I happened to visit Mizuguchi Shokudou (水口食堂), a long-standing restaurant in the Asakusa area, with a friend.
Asakusa is known for its nostalgic and laid-back atmosphere, and Mizuguchi Shokudou has been part of it since 1950. The neatly arranged plastic food samples in the showcase are a charming touch.
During busy times, diners are limited to a two-hour stay. When we visited on a weekend, the restaurant was bustling with people.
The restaurant occupies the 1st and 2nd floors of the building, with a tatami-mat seating area on the 2nd floor. The retro ambiance transported me back to the Showa period, evoking a sense of nostalgia and childhood memories.
The menu is extensive, offering a variety of dishes such as fish (sashimi, grilled, or boiled), deep-fried items, spaghetti, rice bowls, and mapo tofu. Most dishes can be ordered as a set meal with rice and miso soup. Prices include tax, and an English menu is available. Items highlighted in orange are their recommendations.
They also serve a variety of drinks, including shochu, wine, sour cocktails, and whiskey.
The highlight of the menu is their Onion pork, labeled as a “Mizuguchi specialty.” This dish features pork and onions cooked with curry and ketchup, giving it a slightly tangy flavor from the ketchup. The onions are thickly sliced and retain a firm texture. Simple and delicious!
We paired it with chu-hai (shochu and soda), but I think it would be even better with rice!
Their fried pork is another standout dish, and my friend suggested trying it with their homemade potato salads.
This combination creates a milder flavor, and the potato salad’s smooth texture adds a delightful balance to the crispy pork.
The katsudon is served in a box instead of a bowl, accompanied by miso soup and pickles. The egg was soft and creamy, and the tonkatsu was lean and flavorful, though I found the portion of rice a bit overwhelming.
Actually, it was more white than this photo. But the egg was cooked softly and tonkatsu having less fat was mild and tasty. But rice at the bottom was too much.
Homemade croquette, made fresh every morning, features a soft coating and smooth mashed potato filling. It pairs wonderfully with Worcestershire sauce.
By the way, what seasonings do you like with croquettes? I think it depends on the type of croquette. Some options are Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, mustard, soy sauce, and so on.
Napolitan spaghetti. Napolitan is spaghetti with ketchup sauce. The sauce is made from ketchup, and the soft spaghetti coated with it is simply delicious. The ingredients include onions, mushrooms, and ham.
If you’re looking for a nostalgic dining experience in Asakusa with a wide variety of delicious and affordable dishes, Mizuguchi Shokudou is a fantastic choice.
About
Name Mizuguchi Shokudou (水口食堂)
Open Day through night
Reservation Available
Credit card Available over 5000 yen
URL Website
Google Map
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