Tokyo boasts plenty of Belgian culinary spots, from beer bars to chocolate shops. Chef Bart Sablon even points out that there is a Belgian waffle store right around the corner from Pommeke, a recently opened operation where the 39-year-old works as executive chef. "That's a total coincidence, though," he says.

"We aren't a Belgian beer bar, or even a Belgian food restaurant. We are filling a very specific gap," he says. That gap? Belgian-style fries.

Pommeke (03-6804-5884, 2-12-27 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, www.pommeke.jp/en) aims to bring the experience of a Belgian frituur — a shop that focuses on fries — to Japan's capital. Opened last month near Gaienmae Station, the cozy spot features standing-room only, a handful of Belgian brews on tap and three Flemish side dishes. Sablon, though, makes it clear what food is the star here.