Tokyo drifters
We’ve always been able to turn to Tokyo Tokyo for affordable Japanese faves in a sleek, ofthe-moment setting. But this year, they’ve decided to change it up with a vibrant new lifestyle store concept. Tokyo Tokyo’s recently reopened flagship store in TriNoma has been remodeled to look like something out of a Studio Ghibli feature, with a storefront that wouldn’t be out of place in a street scene right in Shibuya or Akihabara.
With fresh minimalism and brilliant lightning (perfect not just for dining, but for taking pictures, too), the 200-seat branch is eye-catching and welcoming all at once. The modern look is the brainchild of architect and interior designer James JJ Acuña of JJ Acuña/Bespoke Studio, who shares that he took inspiration from Japanese pop culture and anime, as well as traditional Japanese architecture.
The store has several different areas to assure you get a brand new experience with each visit. There’s a large dining hall akin to street-style food halls in Tokyo, with granite counters and tiled floors and walls. Guests can also enjoy watching their dishes being prepared, thanks to an open kitchen view. The Garden Room has a hand-painted mural and is based on Japanese teahouse architecture, while the Tatami Room boasts intricate details and timber textures on the ceiling and walls to create a serene feel.
And while the interiors alone are worth the trip up north, Tokyo Tokyo steps it up with menu items exclusively available at the flagship store. Keep it green with the chicken teriyaki salad, or split some sushi with friends. The tempura dragon maki is a dream with cheese sauce, Japanese mayo, unagi sauce, and Togarashi powder and crumbs, while the crazy kani maki never disappoints with kani salad and ebiko. For dessert, try the new waffle bowl sundaes in triple caramel, strawberry mango and turtle sundae flavors, and cool off with their classic red iced tea in slushie form, which also comes in a matcha green tea flavor.
All that, and the prices remain wallet-friendly, which is all the more reason to gather your family and friends and make a day of it. The new Tokyo Tokyo captures the colorful and highly creative spirit of Japan more than ever before — and the best part is, you don’t even have to travel too far.
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Tokyo Tokyo’s renovated flagship store serves a contemporary new look and exclusive must-try menu items.