[Blog/Stewed Mist] Minami-Suna "Yamashiroya Sakaba"'s Saturday-only stew and the proprietress Haru-chan

Yamashiroya Sakaba, founded in 1897

Yamashiroya Sakaba in Minamisuna, Koto Ward, has been around for well over 120 years. Not only is the exterior impressive, but the tanzaku (strips of paper) plastered all over the place make it a truly popular bar, and even if it's far from home, it's a place you'll want to visit regularly.

Haru-chan is loved by everyone

"Haru-chan"
She is the famous proprietress of Yamashiroya Sakaba. Although I only get to go there once or twice a year, I have been there to do research for a book, and "Haru-chan" is always warmly welcomed and loved by everyone.

Although I call her "Haru-chan" in a familiar way, I have actually never called her "Haru-chan" because I don't want to bother her, so I was determined to call her by her name today and get closer to her.

Entering the store

When I entered the restaurant, it was full as usual, but a regular customer was considerate enough to open up the very back seat at the counter for me. Wow, this pitch-black coniferous counter is so cool!

Impressive strips of paper and menus

The always pleasant-looking strips of paper display standard menu items and seasonal items, making it a "bar spot" where you can easily spend hours just staring at them.

Saturday's stew

First, let's start with the "Nikomi (400 yen)" and Hoppy White Set (470 yen), which are only available on Saturdays and are very popular even in the middle of summer.

The stew, presented on a distinctively long plate, is a very simple stew made with only pork intestines and konjac. It's a heart-warming stew that makes you feel like it's been made this way for ages!

Bonito sashimi

I usually order marinated mackerel, but on this day I felt like ordering the bonito sashimi (680 yen) marked "recommended" in red letters. I prefer thinner white meat, but this thicker red meat is tastier.

Homemade fresh lemon highball and gratin croquette

Haru-chan seems to be busy as usual, taking orders from nearly 30 customers, serving food, handling the bill and even bashing them all by herself. Amazing!

I wanted to say, "Haru-chan, can I have a lemon highball, please?" but there was no time to waste, so I ordered a fresh lemon highball (430 yen) and a gratin croquette (480 yen) from the young part-time worker.

Our homemade fresh lemon highball, which sometimes sells out, goes perfectly with the gratin croquette.

Checkout

I decided to go for it with Haru-chan who was passing by.

"Haru-chan, please pay the bill."

Haru-chan: "Yes."

At the very last moment, I was finally able to call him. When I tried calling him, I felt like I was able to do it quite naturally.

The name "Haru-chan" may be the easiest name to pronounce in Japan. Come to think of it, I know several Haru-chans around me who are fawned over and called "Haru-chan, Haru-chan" by everyone.

Haru-chan! I'll be counting on you again! Thank you for the meal!

Fun and convenient sour glass tumbler for fresh lemon sours [Lemon sour tumbler with squeezer] Price: 1,980 yen (tax included, shipping not included) (As of September 14, 2023)

Store Information

[Yamashiroya Bar]
Address: 1-6-8 Minamisuna, Koto-ku, Tokyo 136-0076
Time: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Closed: Sunday

Half-Price Sale! Free Shipping via Nekopos. Set of 4 "Motsuni" Stewed Offal from Akakara/Ichibiki, a perfect snack to pair with beer. Price: 740 yen (tax included, free shipping) (As of September 14, 2023)