Today, I’d like to introduce a unique yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant in Tsukishima called Osaka Tsuruhashi Yakiniku Wabi Sabi DX.
Although it’s located in Tokyo, the place feels just like Osaka — and you can tell from the name alone. Tsuruhashi is a well-known area in Osaka, and wabi-sabi is a deep Japanese concept of finding beauty in imperfection. Right at the entrance, you’ll be greeted by a statue of Billiken, the iconic Osaka good-luck charm, adding even more Kansai flavor.
People from the Kansai region love to have fun, and this restaurant definitely embraces that spirit. It’s lively, quirky, and full of character — but to be honest, it’s also a bit dirty.
Upon entering, you climb a narrow staircase, and the place is packed with people. The interior is equally amazing, with quirky signs and little knick-knacks scattered all around.
Yakiniku with Smoky Gas Grills at a Hormone Restaurant
The yakiniku is cooked using traditional gas grills that fill the air with thick smoke. When you sit down, you’re given a black plastic bag to store your belongings, and as an appetizer, you’re served a small porridge and a small slice of sausage.
The restaurant’s signature dishes are three: Perorincho Sirloin (499 yen per slice), Berabo Hormone (1299 yen), and Wabi Sabi Meat Platter (2999 yen).
The Perorincho Sirloin
The Perorincho Sirloin is a large, thinly sliced piece of sirloin. There are two ways to eat it: with pickled ginger and grated daikon or with a raw egg-based sauce, like sukiyaki.
When I choose the grated daikon option, the staff quickly grills it for me, and it’s light and delicious!
The smoke inside the restaurant is intense—so thick it stings your eyes. When grilling this sirloin, the smoke is especially heavy, so they provide you with goggles (laughs). You can choose between welding goggles and swimming goggles (laughs).
Wearing goggles in the midst of all that smoke makes you look like a ninja.
Berabo Hormone MIX
Berabo Hormone MIX is a platter of various hormone cuts. It comes with heart, intestine, and tripe, all casually arranged together.
If you love hormone, this is a must-try! However, since the platter includes random cuts, it’s not guaranteed that your favorite cuts will be there. If you have preferences, it might be better to order individually rather than going with the mixed platter.
Though it’s primarily a hormone restaurant, they also offer ramen, curry, and even monjayaki (a type of savory pancake). At first, I wondered how they could serve monjayaki without a teppan (iron griddle), but it turns out they bring out small iron plates to cook it on. Finally, they serve a warm clam soup, which is a nice touch. But wait—this isn’t the end of the surprises.
What do you think comes last?
They give you a massage (laughs). It’s unbelievable! When you leave, they even spray Fabreze on you. This place truly takes everything and turns it into a joke! If you like that kind of fun and quirky atmosphere, this place is a must-visit! I’ll be back soon, not just for the hormone, but also for yakiniku and sashimi!
Osaka Tsuruhashi Yakiniku Wabi Sabi DX
The restaurant has mostly 4-person tables, so I recommend going with a group of four to sample a variety of dishes.
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