Late Night Diner Vibes at Hidden Izakaya Shinya Shokudo in Courtyard 4
Anyone who has watched the popular Japanese TV series Shinya Shokudo (深夜食堂), literally "Midnight Diner," based on the Japanese manga series of the same name, will have been touched by its stories that unfold in a cozy 12-seat izakaya. Set in Shinjuku, Tokyo the premise behind the show is that the establishment is open from midnight to dawn, where the chef does his best to make homey dishes with the ingredients he has at hand for the riff-raff of disparate clientele that are on the hunt for a late-night feed and companionship.
Thankfully, Shinya Shokudo in Courtyard 4 keeps much more sociable hours, opening at 7pm until 4am, making it the perfect venue for a late dinner or post-drink fill on classic Japanese appetizers, sashimi, skewers, sushi, noodles, and even a crème brulee. Located just next to the woefully named Izakaya Restaurant, and downstairs of D Lounge, Shinya Shokudo is unassuming for its dimly lit room, delicate Japanese-style décor, and comfortable leather booths which can seat around 20 people.
The grilled scallop (RMB 68, pictured at top) embodies what is fun about late-night dining; a treat that sizzles with butter, garlic, and olive oil on a stove that just as the juice and steam start to come out, can be scooped into a bowl of rice. The combination will have you forget all the cares of the world, for a little while at least.
The garlic eel (RMB 45), which we could equate to being the Japanese take on ajillo – the tapas dish of garlic shrimp cooked in olive oil – was bursting with succulent and tender slivers of eel meat and liver slathered in garlicky olive oil and a blend of herbs and spices. Each bite comes so packed with flavor that you won't be able to contain your need to dip the accompanying crunchy bread in the sizzling iron pot. A great dish to drink with, for sure.
Aside from the classic yakitori (Japanese skewered chicken), we'd recommend Shinyo Shokudo's other signature dish: grilled pigs feet (RMB 50). To make them, the chef barbecues the whole trotter over ample charcoal until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender, seasoning it with scallions, chili powder, and spices.
If you're still peckish, try the mapo tofu or pork rice. The former is incredibly addictive thanks to a medley of tantalizing and numbing spices, while the latter comes served in a stone pot that sports the requisite layer of crunchy rice and is topped with a gooey poached egg seasoned with miso and wasabi to cleanse the palate.
And to wash it all down? There are fruit punches, high balls, sakes, wines, shochu, and – a nice touch – three varieties of craft beer from Great Leap Brewing’s Allied Series (Longan Hongey Ma, The Martial Imperial Stout, and Noble House Imperial Pilsner). If you're looking for something more traditional, you can never go wrong with a Calpis highball: Japanese whiskey mixed with the country's favorite fermented milk drink, giving it acidic, sweet, and dairy notes.
Good company, nice food, and plenty to drink? These are what late nights are made for.
Shinya Shokudo
Daily 7pm-4am. 1/F, 4 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District (next to Izakaya Restaurant, opposite 80 Office)
深夜食堂：朝阳区工体北路4号京城环保局院内紧邻桥长居酒屋(80 Office对面)
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Photos: Tracy Wang
