Hello, this is CityNomix from Photomo. My day job is in digital marketing, but I spend my free time exploring cities both in Japan and abroad, uncovering local culture from a unique perspective and sharing my discoveries. My motto is “Walk, Shoot, Write,” and I aim to document and convey the experiences I have with culture, design, shops, food, and travel in cities around the world. This time, I’m excited to share a special lunch experience at Tsukushiro, a renowned Chinese restaurant beloved for years, located in the Marunouchi area adjacent to Tokyo Station.
An Unexpected Gourmet Encounter in Early Summer Marunouchi
The other day, after an awe-inspiring visit to Patisserie ease in Nihonbashi, I found myself in the Marunouchi district, pleasantly tired. It was just before 2 PM on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The weather was beautifully sunny, with a warmth that already hinted at summer. Suddenly, I realized I hadn’t had lunch yet. At that moment, my go-to Chinese restaurant, “Tsukushiro,” located on the 5th floor of the Marunouchi Building, popped into my head.
I thought, “Yes, today I’ll try the braised shark fin I’ve been wanting to write about.” I usually opt for their shark fin noodles (fukahire soba), but the anticipation of a special lunch made my heart flutter.
Upon arriving at the restaurant, the atmosphere suggested I could be seated promptly, likely due to it being a weekday afternoon. The entrance, exuding luxury yet possessing a certain warmth, welcomed me.
The Coveted Braised Shark Fin and Heartwarming Hospitality
As it was my first time ordering the braised shark fin, I was a little hesitant looking at the menu. However, a courteous staff member approached me and kindly suggested, “The weekday-exclusive lunch set is a great value.” I inquired about the difference between the set’s braised shark fin and the à la carte version. They explained that the cut and weight of the shark fin differ. The lunch set features a 60g pectoral fin, while the à la carte menu offers larger tail fins starting from 100g. Since I wanted to enjoy other dishes as well, I decided to follow their recommendation and ordered the “Braised Shark Fin Set.” Additionally, I ordered the “Mapo Tofu,” which I had been curious about, and their classic “Crab Fried Rice.” When I mentioned I wanted to share, they readily agreed to serve the dishes portioned out. Such thoughtful gestures are always appreciated.
I was guided to a comfortable sofa seat. Right in front of me, impressively, was a stuffed hammerhead shark. Its sheer presence was breathtaking. The staff mentioned it weighs a remarkable 70kg (approx. 154 lbs)! This display, unique to a shark fin specialty restaurant, further heightened my anticipation for the culinary experience to come. After placing my order, warm tea and a hot towel were served. The warmth seeped into my tired body, a truly reviving sensation after walking around.
Savoring the Essence of Tsukushiro: A Parade of Culinary Gems
After a short while, the first dish from the lunch set arrived.
Bok Choy with Crab Meat Sauce: A Dish Highlighting Natural Flavors
First up was the “Bok Choy with Crab Meat Sauce.” The crisp texture of the fresh bok choy was delightful. The elegant crab meat sauce enveloping it perfectly complemented the vegetable’s natural flavor. I’ve visited Tsukushiro several times, and the quality of each dish is consistently high; you can order anything with confidence. This dish, though simple, offered a profound taste that did not disappoint.
Dim Sum (Siu Mai and Har Gow): The Joy of Hot, Steamed Delights
Next to arrive was a steamer basket of piping hot dim sum: “Siu Mai” (pork dumplings) and “Har Gow” (shrimp dumplings). The siu mai was juicy, bursting with flavor, while the shrimp in the har gow were plump and succulent. Both were authentically delicious, clearly prepared with care. I enjoyed them with the accompanying mustard soy sauce and vinegar soy sauce, savoring their distinct flavors.
Authentic Sichuan Mapo Tofu: A Symphony of Numbing Spice and Rich Umami
Then, the “Mapo Tofu” I ordered à la carte arrived, sizzling dramatically in a clay pot. The moment the lid was lifted, an irresistible aroma of Sichuan peppercorns filled the air. It was generously filled with both tofu and minced meat – so much meat, in fact, that one might call it “Mapo Meat Tofu.” The first bite revealed a complex and deep flavor profile: the spiciness of chili peppers, the richness of fermented black beans, and the characteristic numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns. It was served incredibly hot, and though I had to be careful, my spoon kept going back for more.
Crab Fried Rice and Egg Drop Soup: A Golden Combination I’d Order Every Time
This is another one of my go-to dishes: “Crab Fried Rice.” The rice was perfectly stir-fried, fluffy and separate, and thoroughly infused with the umami of crab. Simple ingredients like egg, green onions, and crab meat were balanced exquisitely. The accompanying egg drop soup, with its gentle seasoning, further enhanced the flavor of the fried rice. This combination is an absolute favorite that I find myself ordering on every visit.
Shrimp with Mayonnaise Sauce: A First-Time, Unforgettable Taste
Before the main event, the braised shark fin, another dish appeared – “Shrimp with Mayonnaise Sauce,” which I was trying for the first time. The large shrimp were not only delightfully plump but the special mayonnaise sauce was a revelation. It was creamy and rich, yet possessed a delicate balance of sweetness and tanginess, creating a complex and profound deliciousness unlike anything I’d tasted before. Served with lettuce, it had a refreshing finish. This was a fantastic new discovery.
The Star Arrives! Meltingly Tender Braised Shark Fin
And then, the star of today’s meal, the “Braised Shark Fin,” was finally served. Its majestic appearance made me swallow with anticipation. The lustrous shark fin was enveloped in a rich, soy-based sauce that looked incredibly decadent. A candle was lit beneath the dish, a thoughtful touch to keep the soup warm.
According to the staff, shark fin itself has very little flavor; its taste is largely determined by the restaurant’s seasoning. Tsukushiro‘s shark fin must be meticulously prepared and slowly simmered in a high-quality broth, likely made from chicken, pork, and Jinhua ham. The first mouthful revealed an exquisite texture – meltingly tender, yet with a discernible presence of individual strands. The rich, profound soup clung generously to the shark fin, creating a blissful taste explosion in my mouth.
They suggested adding black vinegar to taste. A few drops transformed the dish wonderfully. The aromatic fragrance and acidity of the black vinegar further enhanced the soup’s richness, adding another layer of depth to the flavor. It was truly a masterpiece. I felt thoroughly nourished, perhaps from all the collagen, too.
A Smooth Almond Tofu to Conclude a Blissful Lunch
Basking in the happiness from so many delicious dishes, the dessert, “Almond Tofu” (Annin Tofu), arrived. It had a smooth, silky texture and an elegant, gentle sweetness. While rich, it left a refreshing aftertaste, perfectly cleansing the palate after the meal. The single goji berry on top provided a nice accent. This dessert, too, reflected Tsukushiro‘s dedication to quality down to the very last bite.
Heartfelt Hospitality and a Deliciousness That Begs a Return Visit
The staff at Tsukushiro were all quietly attentive, never missing a chance for subtle acts of service. They patiently answered my questions about the dishes and handled the sharing requests seamlessly. This high level of hospitality is undoubtedly one of the reasons this restaurant has been cherished for so long.
This was my first time trying the braised shark fin, and its melting texture and rich soup were truly exquisite. Of course, their shark fin noodles, which I’ve had before, are also undeniably captivating with their rich soup, so I highly recommend that to first-time visitors as well.
“I’ll be back. Thank you for the wonderful meal,” I thought to myself as I left Tsukushiro, completely satisfied. Its convenient location on the 5th floor of the Marunouchi Building, directly connected to Tokyo Station, is another plus. If you’re ever in the Tokyo Station or Marunouchi area, this is a highly recommended restaurant. Marunouchi boasts many other fantastic dining options, and I look forward to introducing more of them in the future.
Until we meet again on another city street, this is CityNomix.
Visited Location:
Tsukushiro Marunouchi Branch
Marunouchi Building 5F, 2-4-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-6305
Official Website: http://www.tsukushiro.co.jp/
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