Arvie Gimeno of Albino & Preto Shares His Food Tour Through Tokyo, Japan

Hypemaps recently caught up with Albino & Preto director Arvie Gimeno to pick his brain on his favorite spots in Tokyo, Japan.

In recent years, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt has pushed Albino & Preto to new heights with its highly sought-after mat offerings and collaborations that have broken into streetwear. Arvie Gimeno’s repositioning of the leading jiu-jitsu lifestyle label is based on his interests and experience with street culture. Even though he resides on the sunny side of Southern California in Long Beach, Tokyo holds a special place in Arvie Gimeno’s hearts. A place intrinsically tied to the continuation of Albino & Preto’s ambition to craft, the city in Japan serves as a place of inspiration for Gimeno.

In his guide, the director highlights his Tokyo food tour showing his favorite spots to take in the city’s culinary offerings. Click here to keep the entire list to your Google Maps saves.

Menchirashi

Menchirashi

Menchirashi is known for its delicious and visually appealing udon bowls in the heart of Shibuya. Offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures, each dish is constructed with the utmost care and attention to detail. House-made udon noodles are served with fresh quality ingredients for a delightful traditional culinary experience. The most popular order is Menchirashi’s carbonara udon, as well as the kake udon served with fried-to-order tempura, and an order of onigiri available with a variety of filling options.

“Everything was good. Period (laughs).”

KOFFEE MAMEYA

Koffee Mameya

Known for its minimalist outlook, KOFFEE MAMEYA is perfect for enjoying expertly crafted coffee beverages made with freshly ground artisanal beans. The calm location is marked by a sleek design with elegant counter-seats where you can watch baristas expertly make a cup of coffee. They accept reservations through their website, and long queues are expected.

“If you love coffee, this is the spot. Kinda tucked in, but worth it.”

Tonkatsu Maisen

Tonkatsu Maisen

Located inside the new Shibuya Hikarie building, the location of Tonkatsu Maisen builds on the legacy of the renowned Japanese restaurant chain specializing in tonkatsu – breaded pork cutlet. Priding itself on using premium ingredients and meticulous preparation, Tonkatsu Maisen carefully selects pork with a precise balance of fat and meat before breading it with fresh bread crumbs. Preserving traditional cooking methods, the tonkatsu is deep-fried to perfection for a golden brown exterior. The various types of pork cuts are served with accompaniments like shredded cabbage, rice, miso soup, and a tangy tonkatsu sauce that makes a perfect fried cutlet somehow even better.

“Best Tonkatsu spot hands down!”

FamilyMart

Familymart

Part of Japan’s convenience ecosystem, the ubiquitous FamilyMart chain is known for its wide range of products and services. From a well-stocked selection of everyday items, including snacks, beverages, groceries, toiletries, and household essentials, FamilyMart has become beloved for its fresh and high-quality prepared food items. Open 24/7 to ensure accessibility and convenience day or night, many stumble in to enjoy onigiri, bento boxes, sandwiches, salads, desserts, and much much more.

“My go-to and can never go wrong with the Teriyaki Chicken Egg Sandwich and the fluffy pancakes filled with syrup is a must.”

Abura Soba Sō Honten

Abura Soba

If you’re looking for a nice change from ramen and udon, Abura Soba Sō Honten serves bowls of soupless noodles with a plethora of ingredients piled on top, then stirred into a mix. The process is streamlined as well – ticket machines and an efficient staff make quick eats extremely easy. Enjoy the warm noodles mixed with oil, sauce, green onions, bamboo shoots, chashu pork, dried seaweed, and more.

“Not only is it so good, but the concept is clever. The way the lines moves and how people just come in sit, eat, and go. It’s an interesting etiquette that I feel only works in Japan.”

Yogoro

Yogoro

Located between Harajuku and Sendagaya, Yogoro is a no-frills curry joint known for its spinach and tomato-based curry, served with either pork or chicken. The curry features a rich and creamy texture and is served piping hot in a metal dish with a side of yellow turmeric rice. The affordable option can also be upgraded with extra toppings of cheese and a soft-boiled egg. Yogoro is a must-try location, as it’s one of the legendary spots for residents of Tokyo.

“An ‘IYKYK’ local spot. Amazing curry!”

Tonkatsu Wako

Tonkatsu Wako

Despite its humble appearance, Tonkatsu Wako Metro Plaza Building Shibuya is a solid option for tonkatsu in Tokyo. The available English menus make it perfect for tourists looking to enjoy an easy yet great meal. Essentially, the Pork Cutlet Set is what you want, served with rice, lettuce, pickled vegetables, and miso soup with small clams. Free refills of all the accompaniments ensure a filling and satisfying meal.

“For the price and for being a chain, honestly it’s worth it. I also like staying low key from time to time.”

ISETAN DINING

Isetan Dining

Perfect for those looking to dive right into the food of Tokyo, the ISETAN DINING of the Isetan Shinjuku department store is a safe haven for workers and commuters who need to grab dinner on the way home. Walking around, you can try samples and take in an arresting assemblage of smells, flavors, and textures. Despite having nowhere to sit, walking around is perfectly fine as you take in everything sweet and savory in a moment of visual gastronomic excitement.

“Lots of choices and simple.”

Curry Up

Curry Up

CURRY UP, famously opened by NIGO, has been a must-visit for streetwear enthusiasts for years now. Defined by its decor and iconic illustrations, this contemporary curry restaurant is known for its nostalgia-filled Japanese-style curry. Diners can choose from butter chicken, keema (minced meat) curry, vegetarian options and more. If you’re lucky, merch will be stocked so you can grab some T-shirts and accessories to mark your visit.

“Another good curry spot.”

Miyashita Park Food Hall

Miyashita Park

Part of the newly erected RAYARD MIYASHITA PARK, on the south side of the building is Shibuya’s food hall nestled within its “yokocho,” Japanese for “alleyway.” The MIYASHITA PARK FOOD HALL is a bustling lane of food options with an extensive choice of eateries serving classic Japanese food and beverages. With ample seating, this is where you should visit with a big group to take in the electric atmosphere of Shibuya and what Tokyo’s food scene has to offer.

“Lots of choices and can’t go wrong when you’re looking for a late-night snack and drink.”