Shin Sen Gumi, Gardena

Since I have been thinking of Japanese food lately, I thought I would continue on this path. Shin Sen Gumi has a small chain of specialty Japanese restaurants all throughout the LA area. They have ramen houses, chanko nabe, shabu-shabu, and yakitori. This particular Shin Sen Gumi specializes in yakitori.


Look for this large paper lantern. Most often you'll see a crowd waiting for a table.

I have been going to this particular Shin Sen Gumi for years. I usually come just once a year. Shin Sen Gumi and its different variations make this trek to South Bay's Japantown worth it. This is a local favorite for Asians in-the-know. But I've been told that the yakitori was better before. But I can't tell the difference.

Shin Sen Gumi is not a fancy place. Its not uber clean place. It doesn't boast Michelin Stars. It is hole-in-the-wall that locals claim their own. Though not cheap, it is well worth the money as well as the wait. But I do suggest getting reservations.

Yakitori is skewers of tapas serving sized meats and vegetables. Beef, pork, chicken are the popular animals used. Mushrooms and onions are the vegetables. There the chicken breast, the beef tongue, the bacon wrapped (everything), ground chicken balls, etc. Several of my friends will go through servings after servings of the beef tongue. If you aren't used to it, I strongly suggest you try it. I think its pretty good. My personal favorites are the chicken skin, bacon wrapped tomatoes, and bacon wrapped quail eggs. I also like the chicken cartilage - it has a get texture.

You can't come to this place without drinking. They have all sorts of beer and sake. This type of food goes great with beer. Good food. Great beer. All with good people.

This cabbage is sort of the appetizer that they give you.

Spinach appetizer. Simple and good. I think the sauce is sort of a ponzo sauce.

This was my un-fried rice ball. I didn't want to wait for a fried one. I am not a big fan of the fried rice balls.

Fried Chicken Karaage.

Sausage on skewers. Not that good.

Pork. I believe this might be pork belly sliced on skewers.

Octopus balls. I love these things.

Bacon wrapped asparagus.

Ground Chicken balls.

Egg Side dish. I thin there was pork inside.

Beef Tongue.

Chicken Skin.

Chicken Breast.

A fried rice ball. I think it is too hard. I like my rice soft.

Bacon Wrapped onions.

Bacon wrapped quail eggs

Bacon wrapped tomatoes.

Their menu.

Rating
2 pigs, $$

Shin Sen Gumi Yakitori
18617 S Western
Gardena, CA 90247
(310) 715-1588
www.shinsengumiusa.com/