Yakitori Tetsu, Shibuya 焼き鳥テツ、渋谷

Yakitori Tetsu is cheap and convenient. Being located near Shibuya station’s Hachiko exit, at the side of Mark City and a block away from American, it’s useful when in need of a quick drink or bite to eat when the heavens are pouring or better places a full.

Not a large yakitori-ya, so few are, the atmosphere is often cosy and the service is for the most part friendly. One member of staff in particular provides recommendations from the menu (posted upon the walls) and sage advice on all manner of things ranging from chicken wombs to football, all in excellent English. This half-Japanese charmer was revealed to me when at the time of my first visit I ordered “tori reba” (chicken liver) to which he replied “tori liver ne,” pronouncing the V perfectly.  Surprised, I asked if he spoke English. Turns out he lived in London for a couple of years. Nice guy. Nice Vs.

Décor is simple. Square counter around open kitchen, a few tables and stools. Somewhat industrial and sparse looking. For the most part clean. Customers are a good mix of young and old, sharp and dowdy. The staff are young and hip in a counter-culture should have been a NEET manner.

It’s cheap, very. But in a way that ends up being not such a great deal. Drinks, draft beer, umeshu, shochu and wine are at usual prices, but the yakitori is for the most part all ¥120 a piece. Trouble is that’s for just one small, shrivelled looking serving (see photos). Yep, one stick (and not a long one either).

The range of yakitori classics on offer is good; for the most part you’ll not be disappointed or surprised. It’s all rather average. Tastes okay, but fails to inspire. The karaage is not so bad, but this costs around ¥500, rather than the ¥120 most that most other dishes do.

Of note is the half-formed chicken egg with the womb still attached. Looks disgusting, alien even, but tastes okay if you close your eyes. That said I’m not sure I’d ever want to have it again.

Good for a drink, with tiny yakitori nibbles as a snack rather than a meal.

Tel: 03-3462-7262

Comments

[McAlpine]

Thanks for sharing anyway. I love yakitori places. 120 yen is fairly cheap. I prefer the yakitori trucks in my neighborhood cause the prices go as low as 98 yen and I love how the burn the chicken a little to give it that extra added smokiness and crispiness.

[Dave]

I always feel Yakitori is best in summer for some reason.
Most of my favourite places have closed in recent years so it's about time I hunted out some more.
Suggestions welcome!