Omurice is a Western-influenced Japanese dish (also known as yoshoku), consisting of ketchup fried rice wrapped in an omelet, and typically, the omurice is topped with more ketchup or sauce. Omu comes from French word omelette, while rice is pronounced raisu in Japanese.
During the Meiji Era, Westernization started to influence different aspects of Japanese culture, including food culture. Today, omurice is often a homemade dish that mothers make for their children. It is one of the most popular yoshoku dishes and recalls fond childhood memories. So, if you love eating eggs and fried rice and want to try out diverse types of omurice, don’t miss out the following restaurants with the best omurice in Tokyo!
What is omurice?
Omurice is a popular Japanese dish that consists of fried rice wrapped in a thin omelet. It's a delightful combination of savory fried rice and fluffy eggs, usually smothered in tomato ketchup or a sweet-salty demi glace sauce.
Best restaurants for omurice in Tokyo
Here are some of our recommended restaurants for omurice in Tokyo!
1. grill GRAND
You may know Asakusa as one of Tokyo's most historic districts, featuring Senso-ji Temple and its colossal Kaminarimon Gate by the tempting souvenirs and snacks of Nakamise Shopping Street, but it's also the home of another landmark: grill GRAND, a homely restaurant known for hearty yoshoku Western-style dishes, including the omurice.
And much like grill GRAND's Michelin Bib Gourmand, a well-deserved accolade granted in 2024, this restaurant's omurice is also a cut above the rest. Combining the classic omurice with hayashi rice — an equally comforting rice dish that contains beef, onions, and mushrooms in a sauce of red wine and tomato sauce — this is the best of the best when it comes to elevated omurice.
2. Rengatei
Some believe that yoshoku culture originated from Rengatei in Ginza. Rengatei, a pioneering restaurant specializing in yoshoku, was established in 1895. Unlike most omurice in Tokyo, their fried rice is not wrapped in an omelet but is instead cooked together with the eggs.
It’s a simple dish and it presents the original taste of the ingredients. The simple and classic taste may be the reason why Rengatei has continued to operate for over a century. Come here for the original omurice in Tokyo!
3. Taimeiken
Taimeiken has been established for over 80 years and it takes the lead of bringing Western elements into Japanese dishes. One of their signature dishes is tampopo omurice. Unlike Rengatei's omurice, the omelet is placed on the top of fried rice rather than cooked together with it. Tampopo is the Japanese word for dandelion, so called because the oozy omelet blossoms like a flower when sliced. Tampopo omurice truly is a visual feast.
It only takes you one-minute walk from Nihonbashi station to get there. The first floor is a more casual eatery with more affordable prices, while the second floor is a traditional restaurant. No reservation can be made on the first floor, which means it is unavoidable to wait in a long queue during peak hours. It may take time to wait, but the taste is worth it.
4. Ailnoir
Ailnoir is certainly a new style of omurice in Tokyo. The restaurant emphasizes the use of organic ingredients. The omelet layer of their fuwafuwa (fluffy) omurice is made of foamy beaten egg white, filled with air bubbles. The omurice is then served on a sizzling iron plate. In one bite, you can experience a variety of textures: the half-cooked creamy omelet on the top and a crispy fried egg at the bottom.
5. Azabu Shokudo
Azabu Shokudo is famous for its perfectly-portioned omurice. Customers can choose demi-glace sauce, white sauce, or tomato sauce, based on their preference. For those who have never tried omurice before, go for the traditional tomato sauce. The ketchup-seasoned fried rice wrapped with a golden omelet is a classic, the acidic taste of tomato sauce complements the rich flavor. The omurice braised with demi-glace sauce carries a strong aroma, creating a harmonious taste together with vegetables and chicken fillings. Meanwhile, it is rare to see omurice in Tokyo coated with white sauce and, surprisingly, the shallot sprinkled on the omelet pairs well with the white sauce.
6. @Homecafe
@Homecafe is a famous maid cafe located in Akihabara. Some may wonder what’s special about omurice in maid cafes. It’s the classic home-style omurice, infused with moe-culture. Maids will draw cute pictures with ketchup on your "Pipiyo-Piyopiyo Hiyoko-san Rice." Customers can request the maids to draw any characters they like. Before eating the omurice, the maids ask customers to chant the magic words "moe moe kyun" in order to make the food more delicious. You will enjoy an unforgettable experience, an overload of cuteness!
Learn how to make omurice in Tokyo
Make chicken omurice in this Shibuya cooking class
In the heart of Shibuya, you'll learn to make a delicious omurice with the guidance of professional chefs and cooking instructors with over 10 years of experience in Japanese cuisine.
Whip up a fluffy omelet and lay it gently on a bed of seasoned rice and chicken before slathering on a generous amount of ketchup.
You'll even get to take home a copy of the recipe, meaning you can perfect your omurice back at home.
Watch as Shizuka attempts Japanese candy sculpting or check out our YouTube channel for more videos!
Omurice FAQs
What are the ingredients in omurice?
The typical ingredients in omurice include cooked rice, chicken, onions, carrots, peas, ketchup, soy sauce, and eggs for the omelette.
How is omurice different from regular fried rice?
Omurice is unique because it's served with a soft, silky omelette on top, whereas regular fried rice is typically served as is without the egg wrapping.
Can I customize my omurice?
Absolutely! You can add your favorite ingredients like shrimp, beef, mushrooms, or even cheese to make your omurice more personalized and delicious.
Is omurice a breakfast or dinner dish?
Omurice is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for either breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's hearty and satisfying at any time of the day.
Is omurice a healthy meal option?
While omurice is delicious, it may not be the healthiest option due to the use of ketchup and oil in the cooking process. However, you can make a healthier version by using brown rice and adding more vegetables.