I love visiting tachinomi (standing bars). One of the reasons is, of course, their affordability. Another is the convenience of enjoying food and drinks in a short amount of time. Today, I visited Shigekin (しげきん) in Shinkoiwa.
Most of their dishes are priced at just 390 yen! Draft beer is also 390 yen. They open at 2 p.m., so I had the chance to enjoy drinks during the daytime.
The seating options include round tables, square tables, counter seats, and even a tatami room. However, the tatami room requires a table charge and a reservation. Sitting at the counter table facing the wall felt cozy. Orders are taken at the counter, and you pay at the end.
The menu is only available in Japanese, and the staff speak Japanese as well. They offer a wide selection of seafood and classic snacks that pair perfectly with drinks, like edamame. Most items without prices listed are 390 yen. Even a sashimi platter with three kinds of fish is just 390 yen. Amazing!
My favorite dish was the Sardine garimaki ! Garimaki is a rolled dish made with fish and pickled ginger.
The sardines were light and not too fatty. The combination of pickled ginger (gari) and cucumber gave it a refreshing taste, and the seaweed wrapper added a nice touch. I almost ordered a second plate! I’d love to try a mackerel version someday.
I also tried the Firefly squid with vinegared miso, which is only available in spring. It paired perfectly with a chuhai, priced at just 290 yen. The chuhai was light and didn’t overpower the food’s flavors.
The firefly squid had a rich, flavorful innard. There were about eight squids in total, but the amount of miso was a bit too much for me, so I removed some.
Although I intended to stop there, I couldn’t resist trying their sashimi. I ordered the houbou (gurnard) marinated with konbu seaweed along with cold Japanese sake. The flavor was comparable to what you’d find at a high-end Japanese restaurant. It was amazing!
I don’t visit Shinkoiwa often, but with such a great tachinomi shop like Shigekin, I might have to change that. I’ve also heard there are many other similar places in the area. Tachinomi hopping sounds like a fun idea!
About
Name Shigekin (しげきん)
Open Day through night
Reservation Available for tatami room only
Credit card Unavailable
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