Meals on Qantas Tokyo Flight

[Quickstatus]

Thanks for that. You are dead right, not fond of Japanese sushi and the like at all. But am willing to try some dishes. Would you know the name of a dish akin to Chinese Beef and vegetables - with fried meat please?

I had worked out the train and subway system on the internet and YouTube , it looked straight forward - but then I thought about it. We'd be arriving at the hotel's station when it was dark, and in a place where I can't read street signs. So I opted for the minibus instead.

The hotel I booked last year, and was puzzled why there were no reviews - but for a four star place at $200 a night for a twin room, including breakfast - it seemed too good a deal to pass up. It turned out that it was still under construction. I had almost booked the double bed room, till I realised that they were one and a half person "double" beds

Fortunately, the hotel has now opened and has very good reviews at Booking.com, and the price is higher.
Cheers,
Renato

Tokyo metros have English signs

 

[Quickstatus]

Really need someone to do an Economy Trip Report

 

[opusman]

It was really hard cutting the individual layers of very thin meat from the layers of fat

Obviously this was your mistake, you're supposed to eat the fat as well

 

[milehighclub]

Please don't go all the way to Japan and eat at Dennys. There are so many amazing little places to eat, down every other alleyway. Download the Google Translate app and then Japanese - you can hold your phone over the menu and it will give you a rough translation for places that don't have pictures or English.

Reminds me of that Simpsons episode when they go to Tokyo, and the first restaurant they go to is "America Town".

 

[Renato1]

The late flight Refreshment is very similar to what is offered in economy on Qantas domestic 'Lunch' flights.

Thanks. Typically, it's not substantial at all.
Regards,
Renato

Sushi is only a small fraction of the local fare in Japan.

There’s tons of other offerings, pork and chicken cutlets are very popular, also yakitori (pieces of cooked chicken on a skewer) and various hot noodle dishes. Even sandwiches are awesome in Japan.

I wouldn’t be hitting up Denny’s, that’s for sure!

In regard to transport, I totally get your reasons for using a minibus on the evening of arrival. Once you’re there though, be sure grab a Suica or Pasmo card if you hadn’t already planned to do so. It makes using the transit systems an absolute breeze.

Well, that does sound promising I must admit. Especially the sandwiches and the pork.

Yes, I shall certainly be getting the Suica card. Pretty much mandatory I think.
Cheers,
Renato

Seriously? Over ten hours, and it's one meal and one refreshment?

Good to see someone else of my own ilk.

For such a flight, I'd have thought a light refreshment lunch plus a more substantial main dinner meal would have been more appropriate.
Regards,
Renato

Yes, for those not that adventurous, the cutlets are a good option. Look out for the deep fried Tonkatsu dishes - a pork cutlet deep fried in breadcrumbs (light flaky breadcrumbs at that), usually served with shredded cabbage which you dress with a sesame dressing, miso soup and rice. Good places will also have coarse salt and pepper to season to taste. Quite simple, but delicious food for the unadventurous.

And +1 re sandwiches, even 7-Eleven stores and the like have a good range of sandwich offerings.

Thanks. I would definitely be pleased with pork cutlets - if I can figure out how to order them.
I hope there is a 7 Eleven close by.
Cheers,
Renato

I think they assume you have breakfast before your flight. The other way of looking at it, how much food does one normally eat between 9:10am and 7:35 pm? For me it would be a light lunch and one main evening , so probably not that different to what QF are serving on the flight.

Thanks, but that's my issue.
I'd have thought a light lunch and an evening meal before arriving would be the way to go.
Regards,
Renato

When I visited Denny's in Tokyo on the basis that it would be a safe and easy dining experience, I was surprised to find they did not have an English language menu avaiulable and none of the staff spoke English, and I don't speak Japanese. The menu did have some pictures and the fun game of pointing and charades ensued. We managed to order and eat, but decided if we were going to dine in this manner we were better off not eating at an American chain feeding house when in Tokyo. Save Denney's for when in the USA and look to step outside your comfort zone to enjoy the culinary experience and the exotic foods of the local region.

Thanks. But that's not good news.
Hopefully they'll have a picture of a hamburger and chips, or steak and chips on the menu.
I used to like Denny's when they were in Australia. But oddly, I didn't try them in the USA.
Cheers,
Renato

I’ve done the day flight to Japan maybe 6 times and I can’t recall every arriving hungry.

I guess it may depend on having a substantial breakfast?
I guess I may have to grab a hamburger or pie (or two) at the airport for breakfast, after going through the whole entry rigmarole.
Cheers,
Renato

 

[DC3]

In the restaurant, don’t expect English to be spoken (although it may be). If you see a dish that looks appealing, just point at it (“I’ll have what they’re having”) ... and don’t be afraid of stepping out of that comfort zone and letting your hair down.

There’s been plenty of tourists that have been there and done that. It’s part of the fun.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

In many ways Japanese cuisine is more like western food in terms of composition and flavours. Omelettes, mild curries, hamburg steaks, noodle soups. Rare to find dishes with chilli that are common place in the rest of Asia like China, Thailand, Vietnam and indonesia.

 

[Renato1]

Obviously this was your mistake, you're supposed to eat the fat as well

I know that - but I can't stand eating fat like that.
My wife actually ate her fat,, then said she felt ill and wished she hadn't.

That's one reason why I was annoyed with that Jetstar flight. I go to Chinese restaurants all the time, including often with former Chinese workmates, and a Chinese friend. I've never seen anyone ordering such pork bellies. It's just not that popular. Why not provide the popular dishes with lean meat, like Beef and vegetables, sweet and sour pork etc?
Cheers,
Renato

Please don't go all the way to Japan and eat at Dennys. There are so many amazing little places to eat, down every other alleyway. Download the Google Translate app and then Japanese - you can hold your phone over the menu and it will give you a rough translation for places that don't have pictures or English.

Reminds me of that Simpsons episode when they go to Tokyo, and the first restaurant they go to is "America Town".

I think Homer and I have something in common.

But thanks - I am getting encouraged by yours and the other responses to go seek Japanese meaty meals.
Regards,
Renato

 

[Quickstatus]

Please don't go all the way to Japan and eat at Dennys. There are so many amazing little places to eat, down every other alleyway. Download the Google Translate app and then Japanese - you can hold your phone over the menu and it will give you a rough translation for places that don't have pictures or English.

Reminds me of that Simpsons episode when they go to Tokyo, and the first restaurant they go to is "America Town".

I found Google translate very poor in translating everyday Japanese to English

But yes even so, when in Japan... go Japanese....

 

[MEL_Traveller]

That's one reason why I was annoyed with that Jetstar flight. I go to Chinese restaurants all the time, including often with former Chinese workmates, and a Chinese friend. I've never seen anyone ordering such pork bellies. It's just not that popular. Why not provide the popular dishes with lean meat, like Beef and vegetables, sweet and sour pork etc?
Cheers,
Renato

It depends what sorts of restaurants you're going to, and whether or not pork belly is a speciality. Sweet and sour pork (and dishes like 'lemon chicken') are often westernised dishes... and restaurants serving that might not be specialists in pork belly.

Various recipies of pork belly are eaten extensively in mainland China.

 

[Renato1]

Tokyo metros have English signs

Yes, I was aware of that thanks. And the station numbering looks straightforward enough too.
Cheers,
Renato

Really need someone to do an Economy Trip Report

If I did - it would be mainly food based.
Cheers,
Renato

In the restaurant, don’t expect English to be spoken (although it may be). If you see a dish that looks appealing, just point at it (“I’ll have what they’re having”) ... and don’t be afraid of stepping out of that comfort zone and letting your hair down.

There’s been plenty of tourists that have been there and done that. It’s part of the fun.

Thanks for the tip. I hadn't thought of that.

My wife is the one who often steps out of the comfort zone. More often than not, she looks at me and wishes she'd bought the standard hamburger meal I often get.
Cheers,
Renato

In many ways Japanese cuisine is more like western food in terms of composition and flavours. Omelettes, mild curries, hamburg steaks, noodle soups. Rare to find dishes with chilli that are common place in the rest of Asia like China, Thailand, Vietnam and indonesia.

Very interesting observation thanks.

It probably means I won't need to take as many Zantacs for us, as we would normally do. Though, as we're going to Bali afterwards, we'll have to take them.
Regards,
Renato

 

[Renato1]

It depends what sorts of restaurants you're going to, and whether or not pork belly is a speciality. Sweet and sour pork (and dishes like 'lemon chicken') are often westernised dishes... and restaurants serving that might not be specialists in pork belly.

Various recipies of pork belly are eaten extensively in mainland China.

Interesting that pork belly is so popular in China.
But to my point - it's more a specialty than a routine popular dish. And it's a specialty which I suspect would have a very polarising reaction, depending on whether one likes eating fat or not.
I think they could do better with more popular fare.

In our case, we were flying Business in Jetstar, and really, we would have preferred the standard meal bought with the package in Economy.
Regards,
Renato

 

[JFi]

FYI if you're interested. Flew last week.

Pork Belly:


The dessert:


The light snack before arrival, chose the pork buns:


Flight back - pork with potatoes (not pork belly)


Breakfast fruit and muffin


Just realised...seems like I like pork a lot...

 

[Vic]

Tokyo has like a thousand ramen places and best susihmi I've ever eaten in some random suburb. Sushi is nothing but it will be amazing compared to most places in Australia. The breakfast place where you had to buy a token for your meal from a vending machine was challenging, but a staff member helped out the dumb gaijin.

Getting away from the food to the hotel.
1. The "hand towel" hanging next to the toilet, is not a hand towel.
2. Make sure you try all the buttons on the toilet seat.

 

[offshore171]

I hope there is a 7 Eleven close by.

That’s another thing virtually unique to Japan - you can get a decent hot meal at convenience stores. All of the chains are good in this regard: Family Mart, Lawson, 7/11 etc.

At the other end of the scale, Tokyo has a lot of high end international restaurants providing cuisines such as French all the way to Michelin star levels. There’s also the Kobe beef places with grills on your table.

Most of these places require reservations, so if you do plan to have a meal at one of these upmarket restaurants, talk to the concierge at your hotel. They will make reservations for you.

In which district are you staying?

 

[Renato1]

FYI if you're interested. Flew last week.

Pork Belly:
View attachment 162541

The dessert:
View attachment 162542

The light snack before arrival, chose the pork buns:
View attachment 162543

Flight back - pork with potatoes (not pork belly)
View attachment 162544

Breakfast fruit and muffin
View attachment 162545

Just realised...seems like I like pork a lot...

Well, totally understandable - pork is very filling compared to fish or pasta.

Thanks for the pictures. I don't know what that light snack is. And I shuddered looking at the pork belly.
But I sure wish that roast pork had been on offer for my flight out. I won't be having it on the way back though, as we're going to Bali with Philippine airlines
Regards,
Renato

 

[Renato1]

Tokyo has like a thousand ramen places and best susihmi I've ever eaten in some random suburb. Sushi is nothing but it will be amazing compared to most places in Australia. The breakfast place where you had to buy a token for your meal from a vending machine was challenging, but a staff member helped out the dumb gaijin.

Getting away from the food to the hotel.
1. The "hand towel" hanging next to the toilet, is not a hand towel.
2. Make sure you try all the buttons on the toilet seat.

Thanks - but please elaborate - what exactly is the "hand towel" for.

The breakfast place with the token sounds very amusing.
Luckily the hotel is providing breakfast - but I've no idea what to expect. Though I'm hoping omlettes, pork and toast and I'll be happy.
Cheers.
Renato

That’s another thing virtually unique to Japan - you can get a decent hot meal at convenience stores. All of the chains are good in this regard: Family Mart, Lawson, 7/11 etc.

At the other end of the scale, Tokyo has a lot of high end international restaurants providing cuisines such as French all the way to Michelin star levels. There’s also the Kobe beef places with grills on your table.

Most of these places require reservations, so if you do plan to have a meal at one of these upmarket restaurants, talk to the concierge at your hotel. They will make reservations for you.

In which district are you staying?

The convenience food places sound intriguing. I will try one if I can get a good idea of what is in the meal.
Thanks, but we're not into high end dining, though the beef grill on the table does sound good to me.

I don't know the district - the address is 104-0045 Tokyo Prefecture, Chuo-ku Tsukiji 3-5-4, Japan
Cheers,
Renato

 

[DC3]

... what exactly is the "hand towel" for ..

How to Use a Bidet | Bidet.org

Bidets are very common in many areas of the world, and you may have encountered one if you have ever traveled outside of the USA or even in some parts of the United States. The bidet is often a basin that is situated close to the toilet in the bathroom, and it is used to clean yourself after...

www.bidet.org

The towel explanation is in there.

However, Japanese toilets are often very high-end, some using warm air, so no need to towel-dry. The best automatically sense you entering and power-up, are heated, with many other inclusions. You will want to buy one when you get back home.

 

[offshore171]

Thanks - but please elaborate - what exactly is the "hand towel" for.

I don't know the district - the address is 104-0045 Tokyo Prefecture, Chuo-ku Tsukiji 3-5-4, Japan

Towel is for your jacksie, which will get wet if you press certain buttons on the toilet control panel.

Area you are staying is right next to Ginza. The big department stores on the main drag in Ginza have great, inexpensive dining on the lower ground floors.

Also not far away is the Odaiba area which has shopping malls with large food courts.

To get there Go to Shimbashi station near your hotel and Catch the elevated train across the Rainbow bridge.

More importantly, Odaiba is home to the incredible TeamLab exhibition which is a must see.

[Official] teamLab Borderless TOKYO, Azabudai Hills

teamLab Borderless is a world of artworks without boundaries, a museum without a map created by art collective teamLab.Artworks move out of rooms, relate to other works, influence each other, and at times intermingle, without boundaries. Through this group of works, one continuous world without...

borderless.teamlab.art

 

[Renato1]

How to Use a Bidet | Bidet.org

Bidets are very common in many areas of the world, and you may have encountered one if you have ever traveled outside of the USA or even in some parts of the United States. The bidet is often a basin that is situated close to the toilet in the bathroom, and it is used to clean yourself after...

www.bidet.org

The towel explanation is in there.

However, Japanese toilets are often very high-end, some using warm air, so no need to towel-dry. The best automatically sense you entering and power-up, are heated, with many other inclusions. You will want to buy one when you get back home.

Thanks for the explanation.
We had one sort of like that - with a mind of its own at times - in Qatar last year.
We kept laughing at its antics - I'd leave the room and go downstairs - then it would flush for no known reason, and my wife would be calling out for me, wondering when I'd come back.
Cheers,
Renato