Wednesday, January 9, 2013

IKEBUKURO: Uokin Branch... Insanely popular seafood mini-franchise!

This place is ALWAYS busy in Ikebukuro and rarely can you simply walk in without a reservation unless you decide to line up before the 5pm open.  Soo... arrived at 4:50pm and by the time we entered the line was 30 deep~.  This was our Otoshi for the evening... sliced ham.



Seasoned shark fin... tasted very very fishy.  Not my favorite.

And of course this is a must.  Lots of options but there were a bit too many Hikarimono for me (shiny skinned fish) that tends to be tough or have a very strong flavor compared to Shiromi-Zakana (white fish like Hamachi) or Maguro.   Friend mentioned the flavor of tonight's dinner was not on par with the usual level at this spot... perhaps they were just too busy.


J's love seasoned veggies.



Overall the placed was rather packed... seating very basic and atmosphere seemed to Izakaya'ish style versus the Shimashi Kurafuku Uokin Branch's great cozy interior.  But... if you want to experience Japanese seafood on a budget this place is hands down one of the most reasonable spots in Tokyo.  Just remember to line up at before 5pm (time limit is 2.5hours) or show up around 7-7:30pm to enter with the second wave of customers.

Shop: Uokin Ikebukuro Branch
Address J: 東京都豊島区西池袋1-35-8
Address E: Tokyo, Toshima-ku, Nishi Ikebukuro 1-35-8
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