Niku To Gohan To Tokidoki Yasai Mohawk

Restaurant Details

A few hours from Tokyo lies the tranquil town of Kasukabe, tucked in far eastern Saitama Prefecture. Famous for its traditional tansu dressers crafted from paulownia wood, this mostly rural area is home to the delightfully quirky and charmingly humble Mohawk. Even its full name, “Niku To Gohan To Tokidoki Yasai,” is peculiar — it means “meat, rice, and, sometimes, vegetables.”

Though less touristy than most, Mohawk channels the soul of Japanese comfort food while operating as a meat bar, bistro and yoshoku eatery all at once. There’s rarely a crowd, and part of the allure of visiting is the sense of ease in knowing that there is going to be an empty table.

There’s nothing flashy on the menu, but everything is great in the way it feels familiar. Touches of French wistfulness keep things interesting. Park yourself at one of the counter seats and enjoy crowd favorites like the chicken thigh confit and sausage cassoulet or the beef heart steak, served with fresh black pepper and wasabi for an added kick. Guests are invited to help themselves to wines and beers from the fridge.

In the morning, freshly baked scones arrive in a basket, warm and crisp from the oven, yet tender on the inside. A true neighborhood treasure, Mohawk’s timeless dishes and hidden charm remain largely under the radar. However, its hospitality invites anyone willing to make the journey to this quiet, welcoming corner of Kasukabe.