Phew…the post name is long but it does sums up what we did within 24 hours in Tokyo. Had been having Ramen for the past few days……so now, its like eating sushi for revenge. Grrrr….Grrr….Sushi !!!
Smith wanted to go to Sushi Dai. Its something that he did not manage to do the last time he was at Tsukiji. I remembered it being a 15 mins queue something like 8 years ago ? But first let us get to Tokyo !! Its already been a 5 hours drive !!
We arrived pretty late at 830pm right smack into Ginza near to the Tsukiji Market. And its was a public holiday so most of the shops were closed.
“Please….No more Ramen…..” The look on Smith’s face tells it all. So we settled at Tama Sushi (玉寿司). Its looking pretty good. There is a huge winner’s trophy just outside the shop, think they won a sushi competition a few years ago.
“Dinner now, but tomorrow 430am we have to be at Tsukiji ok?”
“Onz !!”
This was kind of amazing…Chawanmushi (茶碗蒸し) Uni in thick bonito sauce. I was in spasms……… time for bed.
We arrived at Tsukiji at 430am following a short walk. Ok, these are not pictures of that time but was taken in the afternoon, just thought that its good to show what’s Tokyo like.
Now, we wanted to go to the Tuna Auction. Heard it admitted only 120 people per day only so we had to be early to buy the tickets !! Somehow we got lost in the market, found Sushi Dai where there is already a queue of about 10-15 people…yup !! at 430am !!
We finally found the fish information center by 5am. To our anguish, the tickets were already sold out. What? We have to be there at 4am the next time ? Unbelievable.
By this time, the queue for Sushi Dai has flowed onto the next alley. We decided to queue for it at 5.15am and by 6am, it overflowed again to another alley ! I did not remember it being so popular ?
6am – still queuing
7am – a little hungry…Argh…i decided to grab a little something before heading back to join Smith in the queue. Aiyo(愛養) coffee is the quaint little shop right next to Sushi Dai. It looks like a movie set from the 60s but i was too hungry anyway. 🙂 The toast was rather good but was disappointed with the coffee. I think my friend Byron makes it better in Asia !!
Smith is already looking a little green after the 1 hour queue….
800am – Looking a little desperate and a little tired….we cannot help but peered into the restaurant and using our eye power to help push the customers along…”Eat Faster !!”
815am – We finally got in after a 2.5 hours wait !!!! and of course we chose the most expensive menu. Its omakase but its menu. I guess its the right thing to do or the customers standing outside will have to wait forever !!
What really impresses me was the attitude of the Chefs and the waitresses. The feeling of anguish disappeared when you entered the place. “Ohaiyo ! Welcome !! Sorry to keep you waiting !!” all the time smiling and looking at you. Who can be angry for long like that !?? I sat down immediately, anticipating for the best.
Otoro Sushi
Himedai Sushi
Uni Sushi
Sanma Sushi
You are allowed to chose 1 last piece. And no Yellow Tail ! I thought its in season ! Argh !!
An 11 piece sushi course for Yen3,900 finished in about 25 mins. I expected more since i queued for 2.5 hours, i left feeling unsatisfied, the sushi is not as good as i thought it will be, i had better, even last night’s tama sushi was better, something is missing, the interaction….or was I spoilt by Chef Hong ??
We walked about the rest of the market. Kind of cool but i was already half tired, half dead. If you like seafood, you will love this place. Some of the seafood looks really alien to me……hmmmmm
On their little transporters to deliver goods
Let’s head back Smith…Zzzzzzz.
Now, where has all the excitement gone ?
urbanarchiver 
OOhh..how i miss Tsukiji. The sushi there is the best…
hehe…. indeed as i was told…maybe i was expecting too much. For its price, it was actually very good value ! The otoro and sanma sushi was fantastic !