If you’re looking for a light, healthy and filling meal, you have a new friend in Azabu-Jūban. Newly opened in December, Crisp Salad Works offers custom chopped salads in a relaxing, nature-inspired setting located across from Park Court Azabu-Jūban Tower.
(Photo courtesy of Crisp Salad Works)
Six signature salads kick off the menu, ranging from the Classic Chicken Caesar (¥940) to the Vegan-friendly Earthy Nutty Crunchy (¥1,020). And while all of these are delectable, the Crisp Salad Works twist is that you are the master. At your command are 29 ingredients and 10 homemade dressings that deliver endless crispy combinations.
Custom salads start at ¥860 and begin with a base of romaine lettuce, spinach, or wild rice + multi-grain (all vegan). Included in the ¥860 price are your choice of four toppings that include apple, spicy broccoli, roasted tofu, homemade croutons and toasted almonds, to name a few. For more creative options, add premium toppings, such as avocado (¥180), grilled chicken (¥180), homemade ham (¥280) or my personal favorite, shaved parmesan (¥280).
No salad is complete without dressing, and Crisp Salad Works makes their own from gluten-free ingredients. They even have the ever-elusive buttermilk ranch, the mainstay I grew up with in the American South that has proven difficult to find in Japan.
Visiting Crisp Salad Works for lunch, I was helped by the friendly and delightful Hitomi, a member of the English-speaking team of salad artisans. All the ingredients are visible right on the counter, and the salad is created right before your eyes while you have a great conversation to boot. This isn’t just ordering off a menu and waiting for your food to arrive, it’s a fun and light break in your daily routine.
(Photo courtesy of Crisp Salad Works)
Everything about Crisp Salad Works says nature, right down to the interior. Long wooden tables, sandy earthtone walls, and a flood of light through the large glass windows facing the sidewalk, provide a calm retreat from a busy workday. In fact, the setting may leave you longing for a relaxing drink, and two special menu items fit the bill: homemade lemonade (free refills!) and homemade sangria.
If you’re searching for a salad that’s a cut above the standard fare, and is free of preservatives, gluten and made with the freshest ingredients, drop by this spot just minutes from Azabu-Jūban station and build your own salad, grab one of the standard greens or even get a bowl to go. Harvest time has come!
1-10-10 Mita, Minato-ku. 03-6435-4386. Open daily 11am-10pm. Nearest station: Azabu-Jūban. www.crisp.co.jp
