My Japan host (an American coworker who relocated to Japan on his own dime – not here on assignment) met me at the hotel and was very excited to introduce me to two authentic Japanese experiences: eating Chinese food (LOL) and eating Japanese noodles.

After a short subway ride we arrived in Harajuku and waited in line, in the rain, for 15 minutes before getting a seat at the counter of Harajuku Gyoza. I knew Chinese gyoza were what Americans would call potstickers, but for the Japanese it has cache since its less familiar than their own cooking. We had some beer, a side salad of beanspouts with minced pork, and two types of the dumplings. The restaurant was down an alley and all locals. And it’s the only item the restaurant serves: gyoza, gyoza and more gyoza.

Another quick subway trip and we were in Roppongi heading to the original Ippudo for noodles. I had heard of its NYC branch but don’t think I’ve ever actually had an authentic bowl of Japanese noodles. It was perfect. I ordered mine with medium spice, and we has tree mushrooms and bamboo shoots on the side. Added in some condiments to turn up the heat and it was perfect.

Amusing to see the Japanese slurping their noodles noisily. It’s a sign that the food is delicious and an insult to the chef if you do not slurp. I first heard the slurping on the JAL flight to Tokyo where an elderly Japanese male was enjoying his soup with gusto. The plane was so quiet and all I could hear was the slurping!

Noodles was the one food item that I felt like I really hasn’t experienced yet during this trip. I couldn’t have asked for a better meal to end this experience.