Naeum’s Louis Han took a break from working his kitchen and went to Japan just lately. It’s been 10 years since he final visited the historic and charming metropolis of Kyoto. This additionally occurs to be his first time to Nagoya, a producing and delivery hub in central Honshu. The chef determined to go to a great buddy who lives within the metropolis and spend just a few days there. We discover out extra about his culinary path in these two Japanese cities.
Which eating places did you go to in Kyoto that had been most memorable for you?
My most memorable meal was loved on a wet morning at Honke Owariya, a 558-year-old soba restaurant in Kyoto that provides its soba to the Imperial Palace and Kyoto’s Zen Buddhist temples. I recognize something with a historical past, so there’s one thing magical about visiting a really previous family-run restaurant that’s been round for generations. The restaurant and store is without doubt one of the oldest F&B institutions in Asia and the world that’s nonetheless working; and in its authentic location no much less. Aside from this primary impression, I used to be additionally blown away by the soba. The feel is barely resistant while you chew it; however simply sufficient. ‘Al dente’ is probably not the most effective phrase since soba is much less agency than pasta, but it surely’s considerably near it. The dipping broth has a clear soy style, which made the entire expertise of having fun with the soba very pure and healthful.
I additionally had the privilege of visiting the three-Michelin-starred Hyotei this time round. The multi-generational family-run kaiseki restaurant has greater than 400 years of wealthy historical past; it’s housed on the grounds of the Nanzenji Temple. The principle space of the constructing has been preserved and stays largely unchanged, so eating there felt like I used to be transported again in time. One of many menu highlights is the Hyotei Tamago, a conventional soft-boiled egg provided to travellers who approached the temple 450 years in the past.
Might you suggest a few your favorite tremendous eating and informal eating places in Nagoya?
In Nagoya, we went to an informal espresso store known as Komeda’s Espresso with my buddy’s household. You will have to overlook about weight-reduction plan for a second as their signature merchandise is a big flaky puff pastry with a tall dollop of ice cream and maple syrup. You could find Komeda’s Espresso all throughout Japan, however the very first store opened in Nagoya.
Did you discover any inspiring recent produce from these locations throughout your latest journey?
It was thrilling to see the recent seafood on provide at Nishiki Market in Kyoto. The seasonal elements in Japan positively impressed me to create new dishes as effectively.
Did you head to any hidden gems that solely locals know?
Throughout my time in Kyoto, I stayed in a small boutique resort alongside Nijo-dori, a quiet residential space with small bakeries, wine bars and pottery shops. Sadly, we didn’t take down any of their names. However for those who take a stroll round, there are a lot of small impartial shops in Japan value wandering and getting misplaced in.
My spouse and I additionally very randomly stumbled upon a curry store known as Ohmiya Seiuemon. We caught a whiff of one thing scrumptious and simply walked into the store. We simply found that the proprietor is briefly closing the store to relocate to a extra common space this summer season.
What edible souvenirs ought to folks purchase from Nagoya/Kyoto?
In Kyoto, I’d suggest Honke Owariya’s soba confectionary retailer, which remains to be open subsequent to its soba restaurant.
If you’re exploring the neighborhood of Nagoya, Inuyama is an idyllic city an hour away by practice. Throughout our go to, my spouse found a retailer known as ‘若松屋阡’, which sells recent seasonal mochi. Once we visited, that they had flavours akin to candy potato and strawberry. The shop additionally presents pink bean dorayaki and sesame monaka. Every packet of confectionery is packed by hand, so we needed to wait fairly some time for the store proprietor to pack our field of edible souvenirs; within the meantime, we had been snacking on their fluffy mochis.
Which eating locations do you need to go to in your subsequent journey to Japan?
I’m planning to discover Osaka and Sapporo subsequent, the place I’ll be on the hunt for cosy izakayas and refreshing beer!
This text was initially printed on The Peak.
Supply: Her World
