Behind the Counter at a local Japanese style Chinese Restaurant
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Asahi is a Japanese-style Chinese restaurant with a rich history spanning over 100 years. Originally from the Nihonbashi area, this Tokyo secret hidden gem food spot tragically burnt down during the war but was later rebuilt here in one of Asakusa’s hidden back streets, just behind the iconic Senso-ji Temple. And now this hidden gem is run by a father and son duo serving lines of locals each and every day. The owner, Ueki san, took over this Japanese food ship from his father when he was 29 years old making him the 4th generation owner in his family. But he actually, started his career at the age of 16, studying under his grandfather’s friend at a traditional Japanese cuisine restaurant in Shimane prefecture. After which he worked in other industries to gain more life experience before setting back down here. Japanese-style Chinese restaurants like Asahi are known in Japan as MACHI-CHUKA, directly translated Town and Chinese. It’s origin traces back to the 1600s when it arrived in Japan’s Nagasaki area during the Edo period but through time underwent a gradual evolution to suit Japanese tastes.
Asahi
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@Jack-SecITGuy
9 ай бұрын
Hey, love your work and hot sauce. Really knocked my taste buds through a loop and the name is fitting I think. I was wondering if you could do a series on "10 days in Japan if you like _____" Some examples for the blanks are history, war buff, Anime fan, theme parks, hiking, spa's, unusual places, etc. I've watched a ton of your videos and seen so many things, but I'd love to see you produce some trip examples based on your back catalogue with voice over creating the "Ideal Trip" including travel. Japan has some of the most amazing train stays, so you could even dive into "while your visiting this museum, be sure to check out this market place known for.." or whatever else. My thought process here is that my wife and I have different interests when we travel, so by watching the videos of our interests, we can mark spots that overlap or are nearby each other. Then build our perfect trip...side note as I'm writing this...does Paolo Inc. offer travel planning by chance? Might be something to expand into with hot sauce. Love the work, please keep producing.
@typerightseesight
9 ай бұрын
If they ever open one in the states gimme a ring I'll do dishes! lol
@artistlovepeace
9 ай бұрын
I know you are going to hate me for pointing this out but you don't boil stock... you bring to a boil and then you simmer for the rest of the time. Boiling too long makes the fat in the animal go rancid and it tastes really awful and burnt coppery. Simmer the stock. Then the broth is made from the stock.
@AshaRani-hp3jz
9 ай бұрын
What about video on day in high school student
@DaudWardhana-jq7zv
9 ай бұрын
Extreme frankenEve
Having Japanese small businesses featured on your channel fells like a win-win to me. I hope more offer to appear on your channel!
@youtubehandol
9 ай бұрын
it's a win-win-win. The store wins, Paolo wins, the viewers win.
@poplix2704
9 ай бұрын
@@youtubehandoltrue!
@anonymeister123
9 ай бұрын
This restaurant owner is super chill, nice to see. Love these types of episodes from Paolo.
@milton480h
9 ай бұрын
Small businesses, within tight quarters. I feel claustrophobic every time the camera films in that narrow cooking aisle!
@yosukekimeno5379
8 ай бұрын
@@milton480heverything u have to adjust and work
Who's here after watching the Tonkatsu video where Ueki made a cameo?
@ragnarokkorea9714
5 ай бұрын
Me
@chium2383
5 ай бұрын
Not me
@024dieg
4 ай бұрын
What video?
@slayer9456
4 ай бұрын
Me
@raidenstark315
4 ай бұрын
Give me the link
I love your behind the scenes videos. You have a charming personality and you help restaurant owners show their passion for cooking.
@PaolofromTOKYO
9 ай бұрын
Thank you so much!
This is such a great video. It shows the generations and commitment, obviously the quality as well. The 2 gentlemen that he interviewed at the end have been going to this spot for 50 and 60 years!!!! It's awesome that the son decided to get involved and carry it forward. So much respect and am sure that the Dad is training him hard on the best methods. This was such a great experience watching.
We need to make a map of all the videos that you've done Paolo, then we can do tours of eateries.
@ajclements4627
9 ай бұрын
Excellent idea!
@youtubehandol
9 ай бұрын
@paolo fromtokyo this has to happpen!
Chinese restaurants are Japan's most popular foreign food. There's a neighborhood Chinese restaurant in almost every corner in Japan. Many dishes like ramen and gyoza came from these restaurants and evolved into a Japanese dish with their own type of restaurants. These are places many Japanese patron for generations as most Japanese do not own the equipment like wok to cook Chinese food at home. If you look around Japanese food youtube, tons of these kind of places are being featured. I'm glad Paolo were able to showcase these local places which foreigners knows very little about, but important to Japanese living in the neighborhood.
@s125ish
9 ай бұрын
Surprised Chinese food is popular in Japan.
@user-vk3ko3ud3l
9 ай бұрын
@@s125ish I'm quite sure almost all Japanese love at least some Chinese dishes. We respect their richness and incredible variety. I remember that a few years ago, when a Western media rated Chinese food low (like #15) among the world's culinary traditions, many Japanese people protested and demanded it should be among the Top 3, at least. 🙂
@GariusMarius
9 ай бұрын
@@s125ish Because most citizens of each country aren't part of the toxic geopolitical identity that consumes some fanatics. Anti-Japan, Anti-China, Anti-whatever, are less of a focus for people that just want to live their lives. Food in my belly makes me happy and I love the cusine all around the world. I'm not accusing you of anything, just that we live such short lifespans and it's always positive to see appreciation for each other beyond just hate.
@emfox6280
9 ай бұрын
Brah, you’ve got to stop with the “no cap” 😅
@blazinblakebz
9 ай бұрын
@@s125ish Why wouldn't it be? Despite all the obvious tension from war related stuff, Japan and China has a long history together and naturally food is involved during trading and cultural exchanges. It's like that anywhere for any country.
Paolo, if you get to read this...i just wanna say thank you so much for all the videos you been making throughout the years. you don't know how much it means to me to see another new video you uploaded. your videos make me feel very relaxed and comfortable cuz you put so much work into them. i love seeing japan culture and i learn at least 1 new thing every video. you are one of the few youtube content creators that drives me to be the best i can be as a youtube content creator myself. thank you again and can't wait for the next video!
Behind the Counter is my favorite series from you Paolo, I even have my 89 year old grandfather watching these now. He was a chef for many years before he could afford to go to school, and is the one who got me into Japanese food at a very young age.
@bluecat6902
9 ай бұрын
What did he think about this restaurant and it's owners?
"I'm the sexy man from the chicken shop" -- that was classic! Ha-ha! Absolutely loved this one Paolo, loved the environment, the cultural knowledge and the banter. Thank you once again :)
Can't imagine that this place has been there for over 120 years, consistently serving the neighborhood, rain or shine! It must've given its customers a sense of stability and warmth since no matter what happens in life, you can always pop into the restaurant and food will be served. So heartwarming!
@BowieTheOctoBear
9 ай бұрын
That's so wholesome 🥺
Three cups of coffee a day, travels on a Monday, and drinks a bottle of whiskey.. the secrets to life!
@youtubehandol
9 ай бұрын
AND looks 15 years less than his age!
@Hallyu-Back
9 ай бұрын
@@youtubehandol Hahahahaha..... Long distance traveling on Mondays is the secret to life!
I really like this guy, he works hard but he's pretty chill and personable.
those fresh noods delivered by the president of the company to a probably long-standing customer out of respect is just amazing.
I tried this restaurant a few weeks ago when I stay as Asakusa. The ginger ramen was delicious. Thank you Paolo for the recommendation. Next year I’ll visit this restaurant again.
I love these videos so much. I've got so many places I want to visit whenever I can get over to Japan. Edit: all of these owners sound like people you can just chill with and have a good time.
@PaolofromTOKYO
9 ай бұрын
Glad you like them!
Seeing Japanese business like this and how well is their relationship with the locals is just so beautiful. it really shows how beautiful it must've been living in a community like that
It's gratifying to see these wonderful people and their small businesses featured on your channel, Paolo, giving them the opportunity to reach people that otherwise may have never had the opportunity to do so. All of those hard working, smiling people who contribute a small but incredibly important part to others' lives and keeping family and cultural traditions alive for generations to come. I appreciate all the hard work you and your family put into these wonderful videos. I will never physically be able to travel to Japan but thanks to you, I've learned I would love to visit someday just the same. Thank you for the opportunity to travel virtually!
Another good one. Seen a lot of japanese youtuber featuring such local shops on chinese cuisine during pandemic, but always refreshing to see paolo's take as he always tries to get the background and how the neighborhood perceives the shop!!
God damn, one of the things I admire in Japan is just how consistent things are even throughout 60+ years, for like even local shops and whatnot
I love the Father-Son Work Dynamic! It warms my heart to see generational collaboration nowadays. As a Chinese/Filipino/Hawaiian that's born & raised in Hawaii, I applaud these wonderful people for their ingenuity of marrying Japanese-Chinese food culture!
Watching the level of quality that small businesses place on their craft is always endearing. Delicious food in my belly makes me happy. Thanks for the great contents.
Just came from the new behind the counter video to rewatch this😅😅😅
@DonKey496
8 ай бұрын
Same! Lol
@j.v.r.1981-
3 ай бұрын
Ditto!
I would love to see a behind the scene look at traditional Japanese art, calligraphy or anything to do with making a kimono. Your videos show a glimpse of Japan beyond the tourist spots and I love it!
I’m going to Tokyo in November and you bet your ass I’m going there. Absolutely LOVE the vibe Ueki-san gives off. I’ll tell him you sent me 🫡
I absolutely adore Japan! They are all so honest and hard working!!! Love it so much!
I'm sure the opinion of a silly American doesn't mean much, but I truly appreciate your "behind the counter" videos! Thank you for sharing with us!
@TheRealAaronJordison
9 ай бұрын
Paolo is also a silly American.
@prsklenar
9 ай бұрын
@@TheRealAaronJordison Nope, he's a gentleman. :)
@LuiZ-jy1pi
9 ай бұрын
Don't be like that. I'm sure your opinion means A LOT to him because every KZreadr loves the American audience... ...since the CPM (monetization per thousand views) from the USA is so high
must have been a cold day in tokyo
His English sounds really good when he said he is taking a coffee break I thought I was hearing things at first
It's amazing that they can run this restaurant with only 3 people. Great work ethic and time management.
Your insight into this family owned businesses are my favorites, I can see all the love and work you put into all your videos.
Really fun video as always Paolo, your videos show the kindness and warmness Japanese people have and I remember from my travels to Japan! I really hope to come back soon to Japan, I miss it so much! Love from Belgium!
Honestly, the behind the counter series is the best! I love seeing all these family run shops ♥
Living in New Zealand 🇳🇿 Paolo kudos to you sourcing delectable foody eateries. 4Generations of professionalism. 😊❤
Patrons coming to them for 50 years, 60 years.. wow!! That is an amazing legacy. A lot of restaurants don't even last half of that!
@HoshinoMirai
8 ай бұрын
Let alone lasting 25 years... In a hyper competitive place like Tokyo you'd be lucky to survive 2 years unless you really know what you are doing. It's truly mind blowing that the same person would be able to go to a place for 50. 60 years straight, speaks volume for how good and consistent things are.
Hey Paolo, another amazing day in the life video. The stories behind the small businesses you cover are steeped in so much history and tradition which is what makes them so enjoyable to watch. Thanks again 🙏 and can’t wait for the next one. Oh, and great editing as usual Maiko!
I am really excited going on this journey with you! It's so great to see the world thru your lens.
I'm tremendously shocked by the customers' loyalty. Like, who can visit the same place for 60 years!!!🤯 They're awesome👏
4th generation, and the son will carry on the tradition. How admirable! Also, the owner is such a pleasant person.
Absolutely love these behind the counter videos thank you Paolo! Watching from New Zealand.
That place looks so fun. So chill. I'm glad the son will keep it alive and I hope he has a little one who takes it over too. ❤
A Japanese Styled restaurant sounds pretty cool, must have some twists to their cuisine. Another amazing Behind the Counter video Paolo, cant wait for the next one.
@RandomUserX99
9 ай бұрын
Japanese style Chinese food is close to the original version but the taste and presentation has been changed for Japanese taste. For example, fried rice is always presented via a large ladle so it looks like a perfect circle mount on the dish - this is something only Japanese Chinese restaurant will do. Also Chinese noodles served in these restaurants became Japanese ramen, and ingredients were invented like chashu pork belly, which has the original name chashu but doesn't look or taste like Cantonese chashu pork at all.
You should do a video on Mexican food to see how it’s made differently than Mexico.😊
@RandomUserX99
9 ай бұрын
Sorry to inform you that Mexican food is hard to find all over Asia and Mexican restaurants are rare and mostly cater to foreigners and expats. It is one of the thing which is perplexing as Mexican food should be easily acceptable to Asian tastes.
@neogenesus
9 ай бұрын
Taco Bell 🤣
@xdxdsheep
9 ай бұрын
@@RandomUserX99 I think there is one in Osaka opened by someone from New Mexico. Can't remember the name of his shop.
@mockingbelles
9 ай бұрын
Mexican food is banger, I love it. But - it's not totally perplexing, its to do with migration :) if the people aren't there to bring their food culture and ingredients, ofc it's less likely it'll pop up. The Chinese diaspora is huge and probably why so many countries have their own renditions of Chinese food.@@RandomUserX99
@prasadpasumarthy2965
9 ай бұрын
Unfortunately even in India where it’s food galore with the widest range of vegetarian and meat dishes anywhere,unfortunately we don’t have that many Mexican restaurants,infact Mexican food should suit so well to the Indian palette I’m surprised it’s not available
Thank you for the wonderful video about the 100-year-old Chinese restaurant in Asakusa that is loved by the locals 👍
Thanks, Paolo loved this behind the counter!!! You just cannot beat tradition and generation. My hat is off to the owner son!! You just don't see sons taking over the family business anymore!!! I thought it was a lost art. Love your videos. You have a beautiful family. Please keep doing what you're doing!!
So appreciative of all the people opening up their doors for you
Behind the counter is THE best youtube series ever !!! incredibly interesting and fun to watch, much love from Germany.
So much pride in their food. I appreciate that
I love, LOVE places like this. What a community.
Everytime I hear "menma" I think about "Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day" and I tear up a bit.
That is so cool! What a legacy to be running a 5 generations shop with over 120 years of excellence. Having faithful customers for 50-60 years that is something special.
One of the most wholesome KZread channels. Your videos are so comforting.
Thank you Paolo for sharing amazing videos with us from Japan ❤️
Always love Paolo’s Behind the Counter series! These small businesses are amazing!
I genuinely love this series, thank you Paolo for all the great content you create
This video honestly makes me tear up. It's the definition of success.
What I have learnt from these videos is that when your ultimate goal is customer satisfaction you can earn while enjoying your work.
Thank you Paolo! I look forward to every video you create. You're very talented, and I think all of the businesses that you visit are worth the highlight, and appreciate it so much. I'll be here for the next one!
Restaurants like these are truly special
Truly a legacy! Incredible to see. Having regulars coming there for over 60 years is crazy.
This was so wholesome! Loved it
Best videos on you tube man you need an award!! For me, chrisabroad and others dont even come close!
The Chinese who settled in Japan during the late 19th Century introduced their style of cooking. This developed into "Chūka Ryori" (Japanese-style Chinese food), which is a hybrid cuisine of Chinese and Japanese cooking. Ramen, Yakisoba, and Gyoza are notable examples of this cuisine style. 🍜🥟🥢
So amazing to see these businesses being preserved across generations.
I am teaching my kids to support and promote local businesses because these are friends and neighbors ❤! Eating fast food once in awhile is all good but always choose local! ❤
@sarahrean7174
9 ай бұрын
Fast food is not good its just cheap that's why kids goes to that a lot
Yesss finally a new episode! My favorite series in KZread!! ☺️🙌🏼🙌🏼
Absolutely loved this one! From the family dynamics (daughter was my fav), restaurant culture, and honest talks about what it takes to run their business. We need to see them again in another episode 😊
@vistavistalium636
Ай бұрын
That's not his daughter tho....
Paolo, I really enjoy your series, "Behind The Counter" . You do such a great job!
These videos are amazing and I want to build a list of places I've seen on your channel for when I visit Japan! Watching these in the morning before breakfast is a terrible idea because I end up so hungy
Yesssss! Plz never stop making these❤
love your behind the counter series!!
Good video. Thanks for posting!
That is one tiny kitchen area. Paolo you never fail to make me hungry
@qwertyboo
9 ай бұрын
I've never seen him feature one with a large kitchen. Must be just the norm in Japan
A generational restaurant is truely a fixture in japan. Great content. I enjoy these behind the scenes videos very much. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe.
always appreciate the behind the counter series. keep up the good work and hope to see more!
The next time I am in japan I will look through all your behind the counter videos again and visit some of those places. Thank you for showing them :D
Coming to this restaurant for 60 years is just insane, but its also so wholesome to hear the connection they formed!
The owner calve is crazy
Awesome video as always Paolo. Small family owned place are the best place so friendly and delicious food.
Love behind the counter series.
On top of every kind words people say, it's also really nice to see the link with other local businesses, like the meat and noodle supply.
Behind the Counter continues to be one of my favorite series on KZread! Thank you for bringing us more amazing restaurants and stories!
Paolo I always look forward to your behind the counter videos,slick and nicely presented
I love your attitude towards life, wishing you well.
Imagine being able to go to the same restaurant for 60 years. So cool
I love this channel so much
Love this type of video very much!
I do like these videos, and so great seeing how there is a line outside most of the shops you visit before they open
As always top notch content, high quality production and a nice place to visit!
I loves these videos!
Love his cheery attitude!!
Such an interesting shop! I love these Behind The Counter videos !!
Father and son work so fast and the food looks amazing!
My absolute favorite series!
Your videos are always so entertaining, keep up the good work 🗣🔥
Just amazing I love this series among others that you have!
A 120 year old restaurant, that’s awesome if I ever get that way I will swing by this place.
The slightly awkward mis-use of “no cap” sends me every time 😂❤️
I love these video series. They help me relax at night and get happy vibes from the japanese people you showcase in your videos. So please keep it up!
Always love your videos Paolo!