Hanbey Shinjuku [LIFESTYLE]

Hanbey is an izakaya which is basically a Japanese style bar . My favourite thing about any and every izakaya is the vast amount of cheap drinks and food available . The stand out points of izakaya's are always: cheap food, snack food, and cheap drinks . In terms of Hanbey though, it has another interesting little twist to it...

Hello Hanbey !

The Hanbey izakaya chain are awesome Japanese-retro themed joints, and yes, there's more than one of them . However I've heard that they're always packed though so it's best to get a reservation .  Considering the fact that it's featured in famous tourist book line Lonely Planet it can't be helped, but it's definitely worth checking out . This place was absolutely decked out in retro toys and even sold some free old school sweets, snacks and toys ! The walls are also completely covered in vintage and retro posters and advertisements; and to top it all off, the music plays all the classics . While we were there the Astro boy theme and a Japanese version of the Godfather theme played too . XD In addition you can also get an English menu as well .

The Hanbey we went to is in Shinjuku and is close to the Shinjuku station East exit . It's also pretty close to (or basically in) Kabuki-cho . So if you see Roppongi or the IMAX Godzilla, then you're pretty close by haha . Also it's on the the third floor so it's not actually visible outside and is a bit difficult to see . But from memory it's right next to a Hungry Jacks and you can take the stairs to get there .

But if that isn't enough to convince you, not only is the food cheap . It is also, absolutely, freaking wild .

First off I'll start off with the more tamed stuff . So the flagship themed drinks either have this gorgeous gradation or have something interesting added to them . The Mighty Atom drink (the Japanese title of Astro Boy) had popping rocks and some other candy at the bottom and it actually really made the drink taste so nice . Another interesting drink to try is the Secret of Ako-chan and that includes a light-up ring ! XD My ring was just put on straw but I've heard that they also put it in your drink as well .

Now the food . Ok . If you like to try different things then Hanbey will definitely not let you down . At their cheap izakaya prices you'll be able to try things such as frogs legs and locusts . Both of which aren't too bad, by the way . I want to explain the flavour but I have a feeling that it'll ruin the experience for you . But what I can say is that those absolutely wacky stuff is definitely worth trying and is honestly not too bad . Plus the portion isn't too much so the flavours wouldn't be too overwhelming for you either . If that's too much though you can try some other out of the box stuff like their cheese and bacon wrap, deep fried ham, and cheese and tofu . The best part about this place is that it has everything from the ordinary to insane .


This place was definitely a whole new sort of experience, and if you don't feel like being a pig you can try many things at reasonable price (we did double orders so yeah it was a bit expensive) . I just want to give a warning that as a lot of Japanese places, this place is a bit cramped . Also remember to reserve also it'll be near impossible to get in if you're in a group . Also all you can drink is available, however either everyone in your group must get the all you can drink option or none of you can get it . Plus like most all you can drink options you have a really limited menu and can't try specialty drinks like the Mighty Atom and the Secret of Ako-chan, so pick your poison wisely !

So what's the most craziest food you've eaten ? Or willing to try hehe .




Signing out,


-THE TEACOAST .

by j 5:14:00 PM 0 comments