Taito City, Tokyo, Japan｜Hyotan

In the 淺草 street, we found a traditional Japanese food restaurant　ひょうたん. The waiter is super hospitable. There are different cooking method for different dishes. Whenever you have question, just raise your hands. The most important things are food taste good and price are around 1000~1500 Japanese yen.

Your choice of sitting on floor or chair, which is good because I recently injured my foot, and even though I tried, I couldn't cope on the floor, the staff quickly recognized my discomfort and ushered us to chairs. You do cook your own food on a large steel griddle but the friendly staff came to my aid when I was obviously looking lost. The instructions have pictures but there is a method to let it cook and steam off for the crispy cheese condition to enjoy it best. It is a popular place and we had to wait, but I was glad for it was more than worth it. Why all the gourds because that's what Hyautan means and I will remember it as one of the best places I ate at during my first time in Japan.

We visited this restaurant because of the good reviews. We went at off-peak time so have been served really well. Kids love frying their own noodles (with friendly staff's help) and we love our okinomiyaki. Staff gave kids fridge magnet as a souvenir when we left overall a great & fun experience.