El pioneer in Tokyo - El Castellano

Once in Tokyo, you don't want to miss this place. It's a Spanish restaurant serving tapas and it's got more than food to offer.

Vincente is the owner of El Castellano and also the first Spaniard to open a tapa joint in Tokyo 30 years ago (he moved there after Franco disappeared). I always go there to eat, regardless how much money I've got. In fact, the first time I went over to Tokyo from Taipei was simply to have food at this place. Another crazy thing that I do...

I can't get enough of Spanish food; I simply love everything they put on a plate (or bowl, tray, whatever). I have been going to this place for four years now, I suppose and it's a place that makes me feel like home, even if I'm only there once or twice per year. I guess it's because I am always alone and, in a great city like Tokyo, finding a place that welcomes you again and again with down to earth hospitality is like finding treasure! It's funny how I communicate with the owner, his wife, and their staffs. My Spanish has simply become a mix of English and French ever since I came back to Taiwan and it's getting harder for me to speak Spanish! Of course, I don't really want to speak English there. The result would be me talking in that strange Spanish mixed with Japanese phrases and words. And being "El Chino de Canada/Taiwan" (that's what they call me...they know what my name is but it seems like it's more fun for them to call me "The Chinese from Canada/Taiwan"; I love it) who thinks in French, you can see what a mess my head would be in when there).

It's a tiny restaurant seating only 20-25 people. It's always full at supper time. I always go there later and sit at the bar. It's open from 6-10 pm everday except Sunday (cash only...). Easy to find on Aoyama-dori. If you ever go pass by Tokyo, try this place out.