[Blog/Nikomi Mist] Kagaya is in Tokyo! Warm stew served in a clay pot

There are nearly 50 branches of Kagaya, mainly in Tokyo, including "Kagaya," "Kagahiro," and "New Kagaya." Even though they don't have the "Kaga" character in their names, some establishments still have the Kagaya blood running through them, such as "Kitahachi" in Nishi-Nippori, "Marufuku" in Nishi-Funabashi, and "Kaburaya," which closed last year, and they are a major force supporting Tokyo's bar culture. While it originated in Itabashi Ward, its flagship store is in Hongo 3-chome.

To the main store of "Reliable Kagaya"

Between the counter and the kitchen, there was a noren curtain with the name of the bar written on it, which looked very impressive. I was sad that my local "Mitaka branch" wasn't there, but it's the nature of a bartender to check how many bars I've been to.

No matter which store I go to, "Kagaya for when you're in a pinch," I always order stew and Hoppy without thinking. The consistent quality is a relief, no matter which store I go to.

There is a tatami room in the back and a counter on the right. This time, I was shown to a table seat for the first time. Oh!? A thick slab of zelkova! I'm getting excited!

Stewed offal

We started off with a dish called motsu stew, which is a kind of greeting. Kagaya's specialty motsu stew is served in a clay pot and is a very simple stew made with pork rectum (teppo) and silken tofu. The thick, distinctive white miso stew is incredibly comforting.

hoppy

Speaking of drinks at Kagaya, Hoppy is featured on the sign and shop curtains. It quenches the thirst and flows into your body.

Octopus sashimi

I ordered octopus sashimi from the whiteboard. I hope that octopus, horse mackerel, mackerel, and squid will always be the friends of the common people!

Grilled food

Another specialty here is the "Stamina Yaki," a must-have item made with pork skirt steak seasoned with garlic. The beef tendon skewers I encountered for the first time that day were so delicious that I couldn't stop staring at them, saying "One more!" and immediately ordering again.

word used after one has been treated (esp. used after a meal)

After this, I finished my black Hoppy set. Kagaya is definitely a great choice. Kagaya-style bars, found in various train stations, are the champions of justice. I hope they continue to be one of Tokyo's most representative bars for a long time to come.

Kagaya Hongo Main Store Information

Hours: 4:30 PM - 11:00 PM (last orders 10:30 PM)
Closed: None
Address: Kataoka Building, 2-39-5 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033

Hoppy Black, 330ml bottles x 48 bottles (2 cases), non-alcoholic, 0.8%, slightly alcoholic, purine-free, low-calorie, low-sugar, beer-flavored beverage, one-way bottle. Free shipping (some areas excluded). Price: 7,180 yen (tax included, shipping not included) (as of 1/25/2024)

Earn triple points! [Free Shipping] Miyazaki Honten Kinmiya Shochu, 25% ABV, 1800ml (1.8L) Pack, 6 Bottles per Case. Kinmiya Class A Shochu, Mie Prefecture. Cannot be wrapped or shipped with other items. Cannot be shipped by refrigerated shipping. Price: 8,151 yen (tax included, free shipping) (as of 1/25/2024)