Traditional & Modern Tokyo Food Pairing at 240-Year-Old Shop

At the heart of Japanese cuisine lies the food culture of Edo, the historical capital that would become Tokyo. Shinbashi Tamakiya, a 240-year old shop in the cultural district of Shinbashi, has not only witnessed the evolution of Edo’s food culture as it became Tokyo, but also played a major role in shaping it.

The shop was established in 1782 by a villager from modern-day Niigata Prefecture who began selling “zazen beans”, black beans simmered in soy sauce and sugar. This hugely popular snack would foretell what was to come. A few generations later, the idea of applying fish-preserving techniques to create a new food was the start of tsukudani.

Tsukudani are preserved foods (typically seaweed, seafood or meat) simmered in a sweet soy sauce, which gives them a rich glaze and a savory depth. This versatile food (both a condiment and a snack) became an instant favorite among merchants and travelers, starting one of Edo’s most cherished food traditions.

But the shop's innovative spirit didn't end there — it only just began. Current generation owners drew from their treasure trove of food knowledge to craft a food pairing menu that blends in the old with the new.

The highlight, of course, is their signature tsukudani, made with a special secret sauce following the traditional methods. This menu shows the versatility of the condiment and includes savory sauces and onigiri rice balls (a staple of Japanese home cooking), paired with Western favorites like pasta and wine. The result is an unforgettable journey in flavors and textures that proves just how rich, complex and dynamic Tokyo cuisine can be.

Food lovers will certainly find something unique at Shinbashi Tamakiya, where history comes to life in every dish, sprinkled with the timeless magic of their one-of-a-kind tsukudani condiment.