Find Me: At Pepper Lunch

In Tokyo, there are a few places our hearts (and stomachs) remember with great fondness. Pepper Lunch is at the top of that list.

Originally enjoyed while my husband was flying solo, one of our friends, Meg, introduced him to this tiny, counter-sitting eatery. Known as a “fast-steak” restaurant, Pepper Lunch is very popular in Tokyo but it’s locations aren’t limited to the city. It has sites in Australia, China, Taiwan, and other countries, but we’ve only enjoyed it within the Tokyo city limits.

I’m sure by now you’re asking: What is a “fast-steak” restaurant? It’s probably along the lines of what you’re thinking. The invention of Kunio Ichinose, he created a concept to serve quality fast food without hiring a chef. He devised a method using hot metal plates that are heated to 500 degrees Fahrenheit by an electromagnetic cooker. The raw meat with vegetables and/or rice are then placed on the plates, where they cook in front of the customer. The meat can be eaten rare or well done, depending on the customer's preference. The meal is then mixed with a choice of either the special honey brown sauce (Amakuchi) or the garlic soy (Karakuchi). FYI, the garlic soy is the best.

When you place your order you pay up front. In less than 5 minutes your meal is set before you, allowing for an interactive dining experience. A paper collar is wrapped around the scalding hot plate and the wooden board it’s presented on. Not only does it prevent the sizzling juices from the beef from splattering you, but it allows you to cook your beef as you like, mixing it with your rice and toppings without it spilling everywhere. Who needs a bowl? Okay, maybe this guy.

The ability to “play" with our food is what Jackson loved most about it. He has no memories of Pepper Lunch, but he surely enjoyed himself last night! It used to be the habit of my husband and daughter to go together for some quality time but the store they frequented in Roppongi closed, many of them did, in fact, and it made getting their fix of crispy and perfectly steamed rice with corn, scallions, sprouts and thinly sliced beef challenging. Thank goodness it’s not an issue now!

Last night we ventured into Akihabara for two purposes: to go to Yodabashi Camera and eat at Pepper Lunch, and I’m glad to say both were happy (and tasty) successes. If you’re in Asia, or Australia, I suggest you look up this small venue for three reasons: It’s inexpensive, it is incredibly tasty, and it’ll put a very happy smile on your face.