Sazenka
¥¥¥¥
¥
/ Price RangeTokyo
Chinese
Sazenka Description
Sazenka is a hidden gem of a restaurant located in the upscale residential area of Minamiazabu. This award-winning establishment has been recognized for its excellence in Chinese cuisine, receiving the Gold Award from The Tabelog and China Cuisine Tokyo Top 100 in 2023. What sets Sazenka apart is its unique approach to Chinese cooking, infusing it with the essence of Japanese culture.
Led by Chef Tomoya Kawada, who is well-versed in both Japanese and Chinese cuisine, Sazenka offers a menu that goes beyond traditional boundaries. Each dish is meticulously prepared, showcasing the chef's dedication to bringing out the best flavors of the ingredients. The concept of 'Wakon-Kansai' (the harmony of Japanese and Chinese elements) is at the heart of Sazenka's culinary creations, resulting in innovative and flavorful dishes that offer a new perspective on Chinese cuisine.
The restaurant itself exudes a modern and sophisticated ambiance, blending elements of Japanese and Chinese design. Located in a serene neighborhood, Sazenka provides a tranquil dining experience away from the bustling city. In addition to its exceptional food, Sazenka also offers a tea pairing menu, featuring a selection of Chinese, Taiwanese, and Japanese teas that perfectly complement the dishes.
If you're looking for a dining experience that transcends traditional boundaries and showcases the artistry of Chinese cuisine with a Japanese twist, Sazenka is the place to be. Prepare to be delighted by the delicate flavors and impeccable presentation of each dish, as well as the serene atmosphere that surrounds you.
Led by Chef Tomoya Kawada, who is well-versed in both Japanese and Chinese cuisine, Sazenka offers a menu that goes beyond traditional boundaries. Each dish is meticulously prepared, showcasing the chef's dedication to bringing out the best flavors of the ingredients. The concept of 'Wakon-Kansai' (the harmony of Japanese and Chinese elements) is at the heart of Sazenka's culinary creations, resulting in innovative and flavorful dishes that offer a new perspective on Chinese cuisine.
The restaurant itself exudes a modern and sophisticated ambiance, blending elements of Japanese and Chinese design. Located in a serene neighborhood, Sazenka provides a tranquil dining experience away from the bustling city. In addition to its exceptional food, Sazenka also offers a tea pairing menu, featuring a selection of Chinese, Taiwanese, and Japanese teas that perfectly complement the dishes.
If you're looking for a dining experience that transcends traditional boundaries and showcases the artistry of Chinese cuisine with a Japanese twist, Sazenka is the place to be. Prepare to be delighted by the delicate flavors and impeccable presentation of each dish, as well as the serene atmosphere that surrounds you.
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Sazenka Overview
Access
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12 minute walk from Hiroo Station (Hibiya Line)
14 minute walk from Azabu-Juban Station (Oedo Line)
14 minute walk from Shirokane-Takanawa Station (Namboku Line)
7 minute taxi ride from Ebisu Station (JR Yamanote Line)
7 minute taxi ride from Roppongi Station (Hibiya Line)
14 minute walk from Azabu-Juban Station (Oedo Line)
14 minute walk from Shirokane-Takanawa Station (Namboku Line)
7 minute taxi ride from Ebisu Station (JR Yamanote Line)
7 minute taxi ride from Roppongi Station (Hibiya Line)
Operating Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon: Closed
Tue: 4:00PM-11:00PM
Wed: 4:00PM-11:00PM
Thur: 4:00PM-11:00PM
Fri: 4:00PM-11:00PM
Sat: 4:00PM-11:00PM
Mon: Closed
Tue: 4:00PM-11:00PM
Wed: 4:00PM-11:00PM
Thur: 4:00PM-11:00PM
Fri: 4:00PM-11:00PM
Sat: 4:00PM-11:00PM
Payment Methods
Cash, Visa, Master Card, AMEX, Diners Club, JCB
Restaurant Features
Reservations Accepted
Wine List
Private Dining Room
Sake Selection
Non-smoking
Stylish Interior
Sazenka Reviews
Sazenka Google Average Rating
4.6
5
Google
Beautiful experience from a chef and staff that care about all the details. From being seated to the final tea and dessert the setting, service and meal are exquisite and overall calming. While mainly seasonal, the chef takes care to tailor to each customer - we learned how much he will change the menu later.
There is less overt fanfare but still there are surprises across the 11 courses and 3 desserts - such as how they present the fish on a hot stone, bring Char siu to table on a small bbq grill, surprise with edamame stuffed Szechuan chicken wings presented in a huge bowl of chilis and spices, juxtapose cold and warm almond pudding. All are fairly traditional recipes but the approach is fun with subtle flair.
It’s a bit more pricey even by 3 Michelin star standards, but you know going in.Extras like water push the limits too. With a less is more approach you are left wanting more, maybe expecting a little more overall but you leave satisfied and totally impressed with the skill and unique flavours.
PS. Dress code is oddly managed. On their web site they say for men not to wear t-shirts, shorts, sandals. To match the ambience and style I would agree even though it was a 30 degrees … but then literally every male customer in the place was wearing t-shirts and/or shorts and/or flip flops! Make the policy clear as in this humid weather I would have loved to not have had to wear a full shirt, trousers and shoes/socks!
There is less overt fanfare but still there are surprises across the 11 courses and 3 desserts - such as how they present the fish on a hot stone, bring Char siu to table on a small bbq grill, surprise with edamame stuffed Szechuan chicken wings presented in a huge bowl of chilis and spices, juxtapose cold and warm almond pudding. All are fairly traditional recipes but the approach is fun with subtle flair.
It’s a bit more pricey even by 3 Michelin star standards, but you know going in.Extras like water push the limits too. With a less is more approach you are left wanting more, maybe expecting a little more overall but you leave satisfied and totally impressed with the skill and unique flavours.
PS. Dress code is oddly managed. On their web site they say for men not to wear t-shirts, shorts, sandals. To match the ambience and style I would agree even though it was a 30 degrees … but then literally every male customer in the place was wearing t-shirts and/or shorts and/or flip flops! Make the policy clear as in this humid weather I would have loved to not have had to wear a full shirt, trousers and shoes/socks!
4
Google
I had to try the original Sazenka in Tokyo to see if it’s the same as the one back home in Bangkok. The answer is definitely yes. The ingredients over here are so much better.
4
Google
Needless to say, as a michelin level restaurant the course is well planned with the Japanese Chief's deep understanding of Chinese tea and food. The waitress was not just serving the dishes but also delighted our dinner with a relaxing experience. The dishes and tea combination, as the essence of Chinese food culture, came together and created amazingly lasting taste experience.
Overall, the taste of the dishes is similar to Huaiyang Suisine, one of the Four Great Traditions in Chinese cuisine, which a little bit thin to me.
Overall, the taste of the dishes is similar to Huaiyang Suisine, one of the Four Great Traditions in Chinese cuisine, which a little bit thin to me.
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