Ojigi-Chaya

Strolling through the neighborhood around Shibamata Taishakuten temple, it is easy to find yourself wanting either a substantial meal or just a light drink with a bite to eat. Set in Shibamata 7-chome, Ojigi-Chaya welcomes passersby with handwritten menu boards and a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere.

For a full meal, crisp fried cutlets paired with curry are a mainstay. Served piping hot in a light, crunchy batter, options like breaded pork cutlets and fried prawns pair well with Japanese curry rice alongside pickled fukujinzuke and rakkyo. Those looking for a set meal can also opt for the unadon (eel rice bowl) set.

When pausing midway through sightseeing, the drink-friendly snack selection comes in handy. Tucking into freshly grilled squid, scallops, or yuba (tofu skin) skewers over a cold beer or highball is one of the classic pleasures of a temple approach. Families with children can also cool down with shaved ice, juices, or retro dagashi rice cakes.

Open during the daytime every day except Wednesday, the shop offers an easy, casual stop to drop into whenever hunger strikes during a visit to Shibamata.