When you say “Shibuya”, the first things that come to mind include shopping, Shibuya 109, the “scramble”, Hachiko, Tsutaya and Starbucks. Places to eat are almost an afterthought. But while checking out blogs of those who have been there, I stumbled on one that mentioned Genki Sushi. True, it’s not the traditional sushi place, with a “conveyor belt”-like mechanism, but it is more than enough motivation for me to check it out. Besides, I was keen on making sure I try out as much Japanese food as I can for the duration of my trip.
Genki Sushi in Shibuya is easier to find than I thought. (Click here for my around-Shibuya post.)
Straight from the JR Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Exit, Right after taking the crosswalk, go on the alley on the left side of Tsutaya/Starbucks. Walk up until you go past the Forever 21 store. Turn right in another side street and, on your right, there is Genki Sushi.
Genki Sushi, although not your traditional kaitensushi or conveyor-belt sushi place, works around the same concept. There are a lot of Genki Sushi places all over the world, and the Shibuya one is just one of them.
How It Works
Once you step inside, you will be greeted by genki or lively greetings of “Irasshaimase~!” by the staff. The place is obviously clean and well-maintained.
You can choose any of the available seats. You’ll be served cold water, wet tissue to wipe your hands on, and a tab with a number for paying later on. If you have some stuff or valuables, you will be provided with a hamper or container to put them in, and they will be placed on your feet, underneath the table.
A screen will be right in front of you where you can place your orders. There is an English setting for non-Japanese speakers. The items available for order are on the screen, you just have to select them.
You can order three items at a time. Once your order “tray” is full, press Order. Those who are preparing your order will then get to doing it.
While waiting, you can check out the other items on the table before you. They have various sauces (and sachets of wasabi for those who want it), pickled ginger (my first time to taste it, and WHO KNEW. I LOVE IT.), green tea powder, and a hot water dispenser. Feel free to use the cups for your tea, and the various small plates to mix up your sauces.
Your order will then arrive via a small conveyor belt mechanism or on a lane.
Remove your orders, and then press the button so the empty tray will return to the kitchen.
There is no limit to how much you want to order. But one order only allows 3 items to be delivered at a time. I made a mistake the first time and didn’t notice that I ordered the same thing twice. 🙂 So I got two servings of albacore and tuna. Haha! Didn’t mind it much, though.
The Food
Fresh. That’s what hit me the first time. They were so nicely presented it was such a shame to consume them. But my stomach prevailed.
The fish did not smell or taste fish-y. They were fresh and succulent, it was such a pleasure to bite on them. I’ve always been enamoured with the quality of Japanese rice, and this time is no exception.
Here are snaps of what I ordered.
I’ve always been a sucker for roe. 🙂 I love how they just… pop… inside your mouth, know what I mean?
Doesn’t it look tasty??
I have to say their miso soup is sooooo much better than any I’ve tasted back home. My favorite would be the salmon roe. I didn’t really care much about the Tekka Roll; I just ordered it because I wanted more rice. Blame it on not having eaten any rice since the previous night.
To Check Out
Once you’re full and you want to leave, just checkout using the screen. Take your tab, bring it to the cashier (reji) and pay there.
To be honest, there were still so many I wanted to try. Notice how I only ordered the 129-yen ones. Unfortunately, my stomach no longer has any room. 🙁
Gochisousamadeshita~
