With endless sushi spots and piping-hot bowls of ramen being served across the city, Philadelphia’s love for Japanese-inspired food runs deep. And now, two Tokyo chefs with Philly connections are returning the favor with their own take on a classic — the cheesesteak.
Married couple Kosuke and Tomomi Chujo, owners of Nihonbashi Philly — a beloved cheesesteak spot and Philly-themed sports bar in Tokyo’s Nihonbashi district — will be coming here for a pop-up tour this April.
What is Nihonbashi Philly?
Nihonbashi Philly began as a passion project from the Japanese duo. Kosuke has been obsessed with Philadelphia ever since he was a kid due to his love for the city’s music scene. In 2011, he made the choice to turn his parents’ former printing house into a Philly-themed bar.
At first when the Chujos tried to concoct their own cheesesteak, it didn’t go quite right. They had never actually stepped foot in Philadelphia, so understandably the recipe was off and the reception was mixed.
To learn where they were going wrong, Kosuke and Tomomi came to the United States in 2021. They visited Philadelphia and meticulously studied various cheesesteak spots to test, rank and measure flavors and ratios (sometimes with a literal measuring tape). They examined different rolls, cheeses and ribeye slices to create a retooled take on the classic.
In 2022, they unveiled their new signature sandwich — with a much better reception.
How does it taste?
The Chujos’ cheesesteak contains a variety of different cheeses. Kosuke mixes them to recreate the salty tang of whiz. Tomomi bakes dozens of rolls herself on-site every day, as an homage to the beloved Amoroso classic.
Last summer, Billy Penn’s own Ali Mohsen went to Tokyo to try it himself, with positive reviews calling the meat “tender and acceptably greasy,” the cheese “richer-than-expected” in flavor, and the roll “picture-perfect.” This February for the Super Bowl, Reddit users reported that the line to get into Nihonbashi Philly was over 100 people long at 6 in the morning.
For his part, Kosuke can often be seen repping Philly sports teams, wearing Eagles jerseys, Phillies hats and Sixers gear. The Chujos have been back to Philly three times since their initial visit, and continue to sample Philly dishes from pizzas to pretzels.
“We feel happy when we connect with the people of Philadelphia,” Kosuke told Mohsen. “And, I want to convey a [sense] of Philadelphia to the Japanese.”
When can I try it?
You don’t have to go to Tokyo to try this Japanese take on Philly’s signature sandwich. Nihonbashi Philly posted on Instagram today that the Chijos are coming back to Philly and they will be holding a pop-up restaurant in the city from April 30 to May 5. They did not share a location. Those interested can follow Nihonbashi Philly’s social media accounts for more information.
“I’ll let you know the details later,” the restaurant said. “Please come and see us.”
