01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
As the meat hits the tabletop gas roaster, curling smoke carries the sweet, savory aroma of a rich tare marinade. Located in Asakusa 2-chome, Kintouen offers the timeless appeal of old-school yakiniku, served without pretension and meant to be eaten heartily. Well-marbled wagyu nakaochi rib cuts and standard kalbi take on a crisp char over the steady heat of the gas burner, their assertive seasoning practically demanding a bowl of steamed rice or a cold drink.
Beyond beef, the menu features Platinum Pork alongside a solid assortment of offal cuts including beef heart, mountain chain tripe, and liver. For those keen to try a bit of everything, the three-variety horumon platter is a great choice, cooking down slowly on the grate until nicely rendered and chewy. Between rounds on the grill, side dishes such as squid sashimi and kkakdugi diced radish kimchi offer a clean, refreshing counterpoint.
To conclude the meal, diners can order bibim-myeon—chilled noodles drained and dressed in spicy sauce—as well as piping-hot gukbap and various udon dishes. Inside, the shop maintains a modest, nostalgic footprint, where the lively haze of roasting meat feels right at home in Tokyo's traditional shitamachi quarter. It is the sort of casual haunt where you can drop by in everyday clothes to heap sauce-lacquered cuts onto hot rice and tuck in without distraction.
