All-You-Can-Eat Crab Craze Sweeping Asia!?(1/3)

Sometimes you just feel the need for crab — to just eat fresh crab to your heart’s content, especially without breaking the bank. We’d thought that this was a craving unique to Japan, but recently we’ve been seeing tourists from ASEAN countries visiting Japan for the chance to eat their fill of crab. We decided to take a look at the most popular of these all-you-can-eat crab restaurants!　Top photo: Omborato

Enjoying the Japanese atmosphere at
Omborato

Located on the 3rd floor of the Hyatt Regency, facing the lush and beautiful Shinjuku Chuo Park, is our destination: Omborato. You may be wondering where the name comes from -- in Ishikawa Prefecture's dialect, the word means "relax and enjoy yourself." In keeping with the Ishikawa theme, the restaurant is decorated tastefully yet comfortably with traditional art and furniture from　Kanazawa, Ishikawa's capital. The view is similarly beautiful, looking down over Shinjuku Chuo Park. On weekdays, the atmosphere is fairly quiet and relaxed, but come the weekend, things pick up with the popularity of the Weekend Lunch Buffet held on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

Counter seating in front, with table seating visible behind. The relaxed layout makes for a comfortable meal for all.

In early spring, guests can enjoy the view of the blossoming cherry trees in Shinjuku Chuo Park. Fans of window seats love this time of year!

All-You-Can-Eat Snow Crab:
Irresistible for Crab Lovers!

By the time the doors open at 11:30, there's already a line of hungry guests who can't wait. Each day's menu features over 20 seasonal traditional Japanese dishes. While the array of dishes featuring the best of sea and land should be enough by itself, the main event is clearly the all-you-can-eat snow crab. The juicy, tasty crab is an undeniable hit, as one tray after another, piled high with five kilograms of crab, comes back empty to be replenished. Mr. Sasaki, their spokesman, tells us that "the crabs are soaked overnight in salt water as salty as the ocean in order to keep the meat from getting too watery, and we pre-cut the shells to help make the crab easier to eat." It's clear that these tricks pay off, as the restaurant's guests have lost themselves in their conversations and their delicious crab.

Snow crab legs piled unthinkably high on a mountain of ice, yet all gone in the blink of an eye.

Crab season is generally regarded as being in winter, but snow crab and red king crab are actually sweeter in early spring, making the wait worth it.

Cut the shell open, and you'll find each and every one of these crab legs is just packed with sweet, juicy crab meat.

A Taste of Tradition in the
Master's Technique

Guests from abroad are always delighted when they watch traditional Japanese chefs at work. Whether it's the rhythmical movements of the tempura chef, or the gorgeous handiwork of the sushi chef next door at Miyako, it's like watching an improvised performance. The tempura has such a uniquely light and crispy feel to it -- let alone its flavor -- and the nigiri sushi is made after it's ordered from the table, and guests can see and taste the quality of everything from the rice to the fish. These go so well with crab as to make everything more worthwhile, as guests get a chance to enjoy Japanese cooking's tradition of excellence.

Watching the chef prepare tempura with fresh shrimp and seasonal vegetables is a guest favorite. His control of the batter's thickness is exquisite.

The sushi counter seats are located by the entrance, where guests can enjoy their fill of delicious nigiri sushi, and even chat with the chef over lunch!

Every dish on the buffet is of exceptional quality. The eggs are perfectly delicious even on their own -- a must-try.

Seafood bowls, featuring ikura (front) and negitoro (back). They're light on rice, so guests can try both varieties.

Unbelievably, the buffet features a sashimi buffet! Fresh servings of white and red fish are brought out one after another.

The delicious flavor and gorgeous appearance of the red snapper are considered auspicious in Japan. Guests from abroad may find this to be a first for them.

Naturally, the dessert selection features Japanese classics too. Today's lineup features yokan, ohagi, and kinako mochi.

Japanese sweets, as delicious to the eyes as to the mouth. Western favorites are available as well, depending on your mood.

Omborato's reputation for stellar service is well deserved, with many satisfied regular customers.

Just one example of Kanazawa's delightful traditional Kutani-yaki ceramics, waiting to meet you here. Over 20 ceramic cats are waiting to meet you!

Featuring 115,000 Swarovski Elements, these magnificent chandeliers serve as a symbol of the hotel.

By the way...
When you head to Omborato, as you pass through the eight-floor tall atrium lobby, take a look up at the three stunning crystal chandeliers, featuring Swarovski Elements. After you've enjoyed your crab, take a breather and enjoy their sparkling elegance, to leave your body and soul feeling satisfied.