三嶋亭 Mishima Tei Sukiyaki
If you are new to sukiyaki, you must try it at least once when you visit Japan. I usually plan at least 2 to 3 sukiyaki meals on all my trips in Japan. Sukiyaki is a beloved Japanese dish featuring thinly sliced beef simmered in a savory-sweet broth alongside fresh vegetables. It's often enjoyed as a communal meal, dipped in raw egg, and celebrated for its harmonious blend of flavors from the wagyu beef, raw egg yolk and sweet, chewy rice. I am getting hungry just from thinking about it now!
Lunch menu usually offers a better deal than dinner at the nicer restaurants in Japan. At Mishima-tei, the lunch set (¥8,591 or $58 USD*) is essentially half off compared to the dinner (¥17,545 or $118 USD*) and the quality of the beef is still amazing. The set comes with 3 large pieces of thinly sliced wagyu beef and the server will help you grill the first piece for you. You can see the marbling of the beef from the pictures below and I can tell you they were amazing! The dinner menu offers higher quality beef, larger portion of beef (110 gram for lunch and 130 gram for dinner) and more vegetables/side dishes so it is also a good idea to have dinner there.
*The price is based on approximate conversion in September 2023.
Kichi Kichi Omurice
You may have seen pictures or videos of this place before on different social media platforms. Omurice is a beloved Japanese comfort food, and Kichi Kichi's version is legendary. The fluffy, creamy omelette enveloping a bed of seasoned fried rice is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Kichi Kichi is renowned for its theatrical and mesmerizing preparation of omurice. The chef, Yukimura Motokichi, is a true showman who skillfully crafts each plate with flair, making it an unforgettable dining experience. Kichi Kichi is not just a meal; it's an event. The restaurant has gained international fame, making it a popular destination for food enthusiasts from around the world. Trying their omurice is like checking off a culinary bucket list item. Online reservations (see link below) can be made weekly up to 4 weeks in advance and the online system is updated every Sunday 11am (Japan time).
南禅寺 順正 Junsei
Kyoto has a rich tradition of tofu cuisine, and Junsei upholds this tradition with finesse. Dining here offers a genuine taste of Kyoto's culinary heritage. My favorite at Junsei is its tofu course with yuba. Yuba, or tofu skin, is a prized ingredient in Kyoto cuisine, and Junsei's expertise shines in their yuba-based dishes. Yuba is known for its silky texture and versatility, making it a delightful addition to various dishes, from soups to salads. When you order the set, you will get to make your own yuba! Part of the meal includes a pot with hot soy milk and you will be given a thin wooden stick to pull up the tofu skin once a thin tofu skin layer is formed on top of the hot soy milk. After that, you can dip the yuba into the yuzu soy sauce provided. It is not only very tasty, it is also a very fun experience! If you are looking for an authentic tofu meal in Kyoto or you are vegetarian, Junsei's tofu-centric menu will certainly satisfy your palate.
麺屋 猪一 Men-ya Inoichi
As you approach Men-ya Inoichi in Kyoto, you can't miss the wonderful smell of dashi, a special broth used in Japanese cooking. This restaurant is all about making ramen that's bursting with dashi flavor. They make their broth using Rausu kombu, a type of kelp known for its rich and savory taste, along with different kinds of dried seafood. Their star dish is the 'Dashi Soba' ramen, which comes in two versions: one with mild seasoning ('white'), which is the white soy sauce, and the other with a stronger flavor ('black'), which is the dark soy sauce. While the 'Dashi Soba' ramen is their signature, the 'A4 Rank Wagyu Ramen' is also delicious if you prefer beef over pork.
Comments