Located in one of Tokyo’s best-known retro neighborhoods, the Jujo area is famous for its lively, old-fashioned shopping streets. Just a 5-minute walk from Jujo Station, Taya is easy to spot thanks to its iconic red lantern. Founded in 1953, it began as a diner serving workers from the area's paper mills before evolving into the welcoming neighborhood pub it is today.

Describing itself as a "homey-atmosphere joint" and a "taishu kappo" (casual Japanese bistro), Taya serves a wide range of traditional Japanese dishes and izakaya favorites prepared by experienced chefs, all at wallet-friendly prices. Its reputation for good food and a relaxed atmosphere has made it a popular destination not only for locals, but also for food lovers and bar-hoppers from across Tokyo.

The walls are covered with countless tanzaku, traditional vertical menu strips listing dishes and prices, creating a feast of choices before you've even ordered. The menu is packed with everything from tempura and rice balls to regional specialties such as anglerfish hot pot, Akita's shottsuru hot pot, and kiritanpo, a hearty hot pot featuring skewered mashed rice. With so many tempting options, choosing what to eat is no easy task.

So, what did Goro finally decide on? Let's take a look at the dishes he ordered. And for those unfamiliar with the character, it's worth noting that Goro doesn't drink alcohol.

One distinctive feature of Japanese pubs is the "otoshi," a small appetizer that is automatically served when you are seated. It functions as a table charge while also giving guests something to enjoy before their meal arrives. The contents vary from day to day, and on this visit the otoshi included a bite-sized meatball, fresh okra, and a piece of karaage, Japanese-style fried chicken.

Introduced on the show as: "A mackerel experience unlike any other. This fish is legendary!" It is highly recommended to eat it as-is without adding soy sauce to fully enjoy the rich, smoky flavor.

Introduced on the show as: "Ham falls head over heels for kimchi! Fun to roll up, delicious to eat!"

Introduced on the show as: "Crunchy, crispy, and bursting with savory juices! A perfect triple-threat." Goro deeply relished every bite of this satisfyingly hearty dish.

"Tonburi" is a unique traditional ingredient from Akita Prefecture made from processed burningbush seeds. Famously dubbed "mountain caviar" for its popping, caviar-like texture. Introduced on the show as: "Fantastic as a standalone pub snack, and even better over a hot bowl of rice!"

Craving just one more item, Goro ordered this classic. He specifically requested the sweet version made with a touch of sugar. Introduced on the show as: "Fluffy, freshly rolled omelet. A gentle, sweet flavor that brings a sigh of relief."

"I finally understand why people get pulled in by those glowing red lanterns. When your spirits are feeling low, this is the kind of place you want to slip into quietly," he murmured to himself before heading out into the night.

Channel Oishii is a streaming channel dedicated to some of Japan’s most popular food and travel programs, including Solitary Gourmet. The service is completely free to watch, requires no registration, and streams content 24 hours a day. It is available exclusively in the United States and Canada and is not available in Japan.

(Source & Partnership: Channel Oishii, powered by Japan International Broadcasting Inc.)