It's funny how history repeats itself. Back in the early days, authentic sushi was served in stands in Tokyo, they were about the size of today's hot dog carts. They had a limited number of sushi toppings and the customers would stand and eat at the counter. This style was called Edomae (Tokyo at the time was called Edo), so this was Tokyo style sushi. Once the customer was finished eating, they would be on their way. I guess we can say that sushi was one of the earliest forms of fast food.
At some Japanese restaurants, you'll see a curtain (noren) hanging over the doorway, this indicates that the restaurant is open. Sushi stands also had the norens hanging over the counter. Back then you'd know this was a good place by all of the customers wiping their hands on it. You can tell how good the stand was by how dirty the noren was, since they didn't have the Zagat or Citysearch at the time.
This standing sushi counter is located in Tsukiji, near the world's largest fish market, and very popular with younger women. Based on it's location, I'm sure the fish is really good. Can you imagine getting a quick sushi lunch at Penn Station in NYC or Terminal One at LAX?
Please continue to follow UMI and let's keep eating sushi, One Fish at a time.
Domo Arigato!
I learned something, thank you.
ReplyDeleteI love these standing sushi bars in Japan. So much so that I've opened the first one in Singapore, aptly named "Standing Sushi Bar." Something about being able to see the chef make the sushi, chat with the customers and chef about what they think is good to eat, and being able to try it all because the standing places are generally affordable... it's great!
ReplyDelete