Welcome to part two of my Japan Food diary, this time exploring the food I devoured whilst in the beautiful Kyoto. If you haven't read the first part of this series, see what I ate in Osaka here.
Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto is well known for temples, shrines and the combination of modern and historic architecture. They say that when you picture quintessential Japan in your mind, you're thinking of Kyoto, and I'd have to agree. It's a wonderful place to experience the modern and cultural side of Japan in the one place.
I spent four days in Kyoto and could have easily spent a couple more days there. While there is a lot to see and do, after coming from Osaka, Kyoto has a much more relaxed feel to the city.
So what is there to eat?
Quail egg octopus skewers (tako-tamago) - Nishiki Market
If you have friends that have visited Kyoto, no doubt they've been to Nishiki Market. Even better: they've probably taken a photograph of the octopus skewers with a quail egg in its head. A lot of stores sell this snack, at varying prices depending on the size of the octopus itself. I saw them from about ¥200-400 (A$2.64-5.28). If you like octopus or calamari, you'll like this. The octopus has a slightly sweet marinade on it, with a small boiled quail egg in the head portion. A little weird, but I enjoyed it!
[icon name="map-marker" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Nishiki Market Shopping District 609 Nishidaimonjicho Tominokoji Dori Shijoagaru, Nakagyo, Kyoto 604-8054, Kyoto Prefecture
Soy milk doughnuts - Nishiki Market
Another snack that is always recommended to anyone that visits Kyoto, and I am here to do the same. This little stall sells a variety of products all made with soy, from tofu skins to soy milk ice cream. You can order a bag of 10 plain mini soy doughnuts for ¥250 (A$3.30). There are sauce options as well, including chocolate and caramel if that takes your fancy. The doughnuts are quite firm and crunchy on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside. Absolutely delicious and great value for money.
[icon name="map-marker" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Nishiki Market Shopping District 609 Nishidaimonjicho Tominokoji Dori Shijoagaru, Nakagyo, Kyoto 604-8054, Kyoto Prefecture
Ramen - Ichiran
Ichiran is a chain ramen store with locations all over Japan (and the world). The first time I tried it was in Kyoto. They specialise in tonkotsu ramen, which is a pork-based broth. The reason why Ichiran is so famous is due to its solo booths. Your seat is partitioned off by dividers, with a window right in front of you covered by a bamboo curtain.
Once you've ordered your ramen from the vending machine and taken your seat, you can personalise your meal. You are able to choose the chewiness of your noodles, the spice level added and the richness of your broth, to name a few. Here you can also add extras to your meal, including more noodles, a soft boiled egg or extra spring onions. Then, press the bell button and a waiter will come and take your order. You have to experience dining while sitting in a small, closed off booth while in Japan. Plus, the ramen is tasty and moreish.
[icon name="map-marker" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Ichiran Kyoto 598 Urateramachi, Takoyakushi Sinkyogoku-dori Higashi-iru, Nakagyo-ku | Takoyakushi Oki Bldg, Kyoto 604-8041, Kyoto Prefecture
Cheese tarts - Bake Cheese Tart
The Japanese-style baked cheese tart is an absolute must-try when you're visiting. Bake Cheese Tart is a chain, with locations all over the world. The tarts have a crumbly, buttery shell, filled with rich, smooth cream cheese made with Hokkaido milk. These are even better when warm. There are always original tarts available, and usually a couple of flavours, or limited time only options. During my Japan trip, I tried lemon, mandarin and blueberry flavours. An original cheese tart from Bake costs ¥216 (A$2.85).
[icon name="map-marker" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Bake Cheese Tart Kyoto 552 Teramachidori Shijo-agaru Nakanocho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8042, Kyoto Prefecture
Tonkatsu - Katsukura, Kyoto Train Station
Another item on my must try list for Japan was tonkatsu. Tonkatsu is breaded and deep fried pork cutlet served with a sweet, sour Japanese Worcestershire sauce, miso soup, rice and salad. My research pointed me in the direction of Katsukura, a restaurant located at the Kyoto Train Station - very convenient! According to the reviews, Katsukura serves the best tonkatsu in Kyoto, so naturally, I had to try. Located on the 11th floor of The Cube, one of the many shopping complexes attached to the train station, the restaurant is bright and inviting and often quite busy, so best to turn up a little earlier. I ordered the loin cutlet zen set for approximately ¥1600 (A$21.10). This meal includes unlimited refills of rice and cabbage salad as well. The pork cutlet was a little fatty, but not overbearing, very tasty and flavourful and paired well with the sauce and sides.
[icon name="map-marker" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Katsukura 901 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo-ku. | TheCUBE 11F, Kyoto 600-8216, Kyoto Prefecture
Matcha and hojicha soft serve - Gion Tsujiri, Kyoto Station
A trip to Kyoto isn't made without trying something with Matcha. This small hole in the wall took a very long time to find. Lets just say that Google wasn't all that helpful and I ended up walking around Kyoto Station for at least 45 minutes searching. But, when you find it, go in and order the matcha and/or hojicha soft serve ice cream cone. Kyoto is well known for their high quality matcha. I also ordered the hojicha cone - hojicha is a green tea that has been roasted in a porcelain pot over charcoal.
[icon name="map-marker" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Gion Tsujiri Kyoto Station 8-3 Higashishiokoji Takakuracho | Kyoto Station Hachijo-guchi, Kyoto Hachijo Asty Road, Shimogyo, Kyoto 600-8214, Kyoto Prefecture
Matcha kakigori - Tsujiri Tea House, Gion
Tsujiri Tea House in Gion is quite famous for their matcha desserts. It is located within beautiful Gion, the district known for many picturesque traditional wooden machiya merchant houses and geishas. I visited with the purpose of trying kakigori, a Japanese shaved ice dessert, drizzled with sweetener and often matcha or condensed milk. I ordered the kakigori that came with half milk and half matcha, matcha ice cream and red bean on top and mochi on the side. Since I visited in June, the weather was quite warm during the day, so the kakigori was a welcome refreshment.
[icon name="map-marker" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Saryo Tsujiri Gion Honten 573-3 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku | 2 and 3F Gion Tsujiri Honten, Kyoto 605-0074, Kyoto Prefecture
Tsukemen - Mensho Takamatsu Honten
This little ramen shop was located about five minutes down the road from my hotel. It was my first night in Kyoto, and I was actually looking to go to Kyoto Gogyo, which serves burnt miso ramen. Unfortunately Kyoto Gogyo was closed for renovations until mid July. On the walk back, I came across Mensho Takamatsu Hoten. There was a small line waiting out the front. I ordered the tsukemen, or dip ramen. Cold noodles are served with a side of concentrated broth. The broth was rich and slightly fishy. After finishing your noodles, pour the boiling water provided into your broth and drink. This was my first time experiencing tsukemen, and I loved it.
[icon name="map-marker" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Mensho Takamatsu Honten 312 Ichirenshacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8146, Kyoto Prefecture
Melonpan - Kofukudo
Melonpan is a type of sweet bakery bread. The 'melon' part comes from its crispy, biscuit-like top. I saw Kofukudo recommended in a video from Paolo from Tokyo, on Youtube. When you smell that delicious baked bread scent in the air, you know you're close by. You can order melonpan as is, or filled with ice cream. Melonpan ice cream costs ¥500 (A$6.59).
[icon name="map-marker" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Kofukudo Kyoto 18 Otabicho, Shimogyō-ku, Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu 600-8002, Japan
Wagyu and beef intestine ramen - Wajoryomen Sugari
A warning - this place is difficult to find! Google isn't great with identifying the exact location. I recommend looking out for the signature front window. It'll be well worth the walk around, however. This was the best ramen I ate in Kyoto. Order from the vending machine inside before you wait in line. Sugari are known for their wagyu ramen and beef intestine ramen. I ordered the beef intestine tsukemen, while Jordan ordered the wagyu ramen. Both were absolutely divine! Take a seat at the bar and watch the chefs cook your ramen right in front of your eyes. Highly, highly recommend.
[icon name="map-marker" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Wajoryomen Sugari 471-1 Kannondocho Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto 604-8222, Kyoto Prefecture
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