Japan has a proverb: "Send the beloved child on a journey." It means that if you truly care for someone, you should let them experience the world's challenges rather than overprotecting them.
I decided to apply this to my chopsticks. I now carry them in my bag to photograph them alongside various dishes whenever I dine out. I want you to enjoy the various dishes of Japanese restaurants together with my chopsticks.
These premium chopsticks measure exactly 21cm, serving as a perfect benchmark for size.
#5 TRAVELING CHOPSTICKS: LEGENDARY SPICY THAI CURRY IN SHINANOMACHI
Founded in 1983, Meyau is a legendary Thai curry restaurant that has been loved in Shinanomachi for over 30 years. What started as a tiny second-floor shop above a grocery store has now grown into a local phenomenon, drawing long lines everyday at its current basement location.
The nostalgic retro sign leading to the basement flavor-haven.
While they offer dishes like Khao Man Gai, the true stars here are their three signature curries: Meyau Curry (Extremely Spicy), Red Thai Curry (Spicy), and Green Thai Curry (Mild). If you can handle the heat, the "Extremely Spicy" curry is an absolute must-try—it is a completely different culinary masterpiece compared to the milder options.
The curry soup and slightly firm rice are served on separate plates.
The Expert Way to Eat Smooth Curry Soup
The curry soup is wonderfully thin and smooth. Pro-tip: Do not pour all the soup over your rice at once! This cools down the curry and spoils its aromatic fragrance. Instead, ladle small portions of the soup onto your rice as you eat. This allows the rice to perfectly absorb the hot curry, keeping every bite flavorful.
Inside, you'll find a half boiled egg, a whole potato, and incredibly tender chicken.
The chicken is deeply simmered and so tender that the meat falls off the bone easily with just a spoon. The potato is also soft enough to cut effortlessly, making this single bowl incredibly satisfying.
Mastering the Condiment Matrix
To truly eat like a Tokyo local, you must experiment with the counter condiments. Adding a dash of brown Nam Pla (fish sauce) enhances the umami, though it carries a distinct aroma and high salinity, so start small!
The original menu guide explaining the various spicy accents available.
A dash of Nam Pla completely transforms the flavor profile.
You can also explore Prik Pong (chili powder), chili paste with garlic, chili-infused shochu, or Prik Nam Pla (sliced chilies in fish sauce). The Japanese owner loves Thailand so much that he spends a month there every summer researching recipes, which explains this authentic yet uniquely evolved depth of flavor.
Once you experience this spicy addiction, you'll find yourself coming back to Shinanomachi again and again!
Thai Curry Meyau (タイカレー メーヤウ)
B1F Daimon Bldg, 21 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
THE HERO OF THIS JOURNEY
isuke Chopsticks - Lacquer Kiriko
Bring the exact same 21cm benchmark quality from Tokyo's food scene to your own dining table. Experience the premium texture of Japanese lacquer craftsmanship.
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