In Ginza, Savor the Flavor of Hinai-Jidori Chicken for Lunch at Ginza Kashiwa

Last update : 25 Sep 2019

Written by Kenji Nishiyama - Ginza de Lunch

I recently had lunch at Ginza Kashiwa, a restaurant that opened in April of 2018. Here, diners can enjoy Hinai-Jidori, a premium brand of chicken from Akita Prefecture. It's considered one of the three tastiest varieties of chicken in Japan!

The interior features a luxurious Japanese style.

*Please be aware that children are not welcome.

Enjoy viewing the street scenery of Ginza.

Only one item is served for lunch: Tori-mabushi (¥2,500).
In Japan, there is a well-known dish called Hitsu-mabushi, which is made with eel. However, this restaurant deals in chicken, so the eel is replaced with chicken for the lunch menu of Tori-mabushi.

*This time, I made an Internet reservation, so I was served more dishes than usual.

First came the salad, made with fresh vegetables obtained from a contracted farm.

Next came an egg custard made with Hinai-Jidori eggs and topped with sea urchin.
It was so rich!

The fancy chawan-mushi , a savory egg custard

Hinai-Jidori Tori-mabushi

I received a lecture in how to eat it.

The 4 ways to enjoy Tori-mabushi

Eat it as it is served.
Add some rakumi spice.
Mix it with an egg and eat it.
Finally, pour some chicken soup on top to make a freely flowing dish like ochazuke (tea on rice).

I did just as I was told. First, eat it as is.
One feature of Hinai-Jidori is its slightly firm texture. As I bit into it, the flavor and "umami" of the meat came out!

Then, add some rakumi spice and savor the change in flavor. It's a little spicy, but so good!

Next, add the Hinai-Jidori egg. Of course, it's so delicious!

Finally, pour the chicken soup, and you have Tori-mabushi. Actually, when I tried the soup by itself at first, it was excellent, too!
Just as I thought, pouring the soup over the rice is the most delicious way to eat it!

From the seat at the window furthest in the back, you can look out over Shiodome for another wonderful view!

The taste and chewiness of Hinai-Jidori chicken was as marvelous as I'd expected!
For premium yakitori (grilled chicken morsels) dining, I recommend visiting at night with that special someone!

Basic information on Ginza Kashiwa

Address: 4-12-1 GINZA12 11F, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-6264-3288
Business Hours: Weekdays: 11:30 am - 2:00 pm , 5:00 – 11:30 pm
weekends and holidays: 11:30 am - 2:00 pm , 5:00 – 11:00 pm
Closed: Open every day
URL(Japanese): https://www.ginzakashiwa.com