Manpuku: Tokyo’s Timeless Culinary Treasure
Nestled in Higashi Ginza, Manpuku stands as Tokyo’s venerable haven of Chinese cuisine, tracing its origins back to the storied year of 1929, during the bygone era of Taisho. Beginning as a humble street vendor, it later found its place at the corner of Kobikicho Naka-dori, where it now exudes a delightful, vintage charm.
The essence of Manpuku lies in its timeless offerings of traditional chuka soba noodles and gyoza. The soba showcases handcrafted, delicate noodles, artfully woven into a broth of subtle complexity, blending chicken and pork bone. Toppings are elegantly minimal, featuring chashu, menma, and scallions. The gyoza, prepared in a unique fashion involving boiling and a swift sauté, encases a juicy and savory filling within a thin, chewy skin. This pairing of Chinese soba and gyoza has forever captured the hearts of Manpuku’s esteemed patrons.
A shining gem in Manpuku’s culinary treasure trove emerges during lunchtime – the Ebi-Tama Teishoku. Featuring fluffy omelettes enveloping five succulent prawns, the harmonious dance of these plump prawns and semi-cooked eggs creates a symphony of tasteful balance, sparing diners from an excess of saltiness.
Beyond the realm of cuisine, Manpuku transcends into the tapestry of Japanese culture, its pivotal role in introducing the nation to the allure of Chinese cuisine echoing through the annals of time. It holds a special place in the hearts of cultural and entertainment luminaries from pre to post-war eras, conveniently situated near the Kabuki-za theater, where it became a cherished dining destination.
Manpuku, purportedly Tokyo’s second-oldest Chinese culinary gem, invites exploration of its rich historical legacy and enduring traditions, serving as a cultural catalyst that has deepened the Japanese love for Chinese cuisine.
- Name: Manpuku
- Address: 2-13-13 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Phone: +81-(0)3-3541-7210
- Hours: 11:00 – 15:00 & 17:00 – 22:00
- Closed On: Sundays and National Holidays
- Number of Seats: 27
- Budget: – JPY2,000
- Payment Options: Cash Only
