How long would you wait for a good bowl of topped rice? An hour? More? We waited thirty minutes on a Tuesday lunchtime in the queue that snaked outside this tendon specialist and another twenty minutes to be served. The reason for the almost holy devotion is clear once your tendon (tempura on rice) arrives. It’s tempura perfection: light batter, golden and crisp, encases precisely and perfectly cooked seafood and vegetables. Two jumbo shrimps, sliced squid, crab stick, pumpkin, mushroom, baby corn, long bean and a remarkably large chicken, all dressed with a specially made sauce just before serving. The rice is also perfectly textured and delicately aromatic. In all, it's a mound so huge you’ll be grateful for the appetite you built up waiting. The standard-sized portion costs $15; only ask for the set that comes with an additional bowl of udon if you’re really hungry.

🗒 Signature Kohaku Tendon ($15)