Hello from Japan!
It’s day 4 of my stay in Japan and I already have like 20,000 food stories to tell.
Hembokke Korean Restaurant
My first day we explored various areas of Tokyo (Akihabara, Ikibukuro, Shinjuku, Harajiku, Shibuya, Yokohama). We had a few little bites here and there, but our most memorable meal of the day was at a Korean restaurant called ヘンボッケ (Hembokke). It was a dark and cramped space with about 10 seats at the bar and three 食卓 (shokutaku, short tables with mats for sitting) which were for guests with reservations. BTS was playing loudly on the stereo with a viewing of clips from their concerts on two large televisions.
We ordered bibimbap, a quarter chicken soup, and a dish that we likened to “Korean pizza” which is actually called buchimgae (I neglected to take a photo of it though). The soup came out still in a full, rolling boil. あつい！
Shohei taught me how to ask the waitress if they accept credit cards, and after practicing the phrase a few times, I worked up the guts to do it. Turns out they are cash only, folks. I am slowly learning more and more independence and how to ask for things I need. It’s nice to have a personal tutor. I am constantly saying, “So, I have a question… do you say it like this?” Usually my guess is correct, but I have definitely embarrassed myself a few times.
Anyway, rating is 5 stars. Would recommend. 😉
Vending Machines
One of the things I love about Japan is the constant availability of refreshments. There are vending machines everywhere, and they’re way better than the ones in America. On our way back to the station on our second night in Tokyo, we walked past a vending machine that advertised “hot” tea. I said to Shohei, “What do they mean by hot? Clearly they’re not talking about temperature…” He chuckled and led me around the corner to another machine. He dropped in a few coins and out popped a piping hot can of Royal Milk Tea. I was in awe. It felt so good to hold the can and sip it during our brisk walk to the station. Vending machines that give you hot tea? Is this a dream? And why didn’t I think of that sooner?!
