I went to TOTEMO recently and was honestly moved, not just by how good the food is, but by why it exists. This is a small, newly opened spot, about six months in, and it’s serving an incredibly authentic take on German and Austrian street food, specifically the sausage-based “burger” you’d grab late at night at a Würstelstand. A lot of Germans clearly recognize this immediately. There were several there when I visited, and that alone says a lot. The signature item is essentially a Bratwurst burger, a finely ground sausage patty served in a Kaiser-style roll, the round bun with the classic star cut on top, with mustard as the backbone flavor. Traditionally this sausage is 100 percent pork, but the owner made a thoughtful adjustment here. He adds a small amount of beef to deepen the umami. Beef is expensive in Japan, so this isn’t a cost-saving move. It’s a quality one, and you can taste the care in it. What makes this place especially lovely is the story behind it. The owner originally started making this at home for his wife, who missed German street food while living in Japan. That love and nostalgia really comes through in the food. It’s simple, comforting, and completely unpretentious. Prices are also refreshingly reasonable. A classic cheese version is only ¥900, which feels almost unbelievable given the quality and the labor involved. Don’t skip the homemade elderflower soda, either. It’s made from imported elderflowers, a flower the owner used to pick growing up in Austria, and it tastes clean, floral, and lightly nostalgic rather than sweet or artificial. TOTEMO feels like one of those places you want to root for. A chef who took a real financial risk to share something deeply personal, done with precision and heart. If you’re even remotely interested in European street food, or just want to support someone doing things thoughtfully, this place is worth going out of your way for.

+3

Absolutely Amazing! TOTEMO is an incredible hidden gem in Sendagi! The moment you arrive, you’re greeted by fantastic energy, warm hospitality, and the smell of freshly grilled Leberkäse. The food is simply next level — authentic German/Austrian flavors, perfectly balanced, and made with real passion. The Leberkäsesemmel is a MUST-TRY: crispy Kaiser roll, juicy meat, and that perfect bite you can’t find anywhere else in Tokyo. The Käse-Leberkäse is even better – melty, rich, and unforgettable. The Nürnberger sausages and pork belly sandwich are also incredible! Quality is outstanding, and everything tastes homemade. You can really feel the owner’s heart in the food. Service is fast, friendly, and always welcoming – it feels like visiting a good friend. The shop is small but super clean and cozy, perfect for a quick but memorable meal. And the location in the charming Yanaka/Sendagi area makes it ideal for a food stop while exploring. If you love great food, authentic flavors, and unique experiences, TOTEMO is an absolute must-visit in Tokyo. I’ll definitely be back again and again! 🔥🍔🇩🇪🇦🇹🙌

This place is amazing! If you want authentic German/Austrian food, come here. The portions are a bit smaller than the original but the price is still really fair! Everything is self made and the buns are also very authentic. My only critique is that they do not put ketchup on the sandwich which is a common thing to do in Europe. They just put mustard (which is also something a lot of people do in Europe) So please go there and enjoy some very authentic German lunch snack!

Hidden gem and surprising! Piece of Austrian/German tradition in Tokyo. Kudos to the owner: created the recipies for the "Leberkäs" (kind of a Meatloaf), the sausages and the Kaiser rolls! Mustard and beer complement the gourmet experience!

Just wanted to try this new hamburger spot in my neighborhood—and I’m so glad I did. They serve German-style and Austrian-style hamburgers. The size might not fill you up if you're after a full lunch or dinner, but it's perfect for a quick bite or grab-and-go snack. The real standout? The mustard. If you're a mustard lover, you need to try it—it’s seriously delicious. Not into bread? No problem. You can enjoy the meat (a tasty mix of beef and pork) by itself with the sides. They also have beer, and there’s a small table out front that gives off a cozy, local vibe. They even offer a non-alcoholic German soft drink that’s similar to ginger ale, made with herbs from the Alps. Refreshing and super unique. If you're around Yanaka, definitely stop by. It’s like the German version of onigiri—street food with heart.

+1