HANZONMON: Tokyo Chikara-Meshi for a grilled beef bowl... but not all shops are equal.

Tokyo Chikara-Meshi (Power Food) has been popping up all over Tokyo recently and seem to be doing very well.  I had a late 2pm lunch and it was a full house.  

Didn't have much of an appetite so went for the 280yen "Yaki-Gyodon" (grilled beef bowl) with a side of miso soup.

Everything was greasy at the location.  All the bottles had a nice sticky layer on them and there was no Oshibori's to be found (wet napkins).  I think the staff was just too overwhelmed and the small things were overlooked.

Compared to Shibuya the beef was undercooked and had a very chewy rubbery texture to it.  Felt like I was chewing gum the whole time.  Staff must have been under some time pressure to cook and present the orders in a timely manner but it took a solid 10 minutes to get the order.  

I definitely won't be back at to this branch for my Yaki-Gyodon craving but if you are in need of a quick and different option to the traditional Beef Bowls then its very kind on the wallet.

Cherry blossom season is slowly coming to and end... 

Shop: Tokyo Chikara-Meshi Hanzonmon Branch

Shop Website: http://www.sankofoods.com/shop/chikara/

Foodie Website: http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1308/A130803/13134057/

Address J: 東京都千代田区麹町2-12-1 GRANDEAXE麹町１F

Address E: Tokyo, Chiyoda-ku, Kojimachi 2-12-1
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SHIBUYA: (CLOSED) Chikara-Meshi #3... Great Grilled Beef Bowls. Brand new and super busy! (Pentax MX-1)

** UPDATE: This once popular franchise is down to only 8 shops in Japan **

https://www.sankofoods.com/shop/chikara/

Chikara-Meshi has been opening up all over Tokyo recently and its a very warm welcome as I think most of us are a bit tired of having Yoshinoya or Sukiya beef bowls as the only alternative to Ramen. 

Menu is all fully automated with a "Eat In" and "Take Out" touch panel options.   After your selection have a seat and pass the ticket to the waitress... this night a very heavy-set jolly lady.  Oh don't forget to push the large lever below the touch screen panel to get your change.

Lots of sauces/toppings to choose from.

Free water on the counter~.

I went for the New Open special "Yaki Gyudon" for 280yen (normally 320yen).

Check out the menu here:  http://www.sankofoods.com/shop/chikara/menu.html

And there it is with a very nice serving of Miso Soup.

I really do prefer this to Gyu-don (meat boiled in sauce).  The strips of beef here are grilled and seasoned.

Spotted a little container of Spicy Miso seasoning...

...gave a very nice kick to the beef.  Reminded me of tasty Korean Gochujang. 

This was a huge hit... Yaki-Gyudon-Teishoku... served on a hot metal plate with veggies, small salad, miso soup and a bowl of rice for 480yen.  A great value.

Water had a slice of Lemon... just like Europe~.  You never see this in Japan.

Located between Shibuya-Labi and Citibank... You can't miss it!

While crossing the street to Chikara Meshi I noticed a very nice Ferrari 458.

Shop: Chikara-Meshi Shibuya #3 Shop.

Shop Website: http://www.sankofoods.com/shop/chikara/

Foodie Website: http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1303/A130301/13137625/

Address J: 東京都渋谷区道玄坂2-25-12 渋谷ユウキヤビル1F

Address E:  Tokyo, Shibuya-ku, Dogenzaka 2-25-12

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SHINJUKU: Tokyo Chikara Meshi "Power Food"... great mix of Grilled Beef Slices and Curry!

In Japan there are a few late night options... Ramen, Beef Bowl or Curry... but what about both beef and curry?!  Looks good to me!

Menu Pics:  http://www.sankofoods.com/shop/chikara/news35.html

Went for the 550yen curry with strips of beef and bowl of miso soup.

This beef and curry combo was great.  The curry is a bit heavier and richer than the usual Japanese curry and sooo tasty.  Meat was flavored in some type of tasty Yakiniku-sauce and grilled versus beef bowl shops that boil their beef... each slice very tender!

The miso soup~.

If you are tired of Yoshinoya Beef bowls, heavy late night ramen or Coco Curry then give this franchise a go!  

Shop: Tokyo Chikara Meshi (Shinjuku West Exit Shop #2)

Foodie Website: http://r.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13135525/

Shop Website: http://www.sankofoods.com/shop/chikara/

Address J: 東京都新宿区西新宿7-9-13

Address E:  Tokyo, Shinjuku-ku, Nishi Shinjuku 7-9-13

MAP:

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