Reader’s Question:

Staying in Sendai

Looking for Recommendations

I will be staying at a hotel in front of the station in Sendai. I would like to have gyutan for dinner. If anyone knows any recommended restaurants, please let me know!

Reservation Inquiry

It’s Saturday night; should I make a reservation? I also have a desire to enter any restaurant that catches my eye while exploring, but I would love to hear your recommendations!

Exploring Sendai: A Culinary Adventure Awaits

Ah, Sendai! This charming city, often overshadowed by the more famous spots like Tokyo and Kyoto, is a hidden gem that really deserves more love. On my recent trip to Japan, I found myself staying in a hotel right in front of Sendai Station, and let me tell you, it was the perfect launchpad for my culinary explorations! One of the highlights of this trip? Enjoying gyutan, a local specialty of grilled beef tongue that’s just out of this world.

Where to Find the Best Gyutan

Now, if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably heard all the hype about gyutan, but nothing quite prepares you for the actual experience. The first place I’d recommend is Gyu-Katsu Shinjuku. As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted with the lovely smell of grilled meat that makes your stomach growl in anticipation. The atmosphere is casual yet warm, and I felt right at home. I ordered the gyutan set, which came with a side of barley rice and a delicious miso soup. The seasoning was just the right mix of smokiness and saltiness, and the texture? Oh man, it was tender enough to melt in your mouth. There’s something about that first bite that makes you question why you’ve never had gyutan before. And let me tell you, it’s not just food; it’s an experience that gets your taste buds dancing. Another spot that came highly recommended was Zunda Saryo, famous for its zunda (sweet edamame) desserts, but they also serve an amazing gyutan dish that’s worth checking out. It’s got this quirky vibe, and you can easily get lost in their menu. Plus, their zunda dessert is a perfect way to end your meal.

Reservation or No Reservation?

Now, here’s the million-dollar question: Should you make a reservation? Since I was there on a Saturday night, I did feel a bit of pressure to secure a table. I mean, who wants to be wandering around hungry at 7 PM, right? I decided to play it safe and made a reservation at Gyu-Katsu Shinjuku, and what a smart move that turned out to be! The place was packed, and I saw people getting turned away left and right. But here’s the kicker: while having a reservation is a surefire way to indulge in the culinary delights without the waiting game, don’t forget that part of the joy of exploring is stumbling upon hidden gems. I mean, that’s how I found Zunda Saryo! Just walking around, taking in the sights and sounds of Sendai, I couldn’t resist popping in there for dessert after my gyutan feast. It was a spontaneous decision that ended up being one of the best parts of my night.

Getting Lost and Discovering Hidden Gems

Speaking of exploring, let me quickly share a little anecdote. After my delicious gyutan dinner, I decided to take a stroll around the area. Sendai is a walking city, and the streets have this lovely energy. I passed by a small izakaya (Japanese pub) that had this inviting warm glow spilling out onto the street. I had to check it out, even though I was full from dinner. Inside, there were locals enjoying small plates and drinks, and the atmosphere was super convivial. I made some new friends over a shared plate of yakitori. I swear, the taste of grilled chicken skewers paired with a cold beer is one of life’s simplest pleasures. It’s moments like these—unplanned and spontaneous—that make travel truly special.

Embracing Local Culture

And let’s talk about the people! During my time in Sendai, I found the locals to be incredibly welcoming and friendly. At one point, I was sitting in a small café, sipping on some rich, aromatic coffee, and a couple of older gentlemen struck up a conversation with me. They were so eager to share their love for Sendai and recommended visiting the nearby Sendai Castle ruins. “Don’t forget to try the local sake while you’re there!” one of them said with a twinkle in his eye. You know what? I took that advice to heart. The next day, I made my way to the castle ruins for stunning views of the city, followed by a sake tasting at one of the local breweries. It was an unexpected highlight of my trip, and all because I took some time to just soak in the atmosphere and chat with the locals.

Final Thoughts

As I wrap up my Sendai adventure, I can confidently say that the city is an underappreciated treasure. Whether you’re there for the gyutan, the sake, or just the sheer charm of the streets, there is so much waiting to be discovered. My advice? Make that reservation if you’re set on a particular restaurant, but don’t shy away from exploring on a whim. Make space in your itinerary for those delightful surprises because they can lead you to some of the most memorable moments of your travels. And when you do get that gyutan (or any new dish) in front of you, take a moment to really savor it. Close your eyes, let the flavors wash over you, and appreciate the culinary artistry that Japan has to offer. So, pack your bags, grab your foodie friends (or go solo like I did!), and get ready for a delicious journey in Sendai. You won’t regret it!