Sundubu Nakayama Tōfuten serves Korean-style tofu stews and bibimbap in heated stone bowls. Located in central Tōkyō, it was one of the few non-Japanese meals of our 2024 Japan trip—yet it delivered one of the most memorable dining experiences of the entire visit.
Seafood Stone Bowl Bibimbap Set (¥1,090). Includes prawn, baby octopus, baby squid.
This dolsot bibimbap was outstanding. The rice developed a perfectly crisp base with a rich, buttery flavour from the slab of butter placed on top before serving. The stone bowl, heated directly over a gas flame, retained heat throughout, ensuring every bite remained warm. The seafood—particularly the squid—took on a light smoky note from direct contact with the bowl, adding depth to each mouthful. This dish left such an impression that it initiated an ongoing and thus far unsuccessful search for a comparable version in Sydney. It also ranked as one of the best Korean meals we have had to date, surpassing many meals even during a dedicated trip to South Korea in 2023.
Mix Sundubu Teishoku (¥1,265). Includes prawn, baby octopus, baby squid, and pork, served with hourensō, bean sprouts, and Korean seaweed.
The tofu jjigae was richly flavoured and spicy even at the lowest spice level (“1”), and a milder version would likely be preferred on a return visit. The tofu was silky smooth and enjoyable on its own or with a spoonful of rice. Combined with the variety of seafood and pork, the stew was deeply satisfying, with a well-judged amount of gochujang that enhanced without overwhelming.
Sundubu Nakayama Tōfuten offered an excellent Korean meal in Tōkyō. The dolsot bibimbap, in particular, delivered an exceptional crispy rice texture that has remained unmatched. Worth returning for, and a high benchmark for Korean claypot dishes.
Sundubu Nakayama Tōfuten is located at 1F New Shinbashi Building, 2-16 Chome-1 Shinbashi, Minato City, 105-0004 Tōkyō, Japan.