Tomohiro Hisamatsu (scriptwriter)
Tomohiro Hisamatsu is a scriptwriter who works on shows such as "AniReco TV" and "Kitano Makoto's Zubari." He also appeared on "Matsuko's Unknown World" as a man who eats over 1,000 different types of spring rolls a year.
Welcome to the world of "enveloping cuisine" with its infinite possibilities.
Japan is currently in the midst of a "spring roll warring states" period, with spring roll specialty stores springing up all over the country.
There are spring roll specialty shops all over the country, from Fukuoka's specialty shop Fukuoka Harumaki Blue in the south, to Sayonara Tensan, Onigiri to Harumaki Kiyoshi, Mamehachi, Shunshindo, and THE HARUMAKI CLUB KOBE in Kansai, Harumaki Shokudo Tokobo in Aichi, Harumaki Baton and Tokyo Harumaki in Tokyo, Harumakiya in Ishikawa, and Harumaki Galaxy in Hokkaido.
However, just because specialty shops are popping up all over the country doesn't mean that the spring rolls are popular among the general public. In a certain ranking of fried foods, they are even outdone by "daigakuimo" (sweet potato), which doesn't have the same fried feel.
When it was featured on the TV show "Matsuko's Unknown World," it was introduced as "Shadow Dim Sum." I feel a strong sympathy for spring rolls and their position in the industry (shadowy), so I call myself a Harumakist and travel around the country eating them, working to liven up the spring roll industry.
When it comes to spring rolls, people tend to think of "five-grain spring rolls" as the most popular. So, this time, we've picked out restaurants that convey that spring rolls have infinite possibilities, not just five-grain, but that "any dish or ingredient can be wrapped around it," and that "the ingredients are steamed inside the spring roll wrapper, causing an explosion of flavor." So, let's get rolling! "A microcosm inside the spring roll wrapper?! An extremely rare spring roll that you won't find in Chinese restaurants."
Sake and snacks Aomon
Spring rolls are often found in creative izakaya-style establishments. Here you can eat "Prosciutto and Baby Corn Spring Rolls." Not only do they have a striking cross-section, but the saltiness of the prosciutto and the sweetness of the baby corn (the key is that the hairs are included) are exquisite! The texture is also fun, with a crispy first followed by a crunchy corn! The specialty fried horse mackerel is also a must-try!
Address: B1, 2-31-4 Nishigotanda, Shinagawa-ku | map
Kazamidou
Surprisingly, you can eat "Ham and Egg Spring Rolls" at a restaurant that looks like a Japanese restaurant. The name makes you think it's a kid's dish, but the black pepper really comes through and it goes perfectly with beer. According to the owner, Noriaki Yokota, he is particular about using just the right amount of salt, so you won't get tired of eating it, as it's made with simple ingredients like eggs and ham.
Address: 3-1-14 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku | map
BRASSERIE by plein
This casual French bistro is located inside Toranomon Hills. At first glance, you might be skeptical, wondering if they serve spring rolls in a place like this, but then you discover a stylish one: Ezo Venison Ragu Spring Rolls. The vibrant spinach and tender venison stewed together are delicious, but be careful not to get burned.
Address: 4F Toranomon Hills Station Tower, 2-6-2 Toranomon, Minato-ku | Map
Charcoal Grilled Lily
This restaurant is like a reward after climbing Shibuya's steep Wave Street. Their spring rolls are "Eel and Cream Cheese Spring Rolls." The eel alone is delicious, but the generous amount of cream cheese on top makes you want to go with a drink or a meal. I even wanted to request the "Eel and Cream Cheese Spring Roll Bowl."
Address: 1-14-9 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 102 | map
Ebisu scallions
A hidden gem located between Ebisu and Shibuya. This long-established restaurant has been in business in the big city for over 25 years and serves "matsutake mushroom and wagyu beef spring rolls" (the ingredients vary depending on the season). The mellow aroma of matsutake mushrooms and the umami of wagyu beef are brought out to the fullest by being steamed inside the skin. We recommend trying the first bite without any condiments.
Address: 2F, 2-8-9 Ebisu Nishi, Shibuya-ku | map
blue sky
Okinawan restaurants also serve spring rolls. "Taco Cheese Spring Rolls." Simply put, they're fried tacos. But the crispness of the spring roll wrapper, the richness of the meat, and the rich flavor of the cheese make this a roll that will satisfy both your tongue and your stomach. What's more, it's a real treat that makes you think, "Even Okinawan restaurants have spring rolls!" It's a real treat! Reservations and introductions are required.
Address: 2F, 5-1-3 Akasaka, Minato-ku | map
