Tonkatsu, Kushiyaki & Okonomiyaki - Japanese delicacies around Immermannstraße

In Little Tokyo around Immermannstraße, you will always be surprised by new culinary delights. Be it bacon-wrapped mochi on a skewer or tonkatsu from Duroc olive pork. But vegans are now also getting their money's worth everywhere. We have put together six remarkable food hotspots around Immermannstraße that you shouldn't miss.

Tonkatsu Gonta

The former location of Café Relax on Immermannstraße is now home to Tonkatsu Gonta. The specialty is Japanese pork cutlets, which give the restaurant its name: Tonkatsu. The meat comes from Duroc olive pigs and is coated in panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried. But beware: the pork schnitzel is only served at lunchtime. In the afternoon, the restaurant transforms into a café and serves matcha sundaes, honey toast and other delicacies. In the evening, the bar reigns supreme with Japanese-inspired cocktails. Small snacks such as edamame or tofu can also be ordered.

tonkatsu-gonta.de

Kushitei of Tokyo

Kushitei of Tokyo is known for its grilled skewers, which are called kushiyaki in Japanese. The Japanese restaurant's grilled specialties are prepared on a charcoal grill. Special attention is paid to typical Izakaya dishes. Izakya originate from Japanese pub culture, which, unlike in Germany, always includes a selection of dishes. This is because the Japanese like to enjoy something from the grill with their alcoholic drinks. The Kushitei of Tokyo on Immermannstraße also focuses on seasonal highlights such as grilled eel in summer. Unagi (eel) is said to strengthen the immune system and make it resistant to summer heat. In addition to the grilled specialties, you will find classics of Japanese cuisine such as nigiri, sushi and stews. And since the Kushitei is a pub, there is an extensive drinks menu.

Further information here.

Takezo

Ramen. Ramen. Ramen. There are probably few places in Germany where you can be spoiled with as many different ramen specialties as in Little Tokyo. At Takezo on Immermannstraße, hungry foodies will find the whole range: from Tantan Men to Shoyu. The broths have been simmering over a low flame for more than ten hours. The noodles are of course homemade - as is everything else from gyoza to karaage. Takezo has its own menu for vegans, with a wide selection of dishes. You can expect a queue at weekends and on public holidays, as reservations can only be made during the week.

takezo.de

Zero Banchi

Hokkaido is not just a type of pumpkin, but rather a region in Japan located in the north of the country. More specifically, it is the second largest island and is known for seafood, especially crab. Zero Banchi opened in 2022 and has since become a hotspot on Immermannstrasse. Spiny mackerel from Portugal, rock shrimp from France - at Zero Banchi, care is taken to import seafood and fish at the best time of year and to put it on the seasonal menu. Other dishes typical of Hokkaido are based on lamb, which can also be discovered at Zero Banchi, as can the drinks menu. If you stop by for a Sapporo beer, we recommend the Kani Cream Croquettes, deep-fried crab balls.

Further information here.

1 or 8

Funny name, spoken in German: eins oder acht. On November 11, 2022, the 1 or 8 opened on Klosterstraße. This date was declared "Tachi-Nomi Day" by the Japanese Anniversary Association. Tachi-nomi describes drinking while standing and the two digits of 11 represent two people standing in a bar. The 1 or 8 is therefore a standing bar, one with exquisite drinks and delicious snacks such as sake nanban - deep-fried salmon in a sweet and sour sauce. There are also dishes such as tonkotsu ramen, which are usually limited to a few portions. There are also seasonal cocktails such as Strawberry Piña Colada in spring and specials such as "Lady's Day" on Wednesdays, when visitors can enjoy happy hour all evening.

Further information here.

Yaki The Emon

Asahi on tap, a large selection of sake and the iron plate called teppan sum up the culinary delights at Yaki The Emon. Because in culinary terms, almost anything is possible in the context of teppanyaki. The hearty okonomiyaki, the savory Japanese pancakes, are extremely popular. The desserts are also exceptional, such as the warabi parfait, a strawberry rice cake with green tea ice cream and berries. In any case, Yaki The Emon is a real culinary grab bag - or have you ever eaten mochi wrapped in pork bacon on a skewer?

yaki-the-emon.com

Text: Cynthia Blasberg
Photos: Kristina Fendesack
Lead photo: You can see the Takezo kitchen crew.

^{(We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information, but cannot guarantee it).}