Best Dishes at Tsunahachi
Tiger Prawn Tempura
TempuraTsunahachi's signature dish features plump, sweet Japanese tiger prawns (kuruma-ebi) encased in light, crispy batter. The prawns are deep-fried fresh to order, creating that signature airy texture. Two prawns typically come in each set. Reviewers consistently single this out as exceptional.
Basic Lunch Set
TempuraThe most affordable lunch option at 1,870 yen. Includes two tiger prawns, one white fish, three seasonal vegetables, and kakiage (mixed vegetable fritter). Everything is fried fresh to order and served piece by piece with rice, miso soup, and pickles. The perfect introduction to Tsunahachi's tempura.
Premium Lunch Set
TempuraA more comprehensive lunch option typically in the 2,970 yen range. Includes Japanese tiger prawn, squid, white fish and additional seafood selections, alongside more vegetable varieties and kakiage. The seasonal vegetables come from a small family farm. Still excellent value for the quality.
Seasonal Vegetables Tempura
TempuraTsunahachi sources seasonal vegetables from a dedicated family farm. Items vary by season but might include kabocha squash, eggplant, lotus root, shiso leaf, and more. The cooking method and batter adjustment changes with the season and weather for optimal results. These are not an afterthought but a highlight of the meal.
Anago (Sea Eel) Tempura
TempuraAnago is featured in premium sets. The sea eel is fried to a delicate, flaky finish with subtle sweetness. Pairs beautifully with the light vinegar-sweet sauce. Part of Tsunahachi's broader repertoire beyond prawns.
About Tsunahachi
Tsunahachi opened in 1923 as a tempura specialist and moved to Shinjuku in 1964, the year of the Tokyo Olympics. The flagship location remains beloved by locals and visitors alike. Known for deep-frying live Japanese tiger prawns in light, crispy batter and sourcing seasonal vegetables from a small family farm. Counter seating allows diners to watch each piece cooked to order with hot oil creating that signature airy texture.
Top 5 dishes at Tsunahachi:
- Tiger Prawn Tempura – 94% recommended(Signature)
- Basic Lunch Set – 90% recommended(Signature)
- Premium Lunch Set – 92% recommended(Signature)
- Seasonal Vegetables Tempura – 88% recommended(Signature)
- Anago (Sea Eel) Tempura
Details
- Cuisine:
- Tempura
- Price Range:
- ¥
- Phone:
- +81 3 3352 1012
- Website:
- Visit Website
- Services:
- Dine-in, Lunch, Dinner, Chef's Counter
Hours
- Friday:
- 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM(Open Now)
- Sunday:
- 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM
- Monday:
- 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM
- Tuesday:
- 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM
- Wednesday:
- 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM
- Thursday:
- 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM
- Saturday:
- 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Tiger prawns are the signature — they're deep-fried live to order. The basic 1,870 yen lunch set includes two prawns and is exceptional value. Everything comes hot and crispy piece by piece.
Open 11am-10:30pm daily. Three minutes from either Shinjuku or Shinjuku-Sanchome stations. Counter seating lets you watch the chefs work. Very welcoming to both locals and tourists.
The cheapest lunch sets start at 1,870 yen — genuine tempura restaurant prices that feel out of place in central Shinjuku. Exceptional value for the quality. Seasonal vegetables come from a dedicated family farm.
Operating since 1923. The Shinjuku location opened in 1964 during the first Tokyo Olympics. Now runs 23 restaurants across Japan but the Shinjuku main shop remains the original and best.
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