Yan Yan Restaurant

Beneath the iconic red brick railway arches just outside JR Shimbashi Station, Yan Yan Restaurant (鶏中華 ヤンヤン飯店) transports you from the bustling heart of Tokyo to the vibrant night markets of Taiwan. This is the "Neo-Chinese Izakaya" that the local "salarymen" and savvy travelers keep returning to, a place where the atmosphere is just as memorable as the food.

Step into a world of vivid red lanterns and lively colors, a space that hums with the cozy energy of a neighborhood spot. This restaurant is a popular offshoot of the famous "Red Ton" chain, and here, the specialty is chicken. From the moment you enter, the aroma of freshly steamed dim sum and the sound of friendly chatter promise a fantastic and affordable meal. Yan Yan proves that the best dining experiences are often found under the train tracks.

If there's only one thing you order, make it the "Shumai All-Stars" (焼売オールスター’S). This is the undisputed star of Yan Yan, a magnificent platter of twelve unique, handmade shumai. Each plump dumpling has a slightly different filling, creating a journey of flavors and textures, from juicy chicken and rich pork to plump shrimp, smooth shark fin, and even a touch of coriander. They are steamed to perfection, with a thin, chewy wrapper that holds in a burst of savory meat juice. Sharing this platter is the best way to kick off a lively meal.

But the culinary adventure doesn't stop there. The menu is filled with creative, camera-ready dishes. You must try the "Yanyan Rangers" (ヤンヤンレンジャー), a set of vibrant, colorful cocktails that are as fun to photograph as they are to drink. For something savory, the "Shrimp and Tomato Egg Stir-fry" offers a soft, gentle, and comforting flavor that serves as a perfect, light interlude between heavier bites. And for dessert, don't miss the adorable "Panda Mantou" (ぱんだまん), a cute, lightly sweet steamed bun that's the perfect ending to your feast.

Insider Tips: Yan Yan is open for lunch on weekdays (11:30 AM–2:30 PM), offering exceptional value with set meals that include rice and soup. For the full experience, come for dinner with a group to share the All-Stars platter. Given its popularity, reservations are highly recommended, especially on weeknights. Cash is preferred, but major credit cards are accepted.

Address: 1-3-13 Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo Access: 1-minute walk from JR Shimbashi Station (Karasumori Exit) Opening Hours: - Monday–Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM & 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM - Saturday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM - Closed: Sundays and National Holidays Price Range: Dinner courses start from ¥4,000; a la carte items like a single chicken shumai start at around ¥209.

Getting from LOF HOTEL Shimbashi to Yan Yan Restaurant: The walk is about 650 meters and should take you no more than 10 minutes. It's the best way to absorb the local atmosphere. From your hotel, head east towards the elevated JR train tracks. Follow the tracks southbound, and you will soon reach the bustling, iconic Shimbashi "Gado-shita" (railway arch) area. Yan Yan Restaurant is located here, a stone's throw from the Karasumori Exit of JR Shimbashi Station. A taxi takes roughly 5 minutes and costs around ¥600 - ¥1,000.