01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
At the center of the meal sits a warm rice ball shaped from Fukushima Prefecture's Ten'ei-grown Sasanishiki rice. Savoring the distinct, glossy grains and delicate flavor in their purest form is the calling card of Tamari gohan in Waseda Tsurumakicho.
The midday rice ball set lets diners choose between charcoal-grilled seafood and meat options such as steamed chicken or roast pork. Grilling over charcoal coaxes out the deep natural flavors of the ingredients, whether it is pacific saury or Rebun Island Okhotsk atka mackerel with crisp skin and tender, fluffy flesh, or Kesennuma bonito belly marinated in salted rice koji and lemon to gently render its fat over the coals. Before the main dish arrives, an assortment of vegetable side dishes, soup, and house-made pickles are set out, creating a balanced and deeply satisfying lunch for anyone looking to reset their day with a wholesome meal.
A limited tamago kake gohan set is also offered, featuring Gotou Momiji eggs from Yamasuke Farm in Aizu. Rather than seasoning the pale lemon-yellow yolk with soy sauce, the shop serves it with house-made salted rice koji, striking a gentle harmony between mellow saltiness and natural sweetness.
Evening Courses and Sake Pairings
At night, the kitchen presents the Tamari Course and the Sankaizato Course, both weaving in seasonal land and sea treasures from Tohoku. Dishes like Ofunato salted bonito, octopus and maitake mushrooms wrapped in magnolia leaves, and aged Shirakawa Kogen Seiryu pork roast arrive in sequence, each accompanied by suggested sake pairings on the menu. Exploring curated matches with bottles such as Fukushima's Hirotogawa and Niida Honke's Niida Shizenshu, or Aomori's Mutsu Hassen brings out the fine contours of each dish in a way unique to this dining room.
With jazz playing softly in the background, the open counter kitchen buzzes with deft, rhythmic preparation, offering a tranquil ambiance where solo diners can settle in comfortably. Whether dropping by for the grounding warmth of a daytime rice ball or slipping into the measured evening rhythm of drinks and small plates, the counter provides a welcoming perch.
