The story
In South Williamsburg, Shalom Japan makes a playful, precise case for culinary fusion. The restaurant describes its food as “authentically inauthentic Jewish and Japanese,” a tagline that captures the spirit of chefs Aaron Israel and Sawako Okochi. Together, they build a menu where two distinct culinary traditions meet without losing their individual character.
The most famous example is the Matzoh Ball Ramen — a dish that landed the restaurant on Shark Tank and is now available as a nationwide shipping kit via Goldbelly. It’s a clever, satisfying mashup that treats the matzoh ball with the same reverence as a bowl of ramen’s soft-boiled egg and sliced chashu.
Beyond the viral hit, the menu explores the common ground between Jewish and Japanese cooking: careful technique, bold umami, and a deep respect for ingredients. The chefs’ James Beard Award-winning cookbook, Love Japan, codifies their approach, offering home cooks a deeper look at their cross-cultural kitchen.
The dining room is relaxed and welcoming — a neighborhood spot that earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2026 for good quality, good value cooking. Dinner runs Tuesday through Saturday, with weekend brunch offering a lighter take on this one-of-a-kind fusion.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
Facebook
Instagram