Behind the Counter at Japanese Unagi Eel Restaurant

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This is Behind the Counter and deep into the Japanese kitchen of Takashimaya, a legendary Tokyo unagi spot tucked away in the streets of Nihonbashi. First opened more than 149 years ago in 1875, in Kagurazaka, this Japanese unagi eel speciality restaurant passed down it’s culinary techniques 5 generations to perfectly craft their succulently charcoal grilled mouth watering unagi dish dipped in their secret signature sauce which remains unchanged throughout the years. The shop uses a special Kyosui Unagi from the Shizuoka prefecture, raised in the underground water of its Southern alps known for it’s uniquely sweet aroma with five times more DHA & EPA when compared wild eels. Bred in limited quantities, it’s earned it’s name in Japan as the phantom eel. Although eel has been eaten for more than 5000 years, In Japan, the most common way to eat Unagi is by filleting it, skewering it and then grilling which gained popularity during the edo period. Interestingly in Tokyo, eels are cut from the back, while in western regions of Japan, are cut from the stomach. The Tokyo technique dating again back to Edo period, the area itself known as the city of samurais, viewed cutting the stomach as bad luck as they associated it with seppuku, an honorable ritualistic suicide by disembowelment.
*Correction: The Shop opens at 11:30AM
Takashimaya Eel Restaurant （高嶋家）
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[@PaolofromTOKYO]

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[@netzamorales583]

You should tell Sakuraco to add a small bottle of your hot sauce and I’ll order the year subscription

[@danielhenry177]

Another banger of a video buddy, *LOVE* the sauce 🤙🤙

[@TheSilentLines]

Brother Paolo I really appreciate your hardwork that you bring such awesome videos, I have a special request for you , can you please make a video on some halal shopes in Japan that we muslims can go to enjoy japanese cuisine ❤️🍡🍙.. I do appreciate it Thank you Brother Paolo..❤️

[@fayezfayez5663]

is the sakura prodict halal ???? no wine no pork fat ??

[@davidbishop4015]

I hope you and your family are safe after tsunami alarm.

[@fredt1983]

The chef being up front about "Oh, it constantly burns me and my hands are hot, but you gotta look the part!" is so nice to see. No matter the food, once you're adding sauce you're saying goodbye to your arm hair and constantly getting nicked :p

[@halfcupofsun3760]

Same! Food always tastes better when you know the chef has had to experience pain and discomfort 🤤

[@rokuro-senpai5604]

@@halfcupofsun3760 wtf

[@keppycs]

@@halfcupofsun3760 bruh

[@blackbeardsdelight]

That blonde Guy casually laughing about being a functional alcoholic is quite funny 😂

[@dharkann]

And a cheater too :/

[@atillabasol888]

he is not cheating tho its different in japan bro :D@@dharkann

[@DK-210]

@@dharkann probably in a sexless marriage

[@misanthropicsophist]

its just getting his willy wet /s

[@evamoldvai1384]

Attól még megcsalás csak mert a japánoknal más a kultúra​@@atillabasol888

[@avensCL]

Unagi's so underrated outside Japan. It's easily one of the very best things you can eat that's traditionally Japanese

[@scottkeith2587]

Outside of Japan the quality is just not there imo. It's not on the same level so that is a large part of it.

[@MxPotato84]

Agreed. I love having eel when i can.

[@nfuryboss]

Wish there's a Unagi restaurant in the US.

[@odiagam5755]

Agree, sushi, ramen are everywhere but not a single unagi 😂

[@slamdunk118]

Outside of Asia you meant ? In my country everyone love eel meat and it's quite of expensive compares to beef or chicken.

[@Appacolypse]

"Your bed head is on camera." is a weirdly hard roast LOL

[@Jedapoo]

Lol, it's like having a mom at work

[@A_Balanced_Breakfast]

She's not wrong, dude was looking like he's about to try out for A Flock of Seagulls or something

[@user-op8fg3ny3j]

What does that mean?​@@A_Balanced_Breakfast

[@A_Balanced_Breakfast]

@@user-op8fg3ny3j Do they not have Google where you live?

[@user-op8fg3ny3j]

@@A_Balanced_Breakfast "A Flock of Seagulls are an English new wave band formed in Liverpool in 1979." - Google

[@myheartssay]

The owner is a cool dad, he still involve in his kids' school. Most working/busy parents even find it hard to attend PTA's meetings

[@sarahrean7174]

🙄 they are lazy

[@jellygoo]

Well... most aren't their own bosses.

[@daol84]

That's sad to hear. Where do you live? Where I live I work to live, not live to work. I.e., spending valuable time with kids related things are prioritized.

[@rzmin5456]

Dear Paolo As a huge fan of Japanese culture and culinary, It is always a relief whenever I watch your video sir. As we all know, there has been a major earthquake at Noto area and as a result, the number of tourists in Kanazawa prefecture has dropped dramatically. So in my opinion it would be great if you film about Kanazawa for your next video. I hope it will give an inspiration for those who are planning to visit Japan

[@purelysmetalnightcore]

That's sad, I didn't know that. I spent a few days in Kanazawa and absolutely loved it. The people there were super friendly.

[@abrararifify]

I went to Kanazawa recently and I did notice there were a lot less foreigners there compared to other cities I visited. Such a shame as Kanazawa is a beautiful city and definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Japan!

[@azabujuban-hito8085]

​@@abrararifify Kanazawa is beautiful. I just bought a winter house there. I hope not many tourists know about Kanazawa ..I absolutely sick and tired seeing tourists everywhere here in Tokyo.

[@Randymash]

"Your bed head is on camera" Okay when he mentioned it being like a second family, that was very accurate haha. Super adorable.

[@ndekker76]

Hey Paolo maybe an idea to put all these behind the counter restaurants in one Google map. Would be great for when I'm in Tokyo to visit a few!

[@GrimBat0l]

He has maps for neighborhoods on his website. Indeed, one google map would be more useful!

[@LINTHUTA-cq9jk]

Shoutout to the Burmese chef! Fellow Burmese here too. There are a lot of Burmese immigrants working different careers around Japan!

[@AdzkaMumtaz]

when i saw him, i thought, he is not a japanese as indonesian, i can say he will easily pass as indonesian or any southeast asian ethic groups and it click perfectly when we know he is from myanmar. of course

[@BrookBeck]

I know we shouldn’t praise dads for being parents but I was still very happy to hear the owner is the PTA president and involved. I rarely saw any dad in anything that wasn’t sports growing up so it just makes me happy. My dad would never.

[@yujirorasy]

6:35 bro got mini buster sword 😂😂

[@enfp-life7668]

Unagi is always one of the most expensive options at any given Japanese restaurant overseas. Now I can see why! The preparation and work behind the scenes just shows how valuable it is, not to mention.. tasty!!! I highly recommend an Unagi rice bowl! One of my favorite Japanese dishes by far!

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

... not to mention *tasty. No need for fullstops mid-sentence.

[@HermannTheGreat]

@@einundsiebenziger5488 They're bot comments

[@nerd26373]

Paolo, you've always been dedicated and committed in providing us useful content. Keep it up.

[@pixierainbow7]

The ingredients down to the charcoal are so well thought out. Quite impressive how the owner still makes time to be the president of the PTA for both his children. Hope his son keeps the legacy going. The unagi looks so tasty!

[@Alverya]

just came back from Sapporo and ate the most delicious Unagi at a restaurant locals go to (no foreigners, everything in Japanese), only open for lunch. it was sooooooooo crispy on the outside but soft inside. i love Unagi,

[@TordVH]

I always love getting to see a glimpse of life in Japan. Thanks for these high quality videos!

[@mtbelly1972]

I always look forward to seeing these videos. They are brilliant to watch. Thank you for making them and thank you to the restaurant for allowing you to film them.

[@kaydeekelly5852]

Watching this during fasting,its like torture.hehhee.the unagi looks plump and delicous.

[@PaolofromTOKYO]

So good

[@BanhChui1968swe]

Sadly eel is haram isn't it? Since it's predatory and doesn't have scales

[@OokamiRyouko93]

​@@BanhChui1968sweas far as I know, anything that lives underwater is not haram, except for those that live both under and above water like frogs.

[@leagueclips632]

no they are halal @@BanhChui1968swe

[@masrizqie]

​@@BanhChui1968sweits halal, even shark is halal

[@JapanwithAkemi]

Wow Thank you! ありがとうございます❗️うなぎ大好き❤I love eels.

[@codysteel3678]

I absolutely love your behind the counter, I get really excited whenever you post a new video. I've watched all your videos. Keep up the great work❤

[@christopherharris6005]

Awesome video as always Paolo. This day in the life video at multi generation family owned businesses are truly amazing and the food is amazingly delicious and the people are always so friendly. Thank for sharing this glimpse into traditional Japanese cuisine.

[@HaLo_Zz]

This is my Friday routine at the gym looking for Paolo’s video. Another great one to enjoy and appreciate Japan. Thank you for this great content. God bless. 💪🏽🙏🏽

[@shoked99]

Another great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@UnknownFilipino]

Just love watching your channel Pao. It's brings me such good vibes.

[@armandoherrera7605]

I’m so happy you uploaded this video while im in Japan!!! Thank you for sharing many restaurants in the past and they are all really good!!! Keep it up!!!! And thank you again you really help travelers like myself appreciate food a lot more

[@priyanganiherath8120]

thanks man for the video , always loved them and always will

[@Appacolypse]

FINALLY!!!! I've been waiting SOOO long for this! THANK YOU PAOLO

[@Mr.WestcottX]

Amazing video as usual about Japanese restaurants. 🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵

[@robinrosen3236]

Really enjoyed this one and i learned so much. Thank you again! The "day in the life" videos are some of my favorites.

[@JeffroB2323]

Your attitude and professionalism really make your vids far ahead of so many similar channels out there. I appreciate it!

[@75gmag]

Always enjoy your vids Paolo! Thank you from Chicago! ❤

[@realshompa]

Simply adore this video.

[@Hendlefe]

I LOVE these videos Paolo. Please do this foreverrr

[@Lucy-id2ik]

Such a healing and entertaining series!

[@aurielyh4453]

Another great Behind the Counter video! Thank you!

[@sanmonypich]

Thank Paolo for an amazing video

[@_nihongo_jouzu_]

I love Unagi, Thanks for taking us behind the scenes!

[@rolfathan]

Thank you so much for covering unagi! Not enough people cover it, and it's easily one of my favorite japanese foods.

[@worldmussel7510]

Going to Japan this summer, will definitely check this place out!

[@spader267]

i really LOVE all your vids Paolo looking forward to many more 🥰

[@melissalezcano773]

Love this kind of videos!!!!

[@Yanataa]

Always glad to see a Paolo upload. It's like I'm watching my favorite T.V. Series! Please continue your work with much prosperity and longevity.

[@YexziGaming]

Great video again Paolo! Always coming out with a banger!

[@Embow]

I was waiting for this the whole week, LET'S GO PAOLOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@danyeet2216]

We love your work Paulo! Keep it up 👍

[@skinnybuddha8988]

Always love your videos, we need more steet level documentation of our world. Much love!

[@purelysmetalnightcore]

I'm going to Japan later this year and really want to try eel since I didn't last time I was there. I'm definitely making note of this restaurant! Thanks Paolo!

[@x_Laki_x]

Will keep this in mind when friends and I go to Japan for the first time this fall.

[@biteofdog]

Oh, that sounds like fun! It will be cooler weather and the trees will be changing to Autumn.

[@rl3293]

I also love your wholesome music!

[@uzbekfoodvlogger]

I love this series

[@nlptrckshmn5535]

Love these behind the counter videos Paolo. I tried Okonomiyaki in the restaurant you featured in your video last year and it was glorious. Hopefully I can return to Tokyo again to try this Unagi. Greetings from Scotland.

[@user-uo2fn4kk2t]

Great video. I love Unagi. I really enjoy your videos and love learning about Japanese culture. I hope to travel to Japan someday soon!

[@selenazc]

I love this series! keep it up!

[@miloVan245]

I got so excited when I saw this posted. I LOVE unagi!!!

[@LuxInfinity-ul5hw]

I always wondered how they cook unagi. I assumed it was smoked because of the taste but now, thanks to you, I've learned that's grilled, steamed and charcoal grilled. Wow! 🤗😁💖

[@Exen88]

Japanese cuisine. Can’t get enough! It’s splendid in every way.

[@-MINILIFE-]

めっちゃ映像が綺麗です。

[@elaipareja0425]

Another great video. Thanks paolo ❤

[@PaolofromTOKYO]

My pleasure!

[@GIChiyo]

I LOVE UNAGI!!!! I wish we had places where I live that served it, 100% going here when I finally can go back to Japan! More people need to try it, its delicious

[@ShAmW0W808]

I’ve been looking for a good unagi spot for my Tokyo trip next week. Thank you Paolo!

[@Ipanophis]

Literally my favorite japanese food.❤

[@DJ-tu9ky]

Unagi is my favourite dish. Can’t wait to go back to Japan. Great video Paolo 🙏

[@rossschedel8434]

These are my absolute favorite videos of all you tube.

[@Kitsambler]

Nice piece - my favorite dish - thanks!

[@heyhihellochristina4353]

when she mentioned yokosuka! i was born there and miss it 😭

[@W4ABN]

The unagi looks so good. I'd love to try it if I ever get to Japan. Thanks for sharing the work that goes into preparing the meals.

[@DAvi4162]

Amazing video as always

[@mwarnakulasuriya]

definitely adding this to the list gf places to eat in Japan !!

[@moonwalker794]

Unagi is sooo good still drool thinking abt it

[@judithroque4009]

Definitely on the list for my next trip!

[@nitzchavez7672]

Thank you for always creating very good youtube content❤

[@alx.burgir]

I didn't realise so much prep went into making unagi, but it makes sense since it's such a unique but still very Japanese taste. This shop is definitely going on my list for my next Japan trip!

[@mossygreenlog]

Nice work. I love unagi and this was very enlightening. On my next trip back some day, I'm anticipating all the great food I'm going to eat.

[@aydenegan8507]

Just got to try this place and it’s so delicious! The sashimi app was delectable. And the eel had a soft and sweet bite to it! I would come again.

[@missVmilne]

Absolutely fascinating and compelling insights. Thank you for all the work and the editing which was on point - again !! Hello from Auckland, New Zealand - stay well and positive : - )

[@bigbro05]

The eel meal looks superb and makes me hungry already. So nice to see everyone works seamlessly and close like a family.

[@sabirahemphill-garcia1676]

I never tried it before. Thanks for teaching me about it palo I might try sometime soon

[@SisavathKhongkakoune]

Excellent Video thank you so much

[@chongets]

Love these videos

[@scapegear4978]

Yes! What a beauty

[@JztKAED]

This video was so interesting, thanks for always making such nice videos Paolo! Me and my wife always watch them together :)

[@DannyMexen9]

I want to try unagi now. Thanks for the video.

[@muhammadzeshan2531]

Nice to see something new

[@Meianju]

It looks absolutely delicious 😋I will have to try and when I get the chance.

[@kate_omega2657]

Just seeing how they do things in different kitchens around Japan is so interesting even if I have never had the food

[@SeanHunterMusic]

When Paolo uploads you know it’s gonna be a good day! Awesome video dude!

[@paulanthonybongcac804]

Happy Easter Bro Paolo and Family ❤😊

[@ullaskunder]

thanks for the video

[@1peruvianguy]

great video as always 🙌🇯🇵🙌

[@angelsunshine_7223]

I really love eel soo much.. in my country there also japan's food and thai food that use eel.. i really love it..

[@girlzie945]

I think it's a wonderful atmosphere. Everyone meshes well together. Unagi is without a doubt a favourite of mine. I hope someday to try it here🙏

[@francisnguyen6349]

Nice video footage of the Japanese Restaurant, Paolo.

[@paulglennhunter]

We found a great little Unagi spot in Kanda on our last couple of days in Tokyo. It was so good. I'll add this one to my list for our next trip.

[@TheDarkKnightRacist]

i love japanese unagi, it's always my go to order in sushi places

[@poundsavingsstore4591]

Please keep doing these videos❤

[@ariewinaya4580]

I wanna try this .. looks so delicious 😊

[@itsmicheal133]

the food looks super good

[@bo-botones]

Thanks , i love unagi

[@TehSuperHero]

Please do more day in the life of Japanese people. Any kind!

[@orgasmatron-xxx]

He's been doing it for years. Are you just dumb or have down syndrome?🤣