Combine Daikanyama

Located in the basement floor of Daikanyama’s Mode Cosmos Building along main thoroughfare Kyu-yamate Dori, Combine, well, combines Asian influences with touches of European and other Western food. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a touch of analogue-hip living room about it: bare whitewashed brick walls, exposed ceiling pipes, and mismatched seating groups that give of a quiet brand of flea-market chic. Warm lighting and walls lined with a rotating collection album covers picked by the staff, and books from the owner’s collection add to this spacious yet cosy culinary rec-room. Expect to find among your fellow diners the young and creative as well as some of Tokyo’s more recognisable techno DJs. Many from the local international crowd tend to gravitate here, according to the staff, with Europeans making up the bulk of the contingent – making for a mix of nationalities with a relaxed but cool approach that is the exact opposite of the so-called ‘international’ spots in Roppongi and the like. The menu features a sizeable selection of starters and salads that range from a light green papaya, herb and coriander salad to a fluffy yet substantial Spanish-style omelette with thick chunks of ham and tau cheo sauce. The list of main dishes is a bit more compact (as are the portions), and includes delightfully ginger-infused charcoal-grilled spareribs, deep fried soft-shell crab and grilled sausage that’s made in-house. Other dishes on offer as sides or even lunch are their very popular green curry and spicy noodles. There’s an ever-changing array of specials, and vegetarian options include tempura, and a tofu and avocado salad among other light vegetable-based dishes. In addition to the standard array of cocktails and other alcoholic and soft-drinks, the staff recommends drinks using ginger infused vodka, or the Koedo beer. Dessert options are limited but no less tempting. If you’re looking for a fusion of atmosphere, the possibility of music events, and a blend of culture both in your surrounds and in the food, the Combine is worth a visit.