Editor Pick
Chinese Cafe Eight
- January 18, 2007
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Nicole-san from Tokyo, Japan
This 24-hour eatery sits across from the swanky Grand Hyatt in Roppongi Hills. As if the Hills weren't an experience in itself, dare to step inside the always crowded cafe and you will be wonder if you have mistakenly stepped into an adult entertainment shop. The peculiarly phallic interior is open for interpretation, with the main attraction being a giant steel rod suspended from the ceiling in front of a Chinese gong, that strangely resembles a derriere...
The cafe is frequented by the young and hip, as well as many foreigners curious about the breasts and bottoms that adorn the cafe's walls. The menu is extensive and cheap, portions are average by Japanese standards, and it is customary to sample and share a variety of dishes. The house special is the Beijing duck, which can take a bit of time to prepare, but is so tender and flavorful it's worth every minute. The duck is fileted and served with a sweet Chinese plum sauce and literally melts in your mouth. Other favorites include crab fried rice, szechuan spicy tofu, and even deep fried scorpion which is considered lucky in the Chinese culture.
Dishes range in price from 400-900 yen, while the lunch menu features about 50 appetizers for 200 yen. Larger plates average around 2500 yen. There is also a 1500 yen all you can drink for two hours special which is good if you are unlucky and forget to make a reservation. I would definitely eat here again, but so would many other bargain hungry diners, so play it safe and make a reservation.
From journal Timeless Tokyo