Frijoles and the Quest for Burrito

Japan has a thousands stomachs worth of options when it comes to both local and international cuisine, but the big thing that any Californian like myself will find missing is MEXICAN food. Well, mexican, tex-mex, cal-mex, etc… anything that bases its menu on beans, cheese, carnitas, and tortillas.

I’m happy to report that after a month of casual searching, I found such a place, quite randomly, by walking down a small street in the Azabu-Juban district of Tokyo.

Yukimi, a Frijoles "Apmlifier" spoons some fresh ingredients at Frijoles Burritos and Tacos in Azabu-Juban, Tokyo

I mentioned to my burrito maker that the place really reminds me of the U.S. chain of Chipotle shops, but she  smartly reminds me that this place is an independent shop. Indeed, although the interior stylings and personal assembly line style of creating food is similar to that of Chipotle, I am reminded that this is not the aforementioned chain store. Only part of that is a realization of the fact that I’m in Japan.

A Frijoles Carnitas Burrito with homemade tortilla chips and a root beer. A welcome treat!

The chips, first of all, are amazing. Although they tipped the price of my meal a well over the 1,000 Yen mark ($10 USD). All of the ingredients (I ordered pinto beans, fresh salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and carnitas) are extremely fresh. The carnitas are tender and flavorful, yet maybe a little more “mushy” than what I would be used to from a burrito shop in the states. They also tend to go light on the rice and sides, and heavy on the meat, which will garner no complaints from me. I love meat. Just make sure to specify if you like more or less of anything, after all, they do make it right in front of your eyes!

Frijoles Burritos and Tacos is owned by restaurateur Hiroshi Miyano, and located in the Azabu Juban district of Tokyo.  It’s a worthwhile trip to this area alone for the traditional Japanese snack-food shopping, adding a burrito the trip is just the guacamole on top…