discover new flavors with rare international gourmet food carefully selected by food enthusiasts

There is rice hidden inside, and the gentle flavor of the soup soaked in and the sweet and mellow flavor of the coconut sprinkled on top will make you feel happy. The owner, Matthew Kou, is a talented person who used to work at an embassy and has an impressive career as a former Olympic track and field athlete. If you have the chance, be sure to talk to him!

Matthew Koh's Buffalo Cafe

addressSeven Star Mansion 1F, 2-30-10 Nishigotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
phone03-6431-8324
Opening times11:00~22:00
Closed DayMonday and Sunday
Instagram@masyukos_gotanda

[Morocco] "Ryan Restaurant" where you can enjoy unique gourmet cuisine created by a chef from the embassy at reasonable prices

Image: [Morocco] "Ryan Restaurant" where you can enjoy unique gourmet cuisine created by a chef from the embassy at reasonable prices

Chef Hassan, who is originally from Morocco, will open the restaurant in 2022. The restaurant is located about a 5-minute walk from the north exit of Kamishakujii Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line.

Chef Hasan came to Japan after training in restaurants and hotels in his home country, and is a veteran who worked at the Moroccan Embassy for 4 years and the Saudi Arabian Embassy for 15 years. The restaurant serves Moroccan and Arabic cuisine, as well as Spanish cuisine, and is known for its Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine.

Food recommended by Ogu Gourmet

Among the few Moroccan restaurants, this may be the only one where you can eat Arabic and Mediterranean cuisine, with a highly skilled chef. It's reasonably priced, has generous portions, the chef is friendly, and the atmosphere is homey.

Photo 17: A world tour of flavors in Tokyo! Discover new flavors with rare international gourmet food carefully selected by food enthusiasts

The restaurant's recommended dish is the "Tajine pot." This tajine pot contains ingredients such as lamb, tomatoes, onions, and prunes, and the flavor of the lamb and the fruity sweetness of the prunes are perfectly harmonized. By the way, it is said that it is rare to find prunes in this dish. The secret ingredient of cinnamon also adds an accent.
Almost no water is used, and the moisture from the ingredients soaks into the dish, making it full of richness and flavor. It is said to be a dish eaten on special occasions such as celebrations, and goes perfectly with the accompanying bread.

Photo 18: A world tour of flavors in Tokyo! Discover new flavors with rare international gourmet food carefully selected by food enthusiasts

Another dish we recommend is "Salido," a Moroccan take on the Egyptian dish "Fattah (eggplant and minced meat in yogurt sauce)." The smooth texture of the yogurt envelops the dish with a mild richness and sourness.

There is a soft flatbread hidden inside, which makes it easy to eat, as if slurping up noodles. Also, it is cooked in a tajine pot, as is typical of Morocco, which brings out the golden brown aroma and the fluffy steamed flavor, which is unique.

They also serve a Moroccan version of Greek moussaka, which has a milder flavor than the original. Greek moussaka has a rich taste, so you can enjoy a slightly different taste.

Ryan Restaurant

address2-21-14 Kamishakujii, Nerima-ku, Tokyo
phone080-4088-9295
Opening times11:00-15:00, 17:30-23:00 *Dinner only on Fridays
Closed Daynone
Instagram@hassan_abu_zakaria

[North, Central and South America] Fascinating cuisine that evolves through the fusion of different cultures with the bounty of the land and sea

Lastly, we will focus on two South American countries from the vast American continent. Both countries have a traditional food culture nurtured by the magnificent nature, and are full of dishes that combine the culture of other countries. We have picked out some special menus.

[Paraguay] "Amigo" offers a unique Italian-style cutlet lunch

Photo: [Paraguay] "Amigo" offers a unique Italian-style cutlet lunch

Amigo, the only Paraguayan restaurant in Tokyo, is located just a one-minute walk from Akasaka Station on the Tokyo Metro. Paraguay is a landlocked country surrounded by Brazil, Bolivia, and Argentina, and as such, meat and vegetables are at the core of the country's food culture, as it is unable to produce seafood.

The restaurant offers a variety of local home-style dishes, including the famous Paraguayan delicacy "Asado (charcoal-grilled steak on the bone)." The restaurant is open from lunch time, and has a full course menu for parties in the evening, so why not invite your meat lovers along?

Food recommended by Ogu Gourmet

Photo 19: A world tour of flavors in Tokyo! Discover new flavors with rare international gourmet food carefully selected by food enthusiasts

The simple "Asado" is also delicious, but the most recommended dish is the cutlet called "Milanesa Napolitana". Paraguay has a food culture influenced by Italian immigrants, and Milanesa means Milanese style. In other words, it is the Paraguayan version of "Cotoletta alla Milanese".

It is a thin cutlet, and although in Milan it is usually made with beef, you can also choose chicken. It is topped with cheese and tomato sauce, just like Neapolitan pizza, which adds a nice accent. This dish allows you to fully enjoy the crispy, light texture of the batter and the chewy, delicious flavor of the beef.

Restaurant Amigo

addressShintomi Akasaka 2nd Building 203, 2-13-17 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
phone03-6441-2717
Opening times11:00-14:00 (LO 13:30), 17:00-24:00 (LO 23:30) *Lunch only on weekdays
Closed Daynone
webRestaurant Amigo Official Website

[Peru] The national dish of beef has been modernized to an amazing taste: "Bepoca"

Image: [Peru] The national dish of beef has been modernized to an amazing taste: "Bepoca"

Peru is home to the famous aerial ruins of Machu Picchu, a world heritage site. The country's fusion cuisine, which combines the rich ingredients of the diverse climates of the Andes, the Pacific coast, and the Amazon, with the food culture of the Incas, Spanish rule, and immigrant cultures from Africa and Asia, is attracting attention every year.

In recent years, top chefs who have sublimated their roots have also emerged. In 2023, a Peruvian restaurant will become the first South American to be crowned number one in the World's 50 Best Restaurants, and Peruvian cuisine is now the most popular gourmet food among top chefs and foodies around the world. Bepoca, located a nine-minute walk from the Takeshita Exit of Harajuku Station, is also a highly popular restaurant where a Peruvian chef serves creative dishes.

Food recommended by Ogu Gourmet

A regular Bib Gourmand restaurant in the Michelin Guide Tokyo. Currently, it is a modern restaurant that serves dinner only and mainly serves course meals.

Photo 20: A world tour of flavors in Tokyo! Discover new flavors with rare international gourmet food carefully selected by food enthusiasts

The recommended dish is "Lomo Saltado," a national dish of stir-fried beef and vegetables. It is said to be influenced by Chinese cuisine and is characterized by its seasoning with soy sauce and vinegar. At this restaurant, they use Peruvian soy sauce, which gives it an excellent sweetness and depth.

Rice is served on a separate plate, but the sauce alone is enough to eat. It's so delicious that you can't stop eating, your jaw will drop. When I asked the waiter, he told me that "Lomo Saltado" is the equivalent of dashi in Japanese cuisine, and is a dish that measures the restaurant's skill, but even a customer from Peru praises this restaurant as the best in Japan.

Photo 21: A world tour of flavors in Tokyo! Discover new flavors with rare international gourmet food carefully selected by food enthusiasts

By the way, we also recommend the chef's specialty, "ceviche." Ceviche is a marinade-like dish that will be registered as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2023. It has become more well-known in Japan in recent years, but the ceviche at this restaurant is simply overwhelmingly delicious. It has a strong sourness, but is not unpleasant at all, and the refined flavor lingers on for a long time, making it an impressive experience that you should definitely try.

Bepoca

address2-17-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
phone03-6804-1377
Opening timesWeekdays 18:00-23:00, Saturdays 17:00-22:00
Closed DayClosed on Sundays and Mondays
Instagram@bepocah

Enjoy discovering new flavors at rare international restaurants in Tokyo

There must be many people who think, "I can't travel abroad easily, but I want to at least try the local cuisine," or "I want to taste the food I had on that trip in a nearby place for the first time in a long time." Also, with all the gourmet information flying around, some people are curious to try rare dishes. Please use this article as a reference and have a wonderful encounter with unknown flavors.

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The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.

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