In this edition of the "Back of Yoyogi Walking Map," we would like to introduce places where you can have a drink in the evening that are rarely featured on the "Front of Yoyogi Walking Map."
Like many web development companies, Monosus has many employees who work overtime.
One day in February, I stayed at the office until almost 11pm and finished my work, then I was hit by a sudden hunger. Before I knew it, I was busy with meetings and pre-delivery checks, and I had been working without lunch. It was no wonder I was hungry.
Furthermore, the nagging from my boss and the pushing from my juniors left me exhausted both physically and mentally that day.
On a certain day in February, the Monosus building was lit up until late at night.
When that happens, I naturally feel the urge to drink beer.
But at this time it's not really appropriate to go to an izakaya. Is there anywhere I can get a quick and affordable snack and have a beer at the same time?
The sign for the Chinese restaurant "Chouraku" came to mind.
It's close to the office and is a popular restaurant for Monosus employees for lunch, so I also frequent it often.
I remembered that there was something called an evening drinking set where you could order several dishes for 980 yen, so I rushed to Choraku, where last orders were approaching.
There it was. An illuminated signboard advertising a four-piece evening drink set. My memory was correct.
An electronic signboard displays a great deal on a drinking set for 980 yen
For 980 yen (tax included) you get a drink, an appetizer, fried dumplings, and a side dish.
You can choose everything except the gyoza. And the options are plentiful. It's an exciting set.
The menu is so extensive that it's really hard to choose...
First, carefully choose your menu.
As it was nearly closing time, I felt the pressure from the staff member's inner voice telling me to make a decision quickly, and after much deliberation, I decided on a bottle of beer, cucumber salad, and mapo tofu.
After placing my order, I finally calmly look around the store.
"Choraku" serves Chinese home cooking, giving it a homey atmosphere.
I wonder if it's a family business? There was a middle-aged couple in the kitchen and a young man in the dining area, but the woman in the kitchen and the man in the dining area looked somewhat similar.
The man working in the dining area politely serves customers in Japanese, albeit haltingly.
He gives off the vibe of a simple, down-to-earth young man, which leaves a good impression.
Additionally, ornaments and tapestries that exude a Chinese atmosphere are displayed here and there throughout the store, showing the owner's ingenuity.
Paintings that convey China's 3,000 years of history
As I was admiring the paintings that evoked China's 3,000-year history, I suddenly realized the food was already ready.
Just looking at these appetizers will get you excited. A two-serving set costs 1,960 yen.
It's amazing. I'm impressed that you can get three dishes in addition to beer for just 980 yen (tax included).
First, I quench my thirst with a beer and then start with some piping hot mapo tofu.
When I took a bite, it hit me hard. The Japanese pepper makes it spicier than I expected. But it's not so spicy that I can't eat it. The perfect level of spiciness makes it go well with beer.
It's good that it's in a clay pot. Thanks to that, it stays warm even after a while. Doesn't this taste like a midnight snack a Chinese mother makes for her son? This mapo tofu is soaking into my tired heart.
Spicy and piping hot mapo tofu
Just as the battle with the mapo tofu was reaching its climax, I suddenly remembered that I had some cucumber salad, so I reached for it to change my mood.
It is served with a refreshing salt sauce and sesame seeds, and I can't stop eating it. The cucumber I tore by hand was mixed with the salt sauce and was my favorite. I was glad I ordered this.
It's perfect for a short break from the piping hot mapo tofu, and if you alternate between the cucumber and mapo tofu, you could keep eating forever.
Cucumber salad with salt sauce
Meanwhile, the chef from the kitchen hastily brought the last plate of freshly made gyoza. I immediately made a sauce in a small dish by mixing vinegar, soy sauce, and chili oil, quickly dipped the freshly cooked gyoza in it, and took a bite.
Yes, this is it! Gyoza never disappoints, it's delicious.
I enjoyed the texture of the chewy skin and the crispy browned parts. The hot meat juice almost burned my tongue, but that was good. And the portion of three pieces was just right.
Finally, the freshly baked dumplings
Before I knew it, my extremely hungry stomach, which had been emptied after working overtime without lunch, had been satisfied and my frayed heart had been soothed.
I looked at the clock and saw that there were only 10 minutes left until the last train. I dashed to Yoyogi Station and managed to catch the last train.
This makes me feel like I can do my best again tomorrow.
Chinese Cuisine Choraku
1F Marmor Yoyogi, 3-2-7 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-5352-5887
11:00-15:00 17:00-23:00
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