Sakuraniku Horse Meat Restaurant Asakusa

It was pretty late on when we noticed the red glowing lanterns of this place on a balcony one floor up from the street in the Asakusa area, near Kappabashi. This was easily one the highlights of eating in Tokyo, I've been craving this ever since. Horse Meat is called Sakuraniku in Japan which translates as Cherry Blossom Meat to reflect the pink colour of the flesh.


We ordered a trio of Basashi (Sashimi of Horse) which was from left to right Fattened Neck, Rump and Fillet with Grated Ginger. The silkiness of the meat beats the best aged beef hands down. The Fattened Neck was similar to Lardo, I could eat this everyday. A trio of dips also, Sweet Soy, Dark Soy and a Mustard and Sesame Oil. All together very good.

This Sakuraniku Tartare with Sesame and Daikon was great, there was a little spice in here too.

We got an order of Crispy Horse Crackling and some well Peppered Chips which were both tasty and filling enough to stop us ordering more of the expensive things on the menu, plus we got a very good Sake that I failed to take any shots off.