Asakusa

This traditional Japanese gem has the ordered chaos of a Tokyo train station, as diners squash side by side at small tables, hoping to catch the eye of busy waitstaff in perpetual motion. Safe travellers hedge their bets on a dinner box with a little of everything, bypassing Asakusa’s labyrinthine menu. Braver souls choose their own journey, snacking on gyoza, crunchy tempura and dark, rich, deep-fried beef strips wrapped around seaweed and melted cheese. Be sure to sample the claws-and-all soft-shell crab and the fresh sashimi of kingfish, tuna and salmon.