Ameyoko

   (104)
      
日本語/Japanese
Wed 2008/07/02 21:56
If you fancy seeing some market life in Tokyo then there's probably no place better than Ameyoko.
Ameyoko is a 400 meter long market that stretches between JR Okachimachi and Ueno station on the Yamanote line.
"Ameyoko" [アメ横[あめよこ]] is short for the full name of the market which is "Ameya Yokocho" [アメヤ横丁[あめやよこちょう]]

Many moons ago, American soldiers used to come here to sell their bits n pieces to make a few yen on the side.
One of the origins of the name "Ameya" is said to come from "AMEricans" and "YA" meaning "shop" = American shop.

Another explanation of the original meaning of "Ameya" is said to come from many shops in the market that sold sweets. "Ame" meaning "sweets" and "ya" meaning shop.
Ameyoko has many places to fill ones stomach at reasonable prices.
Many fresh fruits...
Dried foods n sweets...
Grandad not for sale...
Fresh seafood.
A hawker stall in Japan is known as a "Yatai" [屋台[やたい]] - basically a cart where food is cooked in the open air. Yatai are commonly found in markets like Ameyoko and at festivals like the ones I showed you before in Azabujyuban.

I wish Yatai were more popular in Tokyo as it would be very convenient grabbing a bite to eat.
I love to eat out at Hawker stalls and am looking forward to making my next trip to Malaysia and Singapore again soon. Will stuff myself full of Popiah, Kuay Tiao noodles, Hokkien noodles, Loh bak, Siew Yook rice and Hainan chicken rice. Although the last time I went was a few years ago - not sure if hawker stalls are still around or not.

Are open air food stalls popular in your region?
Compared to 30 years ago, the amount of shops selling fresh seafood has declined to be replaced by shops selling sporting goods. Have no idea why the transition was seafood to sporting goods ^^;
You can also pick up a load of cheap T-shirts.
Keep your eye on the roads that lead off the main Ameyoko market as they lead into buildings filled with smaller shops.
Leather goods and clothing.
One thing that you wont find in Ameyoko are fake brands and opensource DVDs - unless you know the right people to ask. Fake brands and opensource goods readily available in your region?
More fresh seafoods.
Seafood anyone?
More seafood.
This girl wants you to eat her balls.
The balls are filled with anything that you want - a light/medium snack to have between meals.
Yep we have kebabs too.
How about picking up some Katsuo as a present for your nephew - 500 yen each.
See food.
There are shops underneath Ameyoko in the Ameyoko Chika Building where one can buy a load of oriental food stuffs.
Its like another dimension under here - you are walking and then all of a sudden the smells, language and lighting change - you are in China.
Apart from the Chinese stores here, there are a few stores in Ikebukuro and Shinjuku that sell Chinese food stuffs too.
There are many stalls that sell snacks n fruits so you may want to plan to go there on an empty stomach.
The Japanese traditionally don't sit outside restaurants to eat but Ameyoko has a few places with tables n chairs outside.
If you see somebody clapping outside a shop, its not because they think you dress well but because its a traditional way to attract customers.
Eating out in the open air popular in your region too?
More fresh fruits.
Many of my gaijin comrades have made it over to Ameyoko - is/was on your visit list?
At the other end of the market at Ueno station.
Are there markets that you can recommend to your fellow comrade who is visiting your region?
First time here?
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Polls
Martin Wandering in The Wild West (Registered on 2008/02/04 11:13)
Student, Spiral Warrior
Looks a lot like the markets around here. The T-shirts are a big similarity, as well as the food carts/stalls.
(ID #228066) Posted on 2008/07/02 22:23
robnubis in Dublin, Ireland (Registered on 2008/01/27 07:13)
full time student, 60% of the time.
Fish lady looked kinda cute, I'd have to buy some :)
(ID #228068) Posted on 2008/07/02 22:27
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
Fish lady? ^^;
(ID #228389) Posted on 2008/07/03 08:53
lostandfound in Singapore (Registered on 2007/10/22 03:22)
Part trooper, part -timer, 100% loser...
A Ameyoko looks like a place where you can get alot of grub to eat... 

LOL, 30 years ago many people like eating but now they're doing sports to slim down... Maybe?

"This girl wants you to eat her balls. " That just sounds so wrong but feels so right LOL

Eating out is a pretty common thing here... I think? Enjoying a scrumptious meal while breathing in fresh air is the way to enjoy life~


(ID #228069) Posted on 2008/07/02 22:28
Zen in Zjhentohlauedy Home Planet. aka. somewhere in the Philippines (Registered on 2008/06/10 23:35)
Student of LIFE!
For someone who loves to explore different cuisines what better place than a market! :D I definitely must go there someday!
(ID #228070) Posted on 2008/07/02 22:29
CLF in Malaysia (Registered on 2008/05/10 22:43)
Dont worry M'sia here still have the hawker centres that you like.
(ID #228074) Posted on 2008/07/02 22:37
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
Thats great news!
(ID #228390) Posted on 2008/07/03 08:53
raptor_cZn in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Registered on 2007/12/12 23:05)
Pre-U Student
Yep, there is still an abundance of hawker stalls almost anywhere you go. Though most of them are situated in coffee shops and some in a food court like building.
(ID #229882) Posted on 2008/07/04 20:42
Cookie are teh yummy in Malaysia (Registered on 2007/11/25 02:40)
Student
Don't worry Danny~Hawker still will always be here in Malaysia.Especially Penang XD
Cookie are teh yummy in Malaysia (Registered on 2007/11/25 02:40)
Student
Don't worry Danny~Hawker stall's will always be here in Malaysia.Especially Penang XD
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
looking forward to it.
Hmmm. Must fix that echo bug.
(ID #228391) Posted on 2008/07/03 08:54
super rats in Philadelphia, PA (USA) (Registered on 2007/01/15 12:45)
Everything
Something like that is pretty foreign to where I live here in the USA.  It is funny how certain things transition, fish to sporting goods.
(ID #228085) Posted on 2008/07/02 22:52
AndyH in Birmingham, UK (Registered on 2006/12/25 11:20)
3D artist
Ive been there - i kinda stumbled upon it by accident while exploring Ueno. Nice place - i couldnt believe the diversity and WTF-ness of all the seafood they sold!
Nice pics - makes me wish i was back there!
(ID #228086) Posted on 2008/07/02 22:53
Fat Cat Lim in Malaysia (Registered on 2008/04/23 14:25)
Videogame Magazine Editor
Nice find! I'll recommend this area to my friends when we go down to Tokyo this October. I've always liked visiting market places, especially with their variety of local food and spices. :D
(ID #228094) Posted on 2008/07/02 23:10
Exiled_Gundam in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Registered on 2007/08/22 15:21)
Castoffable figurines fan
Fake brands and DVD eh.. Here still got, but the place that sells them dwindling by a lot these recent years, but I know two or three places
(ID #228095) Posted on 2008/07/02 23:10
raptor_cZn in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Registered on 2007/12/12 23:05)
Pre-U Student
Malaysia is known to be one of the worse countries to be infested with pirated goods ^^
(ID #229883) Posted on 2008/07/04 20:43
Len-Vesper in Quebec City, Canada (Registered on 2008/02/17 05:06)
Medical Research and Design
Whoa, I had no idea Ameyoko existed before.  It looks pretty hustle-and-bustle marketplace, which is really cool.   Funny you had the poll up if it's on my visit list because it wasn't before but it sure as heck is now XD.
(ID #228098) Posted on 2008/07/02 23:14
nya-chama in London, United Kingdom (Registered on 2007/10/31 10:30)
Student/Freelance Programmer
Oh~ My brother went to Ameyo when he went to Japan, he bought loads of sweets. He said it was like any other market in London though :/

London has LOADS of markets(http://www.londonmarkets.co.uk/ for a complete list), the most famous being
Covent Garden market(very multi-cultural, sweet shops from around the world(pocky~), clothes, even Print Clubs like the ones in tokyo!)
Camden Market(for the weirdest stuff you'll ever find, punk clothes, gothic lolita clothes, art, food from around the world etc etc)
Portobello Road Market(all kinds of rare stuff, antiques, music, instruments, art)

Anyone in London should visit any of those 3 ^^
(ID #228099) Posted on 2008/07/02 23:15
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
I was going to mention the ones I remembered. Remembered camden but not what they sold.
(ID #228392) Posted on 2008/07/03 08:56
manga in Sydney (Registered on 2008/06/27 08:45)
Student
First time I went to Japan, we went to Ameyoko. I remember that Kebab shop in the photos. I was surprised they even had kebabs in Japan! I also bought strawberries to eat from one of the fruit markets. Markets in Sydney are quite dodgy because there's lots of crappy quality or even fake brands, some with unreasonable prices etc. Generally I don't like markets in Australia. Too expensive. 
Did you go into the big toy store nearby?
(ID #228100) Posted on 2008/07/02 23:16
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
Must have missed that toy store ^^;
(ID #228393) Posted on 2008/07/03 08:56
zephi in Sydney, Australia (Registered on 2008/04/27 03:27)
student
Ok... Ameyoko will be on top of my list for food... When I feel like I want to spend a day eating which I'm sure will happen...then I'll visit there.
Open air food stalls can only be seen here during events, such as Food Festivals. Large variety of multi-cultural foods can be seen for sale. I'd say that eating outside is not very common, but it can be seen here and there.
Nothing to recommend here really...
(ID #228102) Posted on 2008/07/02 23:18
&re:) in Budapest, Hungary (Registered on 2008/01/06 06:49)
student during the day, otaku at night
We have lost of restaurants with open-air seating but food carts are rare around here. Those balls looked good.
You can get lots of fake T-shirts and opensource dvds at the Chinese markets. But thes are more strictly controlled nowadays.
(ID #228103) Posted on 2008/07/02 23:20
Koshiko in Sydney, Australia (Registered on 2007/08/03 13:49)
website/graphic designer
Food~ sweets~ mmm~ :q Definitely on my visit list, which is filling up quite nicely Danny, stop posting about nice places to visit or I'm going to go broke in the first week xP~

There's Market City near Central Station in Sydney (depends on how you classify near though), right in front of Chinatown =D. I'll be documenting my next city trip so I'll include photos of the market there too (though I wouldn't consider it as diverse as Ameyoko).

There are markets elsewhere, but I haven't visited any of them, though I know www.bondimarkets.com.au is pretty good for fashion, I should ask my friend when we're going, she's currently working in the fashion industry and ought to at least check it out ^^;
(ID #228108) Posted on 2008/07/02 23:28
Cyberchaos in Australia, Sydney (Registered on 2008/02/17 20:43)
AdvDip Network Security - CCNA - Ironport - Security+
I'd eat her balls, if you know what i mean

man, Australia's such a boring place.
The only place around that has outdoor stalls would either be in Chinatown or The Rocks in Sydney. And i live a good hour (by train) from the CBD.

;_;
(ID #228109) Posted on 2008/07/02 23:31
Fariz Asuka in Singapore (Registered on 2008/03/11 21:23)
Student and Miku Guardian
I shall put this on my travel list when I visit Japan.. Looks interesting to go to.. 

Singapore still have some roadside market in certain areas, even though the country has shopping centres.. Some of them do sell their goods at cheaper price if you bargain with the shopkeeper.. ^^

I still do not get it about the transition from seafood to sporting goods.. 
(ID #228113) Posted on 2008/07/02 23:36
Quentin aka Q in UK (again...) (Registered on 2008/01/07 05:47)
There's also Uecho which splits away from Ameyoko but are more focused on ordinary shops:
http://picasaweb.google.com/senorquentinos/Tokyo2008/photo#5210226810764710674

There is also a small "supermarket" place that has a lot of sweets and such for a good deal. My sister horded in a huge amount of gums enough for me to feel heavy to carry just that bag around (my purpose in Ameyoko was apparently similar to that of a donkey)
(ID #228116) Posted on 2008/07/02 23:40
Saku in Toronto (Registered on 2008/02/08 00:50)
Wannabe Web Developer
Gotta put this on my visit list.

There are a lot of market like this in Indonesia but not many in Canada as far as I know.
(ID #228128) Posted on 2008/07/03 00:06
WiseFreeman in DC Cloning Laboratory (Registered on 2007/11/07 19:20)
DCX001-Prototype
Dear Danny, if you were to plan your visit again to Malaysia (K.L. or Penang), please MUST drop me a mail. I'll be glad & honor to sponsor your period of stay at Times Square Hotel, K.L. (Subjected to T & C ^ ^).

Can't wait to meet you in person.
(ID #228139) Posted on 2008/07/03 00:34
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
sponsor my period of stay ? ^^; @.@?
(ID #228394) Posted on 2008/07/03 08:58
Neutrinos in Singapore (Registered on 2008/03/25 11:36)
Engineering research
the line "subjected to T&C" seemed more あやしい lol
(ID #228568) Posted on 2008/07/03 13:10
ornehx in ペナン、マレシ-ア (Registered on 2007/12/26 00:14)
dannychoo.com の読者
yea maybe you have to share the same room with him??
(ID #228824) Posted on 2008/07/03 18:23
Chong Mizunaga in an Afro (Registered on 2007/12/15 11:09)
Afro-ed Student
Maybe even the same bed...
(ID #230075) Posted on 2008/07/05 02:12
tick tock in Tokyo (Registered on 2008/05/22 00:30)
Full-time student へへ
you know that restaurant in the background at the last pic, there was a documentary about that place just before it closed down. i think they were running it for 50 years or so until... i guess no heir. you must like ameyoko alot! you seem to go there often ;-)
(ID #228141) Posted on 2008/07/03 00:40
xanthe in Philippines (Registered on 2008/05/04 03:19)
aspiring to become a doujin and graphics artist cum lawyer
hmm cart food. here you gotta be a bit careful about cleanliness....but there are those commercialized versions.

Markets here are a different story. But for experience for gaijins...Greenhills would be a start. A foreigner would have to be a bit more courageous dealing with other local markets because ambience, security ,etc. etc. are really different :P
(ID #228172) Posted on 2008/07/03 01:41
x33b in Chicago (Registered on 2007/11/24 06:01)
Network Admin
We used to have tons of push car vendors(hawkers) years ago. Now that I think about it, I really can't remember when the last time I saw one was. Used to be tons of Hot Dog stands around but now I'm drawing a blank. They may be still popular in New York though.  

Alot of restaurants have patios and beer gardens for people to sit outside and eat. Though the food is always cooked inside.
(ID #228200) Posted on 2008/07/03 02:14
Kantana in Norway (Registered on 2008/05/03 08:39)
Gamer, the hardcore kind
Aww, I so wanted me a granddad bargain T_T ...but I wouldn't say no thanks to a helping of that girl's balls though (thanks for that, Danny <_<)

In my part town there's a relatively big market every month or so. Lots of food stalls and stuff. And it's always popular to eat outside here (not counting cold and rainy days).
(ID #228205) Posted on 2008/07/03 02:18
Rin in Toronto (Registered on 2008/01/04 17:29)
Student Otaku (ITM Student) and ACG NA Staff
Now I can add another place to my go to list when I go to Japan.
It seems like a nice place with all these open shops and such. 
That's a lot of seafood. 
(ID #228214) Posted on 2008/07/03 02:29
Atrus in the land of Oz (Registered on 2008/02/21 09:49)
Student (for-ev-er)
The closest thing we have to yatai here are icecream trucks that visit in the summer.  I'm not really sure how they stay in business since they don't seem to be THAT busy.  Probably doesn't pay that well.  Oh yah, there are lots of yatai at carnivals and sporting events, but I never go to those so that's why I forgot ^^;
(ID #228223) Posted on 2008/07/03 02:39
Akiba-Kid in California, USA (Registered on 2008/01/17 12:47)
Online Shop
I would always hear the station name Okachimachi on my way to Akihabara and thought the name was funny sounding and never knew such a gem place was there, doh!  There are lots of open air food places in Korea and I would always enjoy eating from there during my stay there.  Not so many open air food places here in USA since people drive rather than walk around here.
(ID #228225) Posted on 2008/07/03 02:43
rainboy in Singapore (Registered on 2008/02/14 21:33)
Web Designer
Singapore has alot of such places too albeit much smaller and there are mostly found deep within the residential areas.
(ID #228227) Posted on 2008/07/03 02:45
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
Thanks for sticking my feed on your blog - I just activated yours. Makue sure your feed is registered in your dannychoo.com profile settings.
(ID #228395) Posted on 2008/07/03 09:02
rainboy in Singapore (Registered on 2008/02/14 21:33)
Web Designer
Thanks danny
(ID #249054) Posted on 2008/07/27 23:41
Evil King in Vlaardingen, the Netherlands, Earth (Registered on 2007/12/19 01:36)
Student and full-time otaku
Interesting to see, but not really on the visit list. Too much sea food for my taste. Never knew abou the clapping-for-customers though
(ID #228254) Posted on 2008/07/03 03:31
e-jump in Malaysia (Registered on 2007/12/22 22:46)
Engineer by weekdays, Hikki by weekends
The environment looks similar to chinatowns minus red big banners and lantern
(ID #228260) Posted on 2008/07/03 03:38
Bakarazuka in Italy (Registered on 2007/12/02 03:43)
Journalist
when i'm in tokyo i ever go on that place. It's one of the tokyo's places where u can think "wow i'm in Asia!"
(ID #228263) Posted on 2008/07/03 03:49
acw2097 in Pitts PA USA (Registered on 2008/06/11 17:37)
おたくと大学生。
looks like the place to go. i shall put it on my list
(ID #228272) Posted on 2008/07/03 04:12
SlickDog in サンフランシスコ (Registered on 2007/11/23 15:53)
Unemployed Digital Production Artist
Ameyoko was on the list last time I went, but ran out of time. Will definitely go next time.
(ID #228291) Posted on 2008/07/03 04:58
FatBastard in directly responsible (Registered on 2007/11/04 19:28)
Hotdog Repairman
Never made it to Ameyoko. Was too attracted by the flashing lights of the big city. Are vendors in the Ameyoko Chika Building mostly Chinese or Japanese? Most Japanese restuarants here are run by Chinese. Open food stalls are around, but not city wide. You can grab a donair or hot dog around the downtown area for lunch. Pirated DVDs are hidden from sight, but available.

After your Haruna Ai post Danny, I have no temptation to eat any girl's balls.
(ID #228298) Posted on 2008/07/03 05:07
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
LOL.
Mostly run by Chinese folks down there.
(ID #228396) Posted on 2008/07/03 09:02
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
The chika building I mean and not the balls.
(ID #228397) Posted on 2008/07/03 09:03
chun in need to be in bed (Registered on 2007/01/09 15:45)
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
man, I miss popiah sooooo much, please help me have a few extras when you're in SG :P I don't like the heat and humidity in asia tho =_=;
(ID #228300) Posted on 2008/07/03 05:09
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
I thought Vancouver had good Chinese food?
(ID #228398) Posted on 2008/07/03 09:03
chun in need to be in bed (Registered on 2007/01/09 15:45)
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
Food is okay in vancouver but I haven't run into popiah just yet!  My mom makes a mean one back in singapore hehe lots of prep work tho ^^;
(ID #228401) Posted on 2008/07/03 09:07
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/25 00:54)
might I ask what Popiah is? ^^
(ID #228685) Posted on 2008/07/03 14:43
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/25 00:54)
did a google search: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popiah
my grandmother calls them lumpia tsai. ^^ lol. consider me enlightened.
(ID #228700) Posted on 2008/07/03 15:06
chun in need to be in bed (Registered on 2007/01/09 15:45)
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
oh gawd :P I drooling lol!
(ID #228725) Posted on 2008/07/03 15:41
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/25 00:54)
they actually do, ever since the hongkong handover, a lot of Chinese folks are migrated over there and infused the Chinese culture into Vancouver, some of my Cantonese friends there would endearingly call the place, "Hongcouver" ^^  in fact instead of seeing signs in English and French you'd find groceries and shops with signs in English and Chinese instead. ^^
(ID #228683) Posted on 2008/07/03 14:42
NightRiver in Philly, USA (Registered on 2008/04/05 03:13)
Systems programmer
Nice! have to check this place out!

If your coming to Philadelphia, i recomend Reading terminal Market in center city. Its nowhere near as massive as Ameyoko, but there are plenty of good places to eat and shop at.
(ID #228335) Posted on 2008/07/03 06:20
XSportSeeker in Brazil (Registered on 2007/08/22 06:42)
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
Next time I'm in Japan, definitely. First time I didn't go there...
(ID #228342) Posted on 2008/07/03 06:37
Hakushaku in on the chair using a computer.... (Registered on 2008/03/13 04:45)
Seeing red!!!
Mmmm...all those fish markets....is it sushi grade?....lol at the food called "ball"..."The balls are filled with anything that you want", ahahha of how u always makes fun of food...anything but condensed milk is ok..O_o
(ID #228345) Posted on 2008/07/03 06:49
Frox in Amsterdamn (Registered on 2008/02/12 22:17)
Student
Wow, I love markets! I'm definitely going to check this one out.
(ID #228352) Posted on 2008/07/03 06:56
Hatix in Antwerp, Belgium (Registered on 2007/04/25 06:26)
IT, Programmer, Otaku, ...
I actually had trouble finding Ameyoko the times I went. But it was right under my nose, as I passed by Ueno station quite a lot. So last time I checked it out, and it was very busy. (actually didn't eat anything though as I was on my way to Akiba on foot, you're already half way when you're at Okachimachi station).

In Belgium, it's quite a tradition in the summer that you can sit outside to drink or eat. We also have weekly markets, some large some small.
(ID #228367) Posted on 2008/07/03 08:00
windbell in Singapore/シンガポール, Tokyo/東京 (Registered on 2006/12/25 13:32)
Web Developer/ウェブデベロッパー, Photographer/写真や
I remember visiting the *ahem* adult stores *ahem* in Ameyoko after having dinner to take a look at some of the weirder looking stuff they have there ^^;

Had dinner at a 'All you can eat Sushi Bar for 1500 yen' near the Yatai. There's a dash of wasabi in the Sushis ^^;
(ID #228399) Posted on 2008/07/03 09:05
suneo (Registered on 2007/12/17 20:54)
hey those kebabs look like gyros.  Funny, I had one just yesterday!  Good stuff.
(ID #228423) Posted on 2008/07/03 09:46
Mimi in self destruction (Registered on 2008/03/11 08:31)
Mimi
I love open marketplaces.. there's none really in Salt Lake City, in fact, food sucks here in general. Everytime i host a Japanese person for the summer, s/he always complains about the food not being fresh (since we're too inland and too deserty to get fresh stuff). The yummy icecream trucks are the closest to Ameyoko you can get. lol 
(ID #228437) Posted on 2008/07/03 10:08
Maryweather in Sydney (Registered on 2008/05/22 12:07)
Teacher, Artist, Writer
Open Air stalls are for bidden in Australia due to health regulations. There are no snack stalls in Sydney - at all. Only stores selling Meals or similar - a shameful state I must say. I go back to the motherland for my snack needs every one or two years. 
(ID #228448) Posted on 2008/07/03 11:02
Tragic comedy in Singapore (Registered on 2007/04/11 00:07)
Animator/ graphic designer
Cool! its like a mix of a wet market and a street festival. must check it out...
btw Danny when will you be arriving in Sunny Singapore?
(ID #228554) Posted on 2008/07/03 12:53
jeromefo in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia (Registered on 2008/07/03 12:46)
Marketing and Law Student
Wow...Nice markets! Wish i could go there one day =)
Need to save alot money first...
(ID #228571) Posted on 2008/07/03 13:15
Neutrinos in Singapore (Registered on 2008/03/25 11:36)
Engineering research
シンガポールようこそ!(in advance)
Looking forward to your "Week in Singapore/Malaysia" ^^
(ID #228573) Posted on 2008/07/03 13:16
Edward in SE Michigan/Osaka (Registered on 2006/12/24 13:14)
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
This looks really interesting Danny.  I like the contrast of Japanese to Chinese foods.  I'm sure my wife would enjoy Ameyoko as well, so it's added to my list.

Eastern market District in Detroit is the close we would have to Ameyoko or any open air market in Japan.

Once in a while I see a hot dog stand here or there.  Food can be so so and often too expensive. 
(ID #228576) Posted on 2008/07/03 13:18
Edward in SE Michigan/Osaka (Registered on 2006/12/24 13:14)
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
Eastern Market District  http://www.easternmarket.org/
(ID #228578) Posted on 2008/07/03 13:20
トゥレ in シカゴ(Chicago), Illinois (Registered on 2008/06/19 08:12)
Student
Its on my visit list now. thanx Danny.
Open market vendors aren't particularly common in Chicago, but we DO have farmers markets spread through out the city. I go to the one in Daley Plaza every thursday. They sell an assortment of raw foods(vegetables/fruits) and baked goods. Last week Arabian appreciation day or something, so i saw a lot of Arab vendors selling their goods (clothes, rugs, hookah lamps, etc.)
Yes , eating outdoors is very common and is usually preferred if weather permits. I like eating outside, it feels so cramped in a restaurant sometimes; let alone it being crowded if its a good one.
(ID #228621) Posted on 2008/07/03 13:47
Leafy in Singapore (Registered on 2008/03/16 22:08)
Engineer
Very interesting place. 
Looking forward to your trip here in Singapore.
(ID #228672) Posted on 2008/07/03 14:25
ClearTranquil in Vancouver, BC - Canada (Registered on 2008/06/20 08:51)
Student // Collector // Gaijin
My dad wandered into this place when I was in Akihabara...needless to say I needed more time there than he did.
(ID #228673) Posted on 2008/07/03 14:25
Coco the Bean in SoCal, USA (Registered on 2008/01/06 06:53)
Pokemon master
Those filled balls look like an entire meal fit into one, along with dessert on the outside.   
(ID #228682) Posted on 2008/07/03 14:42
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/25 00:54)
I remember my old Nihongo Sensei telling me eating outside in public was frowned upon in Japan. never thought it was true. ^^ 

>This girl wants you to eat her balls.
lol! omg she has balls? ^^;
(ID #228690) Posted on 2008/07/03 14:50
6pack (Registered on 2008/03/20 13:55)
[f] 
Wow the place is so clean. So spick and span. 
In mumbai, you cant throw a stone without hitting an open air food stall. But i wouldn't recommend anyone to eat from any food stall. Hygiene is a big problem. Stalls are generally clean but water used is of unknown origin and surroundings are dirty. 
Opensource dvd's, cd's or vcd's are common near the railway stations or at big markets where lots of people frequent. I don't feel like recommending any markets here cause they're too dirty. People here are dirty. :(
(ID #228703) Posted on 2008/07/03 15:12
zyuan in the coolest driver's high! (Registered on 2007/10/12 13:55)
student
Wow I would LOVE to be in ameyoko... It's places like these that makes me want to go visit Asia. These market places have that cultural local "home" environment that just feels so nice...
(ID #228731) Posted on 2008/07/03 16:00
Recarta in Mobile, Alabama, USA (Registered on 2008/07/03 15:49)
Nursing Student
Man, I would be so out of place there. I am a big southern boy and I don't shave my face. Yeah out of place indeed. 

Also, I just found this site. This place rocks! I have been trying to find a site that was a-day-in-the-life-of some one in Japan. Nice.
(ID #228732) Posted on 2008/07/03 16:01
Kyori in Hell in Heaven (Registered on 2008/05/20 17:50)
Designer
LOL... funny, but it's not really nice to have joke about smell of any races. ;)
(ID #228761) Posted on 2008/07/03 16:46
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
You misinterpreted the text - a lot.
(ID #228771) Posted on 2008/07/03 17:03
Kyori in Hell in Heaven (Registered on 2008/05/20 17:50)
Designer
Oh I see. Now I know what you refer to as "smell". 
haha.. sorry for the misunderstanding.
(ID #228909) Posted on 2008/07/03 20:59
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
^^;;;;
(ID #228916) Posted on 2008/07/03 21:10
Kabuklu in Istanbul, Turkey (Registered on 2008/06/18 21:01)
Student
Thanks to Danny, now I know by any chance in japan I don't like the food, I know at least 1 kebab shop.
(ID #228772) Posted on 2008/07/03 17:05
tomoaki in Auckland/Nagasaki (Registered on 2008/04/30 20:32)
Student/ANBU
Fukuoka has excellent yatai, especially the Nagahama area with the famous Nagahama ramen *droooools
I love the friendly atmosphere of the yatai too and after a few beers anyone will become your friend (sometimes too friendly for ones liking maybe lol).
(ID #228791) Posted on 2008/07/03 17:32
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
Just activated your feed - make sure your feed is registered in your account settings ^^
(ID #228813) Posted on 2008/07/03 18:11
ornehx in ペナン、マレシ-ア (Registered on 2007/12/26 00:14)
dannychoo.com の読者
ameyoko looks something like Petaling Street in KL or Tong Men in Shenzen
and yes hawker stores are still very much alive in malaysia and most of the hawkers here sells open air by the road side (so you get to eat the exhaust smoke from the bus)

and omg the food there (ameyoko) looks so tempting..it will be on my visiting list
(ID #228825) Posted on 2008/07/03 18:26
Hiyuu in Singapore (Registered on 2008/03/23 06:47)
Musician, Sound Engineer, Student - Currently Military (2yrs)
It seems there are many Singaporeans who are looking forward to your trip here :D Someone should plan a welcome party / escort around town, I'm sure we'd all love to take off work and show you around!
P.S.: Heads up for you Danny - Customs checkpoint between Malaysia and Singapore is a pain right now and will continue to be such (mostly on the Singapore side) for about a year to come.
(ID #228895) Posted on 2008/07/03 20:30
Sabekuji Kaneda in Parañaque, Philippines (Registered on 2008/06/21 21:50)
Mechanical Engineering student
Wow... Ameyoko is definitely in my visit list. One thing I like about going in new places is trying new food and Ameyoko seems to have a lot of that! Maybe there I can eat at hawker stalls without the threat of getting sick. Food stalls here in meh country are unsafe!

There seems to be a lot of seafood there as well. I love seafood! I will probably enjoy my time there eating everything XD
(ID #228911) Posted on 2008/07/03 21:05
sergiom in Tucumán - Argentina (Registered on 2008/06/20 23:36)
Programeer, WebMaster
Danny, the photo session was excelent!!! here in Tucuman, we have a lot of open air food. But, here we sell something call "Choripan" a compound word. A choripán (plural: choripanes) is a popular sandwich in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Cuba. The name comes from the combination of its ingredients: a grilled chorizo and a crusty bread (in Spanish: pan) such as a marraqueta or baguette. The chorizo may be used whole or cut in half lengthwise, in this case it is called a mariposa (butterfly). It is customary to add sauces on the bread, most likely chimichurri.

Choripanes are commonly served as an appetizer during the preparation of an asado, but they are also very commonly sold at sport venues (particularly soccer games) and on the sides of roads and streets in major cities in Argentina.

Here are some photos: http://img354.imageshack.us/img354/7800/choripan5kz2.jpg
http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/9302/choripan4ql3.jpg
http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/5852/choripan3ws7.jpg
http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/2668/choripan2ka0.jpg
(ID #228934) Posted on 2008/07/03 21:20
Matsu in Singapore (Registered on 2008/01/18 23:49)
Popular Culture Vulture
We have this in Singapore but it's not as vibrant as say Malaysia or Hong Kong.
Would def visit Ameyoko if have the chance!
(ID #229016) Posted on 2008/07/03 23:14
yanggie in Singapore (Registered on 2008/01/14 17:54)
Advocado
I've been there! It's a short walk from Ueno station if I'm not wrong... and before entering the street, you'll walk past a huge 6 to 8-storey building filled with anime toys, manga etc!! Correct me if I'm wrong...


Anyway, danny-san, let us know when you'll be in Singapore! If we can't host you, at least we can take you out for a meal FOC!  ^-^
(ID #229157) Posted on 2008/07/04 02:44
クリンソン ドリーム in マレーシア (Registered on 2008/02/26 13:49)
Student Pilot
Wow nice place! Definitely in my wish list when I go Japan!
And oh Danny, I am from Penang, Malaysia. And if you ask any Malaysian, most will tell you that Penang serves some of the best food in Malaysia. Am glad to tell you that hawker stalls can be found abundantly in Penang. Most Penangnites have the habit of eating outside or just grabbing a bite. So you can actually find hawker stalls everywhere!

Although I remember you posting about the bad experiences you had in Penang before, it is definitely a good place for food.
Akari in Canada (Registered on 2008/06/16 06:04)
Interesing place! Funny to see a Chinese section...xD
(ID #229266) Posted on 2008/07/04 04:50
TXX in Denamarku (Registered on 2008/05/22 05:28)
Programmer, student, i try to do both, Otaku style
YUS! I can now safely travel to Japan with no worries for they poses my main food! Döner Kebab!
(ID #229353) Posted on 2008/07/04 09:08
twilight in Greece (Registered on 2008/04/02 23:58)
Dreamer
Now I know why Japanese animations tend to depict deserted roads and places.
They are always packed in real life..
(ID #229707) Posted on 2008/07/04 17:07
AG in UK (Registered on 2008/07/04 17:29)
Student
Just curious to know how vegetarian-friendly this market is?
(ID #229737) Posted on 2008/07/04 17:36
Kozta-Boom in Minus world (Registered on 2008/06/25 12:49)
Spartan
It's just like my home country's free market ^^"
(ID #231835) Posted on 2008/07/07 08:27
ergo in Trinidad & Tobago (Registered on 2008/07/23 02:45)
Student
Ameyoko looks like a cool place for a gaijin like me ^_^
(ID #245848) Posted on 2008/07/24 09:02
mariusfromtransilvania in Brasov, Romania (Registered on 2008/08/26 03:21)
self employee,ocasionally photographer (new discovered)
Hello everybodyand hi to you too danny. We do eat here in Romania a lot i open space, one of the most popular dish is called 'mici' which is basically meat and pork meat, some key ingredients and roasted on a barbeque...they are best served with mustard on top and a cold beer. Perhaps when i visit Tokyo you will find the time to show me what i must taste first from the vast japanese food. All the best from Transilvania. Marius
xxIT0xx in USA (Registered on 2009/01/18 06:46)
Student
Reminds me a lot of China town in NewYork city, although i live in Florida now. I was hoping Grandad was for sale. lol! xD
(ID #452277) Posted on 2009/01/18 06:53
MigZm in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Registered on 2009/01/17 01:48)
Computer Science/Japanese Student
It is really easy to get fake brands, dvds and things like that around here... Some places they offer it to you like they were selling candys or original ones!

You just have to know where to go.
(ID #523742) Posted on 2009/03/16 17:33
kiru-chan in Sydney, in the 'burbs (Registered on 2009/06/05 21:04)
Illustrator/japanese language student
Funnily enough, my first stop was ueno so inevitably ended up in Ameyoko >_<. Yeah, our outside food stalls in Sydney are just for fairs and festivals, pretty boring TT_TT
(ID #641591) Posted on 2009/06/11 21:59
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