Kanda Kanamono-dori was once a bustling area filled with hardware wholesalers, but now it has changed shape and is home to restaurants, general stores and more.

In 2014, in order to deliver food as it should be, Kanda Kanamonodori Kitade Shokudo opened here. It is a sister restaurant of a restaurant that was founded in Brooklyn, New York.

We spoke with the staff of Kanda Kanamono-dori Kitade Shokudo, the first store in Japan.

The message we want to convey through "Kanda Kanamono-dori Kitade Shokudo"

Standard menu "Taco Plate"
You can enjoy plenty of vegetables

The policy of "Kanda Kanamono-dori Kitade Shokudo" is to aim for zero food additives! This originated from the experience that the owner, Mr. Suzuki, had in America.

It seems that people living in the United States have a much higher awareness of food safety than people in Japan. I believe that a diet that is too heavily reliant on processed foods that use food additives also affects mental health.

"We would hate for the food we deliver to harm our customers' mental health. Instead, we want our customers to experience the joy of their bodies, receiving the bounty of the earth as it is. Furthermore, to ensure that everyone can enjoy our food, we take care to cater for people with food allergies and create gluten-free menus so that many customers can enjoy our food," he says, powerfully expressing the philosophy of Kanda Kanamonodori Kitade Shokudo.

The store also has a board introducing the farmers who provide the ingredients.

To embody the idea

You can see what's going on in the kitchen from your seat.

It's easier said than done. In order to achieve the policy of "Aiming for zero food additives!", there are a ton of things that need to be taken into consideration, such as coming up with recipes, selecting ingredients, and cooking methods. "Kanda Kanamono-dori Kitade Shokudo" not only has standard menus, but also seasonal menus that allow you to enjoy the taste of the four seasons in a Japanese style. Therefore, the things that need to be taken into consideration change every day.

"It's not just the chefs who are working hard. The wait staff are the same. They need to understand the chef's intentions in order to communicate the ingredients and cooking methods to customers. All the staff are working hard to embody the motto of 'Kanda Kanamono Dori Kitade Shokudo.' It's because of their overwhelming efforts that I can recommend the restaurant with confidence."

He told us about the unknown side of Kitade Shokudo.

A relaxing space like a home party

Counter bar
The interior is reminiscent of a former pharmaceutical warehouse.

The atmosphere inside "Kanda Kanamono-dori Kitade Shokudo" is calm, in contrast to the strong presence of the staff. The property, which the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Kitade, fell in love with at first sight, is also decorated with furniture and interiors that were handcrafted by the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Suzuki and Mr. Kitade. Touching the walls, tables, and chairs that exude a sense of history brings a sense of nostalgia.

"Kanda Hardware Street has a similar atmosphere to Brooklyn. The increasing number of stylish stores here reminds me of Brooklyn," says Kitade, reflecting on why he decided to open his shop in this location.

The concept of welcoming customers at Kanda Kanamono-dori Kitade Shokudo is a home party.

"(At home parties) I serve food while watching the other person's reactions, such as, "This person likes this ingredient," "That person eats quickly and eats a lot," and so on. That's the same thing I do at Kanda Kanamono-dori Kitade Shokudo."

It's a comfortable space, and the food is served at your own pace. This is what creates a warm atmosphere. This relationship is also reflected in the communication between the staff.

"The staff are like family to us. Kanda Kanamono-dori Kitade Shokudo also welcomes international students. The owner was studied in the United States and was treated kindly by local people. Perhaps now, decades later, he is repaying that kindness."

The atmosphere at Kanda Kanamono-dori Kitade Shokudo seems to be influenced by the fact that it is a place where warm relationships circulate. He also talked about his future plans.

"We plan to open more stores in order to increase the opportunities to spread awareness and convey our philosophy to as many people as possible. No matter how many stores we have, Kanda Kanamono-dori Kitade Shokudo will remain our starting point. We want to provide the best hospitality to the customers who find us."

The warm atmosphere of Kanda Kanamono-dori Kitade Shokudo will soothe your tired mind and body from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Owner Kitade

神田金物通  北出食堂
電話：03-6240-9920
住所：東京都千代田区岩本町1-13-5
アクセス：JR総武本線 馬喰町駅（2番出口）徒歩4分/日比谷線 小伝馬町駅（2番出口）徒歩6分/都営新宿線 岩本町駅 （A5出口）徒歩7分
HP：https://www.kitadeshokudo.com/pages/shokudo
SNS：https://www.instagram.com/kitade_shokudo/
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