This is our review of Onka Taiwanese Bento Specialty Shop (Maps), visited in January 2026.
If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering through a Taiwanese night market without leaving Japan, Onka Taiwanese Bento Specialty Shop (温禾台湾弁当専門店) in Awajicho, Tokyo, will make that dream feel surprisingly close. Tucked along Yasukuni-dori, this cozy eatery glows softly in the evening, guiding you upstairs into a warm, nostalgic space that smells like soy, spice, and home.
In this post, I’ll share my dinner experience at Onka—complete with their famous three kinds of Luwei (滷味三種盛り), Taiwanese-style stir-fried clams, and a truly satisfying Kong Rou Fan (braised pork belly rice).
A Taste of Taipei Hidden in Tokyo
Stepping into Onka feels like stepping off a Tokyo street and into a Taipei neighborhood diner. Downstairs, a showcase brims with colorful Taiwanese side dishes—you pick your favorite combination before heading upstairs to eat. A classic Tatung electric pot, beloved in every Taiwanese home, sits proudly at the back as if to welcome you to the chef’s personal kitchen.
Behind the counter is a Taiwanese chef with over 40 years of experience, who opened Onka to offer a true taste of home-style Taiwanese bentos in Japan. The second-floor eat-in space is simple, with wooden tables, self-serve rice and water, and a slow, relaxed atmosphere that invites you to unwind.
Luwei Sampler: The Soul of Taiwanese Night Markets
The three kinds of Luwei are my favorite way to start a Taiwanese meal. Onka’s version features richly braised tofu, juicy Taiwanese sausage, and a gently simmered soft-boiled egg—all soaked in spiced soy sauce.
As the plate arrives, the air fills with the comforting scent of star anise, cinnamon, and soy, instantly evoking memories of Taiwan’s bustling night markets. The tofu is silky yet firm, the sausage bursts with a sweet meaty aroma, and the egg offers that perfect balance of savory and creamy. For me, it’s the kind of appetizer that already feels like a small meal.
Stir-Fried Clams: The Ocean’s Aroma in Every Bite
Next came the stir-fried clams (あさり炒め), a dish that hits the table with the irresistible aroma of garlic, ginger, and Shaoxing wine. Each clam shell is open and glistening, mingled with crisp onions and greens stir-fried at high heat.
The flavor is clean but deeply satisfying—the natural saltiness of the clams blends beautifully with the light soy base. When I scooped the remaining sauce over my rice, it became the perfect impromptu mini seafood rice bowl, rich with the taste of the sea.
Kong Rou Fan: The Heartwarming Star of Taiwanese Cuisine
For the main course, I ordered Kong Rou Fan (コンロー飯), and it arrived looking every bit the star of the show—a thick slice of pork belly resting on a bed of glossy rice. The meat, braised long and slow, was unbelievably tender; its alternating layers of lean and fat melted apart with each bite.
The sauce, made from soy, rock sugar, and star anise, gave off that unmistakable aroma of Taiwanese comfort food. The sweetness of the pork fat balanced perfectly with the rice, especially when topped with a sprinkle of white pepper for a gentle spice kick.
The set also came with small Taiwanese-style side dishes—stir-fried vegetables, lightly pickled greens, and a braised egg—to cleanse the palate between bites. Each taste reminded me why Taiwanese food is so loved for its warmth and balance.
Why Onka Belongs on Your Tokyo Dinner List
While Onka draws lunchtime crowds, evenings are pleasantly calm, making it an ideal dinner spot in Awajicho. The counter is still full of the same variety of Taiwanese sides, so you can build your own custom Taiwanese bento set—a fun way to mix and match flavors from Taiwan’s food culture.
One of the best parts? Free rice refills. It’s the perfect excuse to enjoy every drop of sauce from the braised pork or let the Luwei flavors soak in.
Overall, the seasoning is bold yet well-balanced—authentic enough to transport you to Taiwan, but gentle enough for Japanese taste buds. It’s no wonder reviewers praise Onka’s Lu Rou Fan, Kong Rou Fan, and consistent lineup of flavorful side dishes. Whether you’re new to Taiwanese cuisine or a lifelong fan, Onka captures all the charm and heart of Taiwan’s food scene right in the center of Tokyo.
