Nasuoyaji: I am the eggplant

Old Japanese adage: "When life gets busy, eat curry," or visit Tokyo's Nasuoyaji (translation: 'old eggplant man'). Ok, we made up the old adage part, but the Shimokitazawa-based eatery reigns as the king of Tokyo-style curry -- a melange of spiced sauce atop a heaping plate of rice punctuated with your choice of chicken, pork, or vegetables (or a mix thereof). Each curry comes sprinkled with pan-fried garlic and fresh vegetables, and pickles on the side.

Having served up curry-flavored showpieces for over 10 years, chef Abe-san is Tokyo's master of the curry dish. Don't trust us, see for yourself by watching the steady stream of oh-so-regulars curry-goers zipping through the doors every night.

Sure, it's hip, it's hot and Tokyo's Nasuoyaji is the place to be seen, but the laid-back earth-tone decor makes gives you a chilled-out respite from Shimokitazawa's hectic streets.