Shiseido Parlour Ginza

The Shiseido Parlour in Ginza pioneered western cuisine in Japan. The menu, which includes classic favourites like meat croquettes and curry rice (Japanese-style curry, that is) hasn’t changed much since the place opened back in 1902. One menu item sure to raise eyebrows is a course featuring curry rice topped off with lobster and abalone, which includes the chef flambéing them at your table. Of course, it doesn’t come cheap and will set you back around ¥12,000. Interestingly enough, the Parlour was the first place in Japan to sell soda, which explains why the third-floor café serves ice cream sodas – a hit in the Parlour’s early days – just like they used to be back in the day.