Best Quick Bites in Harajuku and Omotesando

Sometimes whilst traveling you might be on a tight schedule or even tighter budget and not be able to afford full-on meals three times a day. For this reason I put together a list of best places to eat in Harajuku and Omotesando areas which are affordable and quick.

LUKE’S LOBSTERLocated on the small side alley off of Harajuku’s Cat Street, this hole-in-the wall eatery serves amazing lobster rolls. Both the lobster meat and rolls are directly from local sources in New England! Luke’s is an American chain of fast casual restaurants best known for its Maine lobster rolls and other seafood (crab and shrimp rolls) and sides. Menu includes chowder, bisque, crab or shrimp rolls, crab and lobster combo rolls and two types of lobster rolls. Depending on your hunger level, for ¥980 you can get a “Japanese size” lobster roll, or a “U.S. size” for ¥1580. Both sizes use 6 inch-bun, the difference is in the amount of lobster meat. Luke’s only uses the claw and knuckle meat, which tends to be the sweeter and tenderer portions of the crustacean. I was quite famished and opted for U.S. size which was a revelation to behold. Fresh bun was generously filled with succulent and mildly sweet chunks of lobster beautifully flavored with dry spices and butter sauce. The bread was buttered and lightly griddled on the outside for a golden, crispy crunch. Finger-licking good!

Address: 6-7-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

GINDACOIf you are for a look-out for something Japanese, then this is a right place for you. This popular chain serves specialty of Osaka – takoyaki, small balls of dough stuffed with octopus cooked on specialized pans. Typically they are brushed with takoyaki sauce, drizzled with mayonnaise and sprinkled with shaved green laver and dried bonito. They are flavorful and satisfying. As a bonus you can also get freshly baked taiyaki, another traditional fish-shaped treat (cake) filled with either red bean paste made from sweetened azuki beans or more traditional custard.

Address: 1 Chome-14-24 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001

ANTEP KEBABFor a taste of something oriental, this tiny little Turkish joint (located next to the Embassy of Turkey) serves one of the most juicy and flavorful kebabs in town. You can get a traditional wrap or order it a la Japan, e.i. served on top of rice, like I did. Meat is cooked perfectly and is doctored up with amazing spices, vegetables and sauce.

Address: 渋谷区神宮前3-22-4

xoxo, nano

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