"Chinese Specialty Restaurant Tsurumi" is established in Kagurazaka, Tokyo, not far from the Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple. This hidden yet famous restaurant is said to be visited by people who have sampled various restaurants in Japan and abroad, and, in the end, seek out the cuisine created by the unique cooking arts of the owner-chef Mr. Hideo Tsurumi.
Mr. Tsurumi devoted 12 years to his studies at "Ginza Aster," taking on the role of sous chef at the affiliated restaurant in Shinjuku. Following this, he served as head chef in various enterprises, primarily Chinese restaurants, before setting up independently and opening "Fukuihua" in Ueno, Tokyo. He operated for 5 and half years, before illness obliged him to close shop, but, 4 years and 10 months later, with the impulse to share the things he had learned so far, in order to repay the teachers of court cuisine who taught him the art of cooking during his period of studies, he opened "Chinese Specialty Restaurant Tsurumi" in 2016.
Mr. Tsurumi's cuisine has been free of chemical seasonings for over 15 years and is characterized by its small portion sizes. A particular specialty is the "Six-Stewed Abalone." Salt and Shaoxing rice wine from a traditional ceramic jug are added to water, into which the live abalone are placed, and a process during which they are gradually heated then slightly cooled is carried out at least six times over the course of two to three days. Due to this method of heating, the abalone does not become overly soft, and their distinctive springy mouthfeel can be enjoyed while experiencing the taste of the meat and the scent of the seashore. In addition, his soup dishes are popular with regular guests. In dishes that could only be created by Mr. Tsurumi — who crafts his menus with regards to nutrients and the colors of the ingredients — such as steamed pork spare rib soup, steamed winter melon soup served in the melon, mushroom soup, and Chinese softshell turtle soup, he skillfully uses vegetables, meats, and elements of Chinese herbal medicine, and finishes the dishes with subtle flavors that allow you to experience the taste of the ingredients.
The restaurant has a main counter that seats six, and table seating is provided for up to six guests. The counter is a special seating area where you can not only watch Mr. Tsurumi's cooking process but also hear commentary on the cuisine directly from this chef of 30 years. Mr. Tsurumi declares, "My faith is in the creation of a space where people will comment that they were able to have a great time, even more than that it was delicious." This is a Chinese restaurant providing extra satisfaction, such as the delicious, original flavors of ingredients as you have never experienced them before and Chinese food culture that you had never heard of until now.
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*The availability of this webpage does not guarantee that the restaurant presented provides services in English unless otherwise stated. Please be aware that English services may also depend on staff availability at the restaurant.
【Access】
A 5-minute walk from Iidabashi Station(JR Chuo Line)
