Aji Tasuke – The Birthplace of Sendai’s Famous Grilled Beef Tongue

Recently, I made my third trip to Sendai.

When it comes to Sendai specialties, gyutan (grilled beef tongue) immediately comes to mind.

After some research, I discovered that Aji Tasuke, the birthplace of grilled beef tongue, was within walking distance, so I went to check it out!

Aji Tasuke – The Original Grilled Beef Tongue Restaurant

The location is near Kotodai-koen Station on the Nanboku subway line. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Sendai Station.

On a narrow side street running parallel to a larger main road.

The large sign for Aji Tasuke.
The subdued color scheme and font are excellent.

I arrived shortly before the 11:30 opening time, so it wasn’t open yet.

After waiting a bit, the noren curtain came out and they opened!

I was the first customer that day. The owner appears to specialize exclusively in grilling beef tongue.

The interior has a counter and a few table seats.

Beef tongue is shipped nationwide and can apparently be purchased as a souvenir.

During lunch hours, prices are discounted by ¥100 from regular prices.
I chose the A Set with 3 slices of beef tongue!

Aromatic, Chewy, and Deliciously Simple Grilled Beef Tongue

After a short wait, the beef tongue set arrived!

Beef tongue with pickled vegetables and miso pickles, tail soup, and barley rice.

This is the original gyutan.

Looks delicious!

Taking a bite, it’s perfectly grilled and aromatic.
It has more texture than I expected—nice and chewy. Delicious!

The tail soup has a light salt flavor with beef bone broth.

Filled with plenty of green onions and bone-in beef presumably used to make the broth.

Access and Basic Information for Aji Tasuke

When visiting Sendai, this is definitely a restaurant you should visit at least once.

While located in central Sendai, it’s a bit of a distance from the station (about 15 minutes from Kotodai-koen Station), so plan to walk or take a taxi.