Food Hunt In Japan

Getting hands-on experience in making the Katsuo no tataki aka Seared Bonito (JPY1500) for lunch.

Grilling Katsuo fillets over a fire fueled by straw, give it a slightly smoky flavour and crispy charred skin. But while the outer layer is seared, the centre is still raw. It is then cut into thick slices and you can either dipped in salt or covered in ponzu (yuzu with soy sauce) before smothered with chopped spring onions or sliced raw garlic.

Nope, these are puddings in cute package designed like a Starbucks cup with inspirational sayings! Matcha pudding (JPY320) is the newest addition to existing flavour like Chocolate and Milk Custard. Subtle bitterness of matcha, sweeten with syrup at the bottom, the pudding is a delight~

Kyoto is known for matcha and matcha dessert that one can easily turn a corner and you'll find a place selling them. Ever popular is the Matcha Soft Serve! This one from Gion Tsujiri is very smooth with rich matcha aroma and a hint of bitterness.

Sunday, a day to refuel your soul and be grateful for your blessings. Take a deep breath and relax. Enjoy your family, your friends, and a cup of New Orleans. Cold brewed for 12 hours, its creamy and sweet coffee is a perfect perk me up.

Fukutaro, frequent by locals had been featured in Bib Gourmand Osaka 2016 which make us want to try it more. Though the place only starts at 5pm, a queue was forming 15min before hand.

We went to the first outlet that gives off an old school vibes. A U-shaped area (like when we go Teppanyaki) as diners popping in will seat around the Chef and watch him crafting all the delicious food.

Okonomiyaki (from JPY860) is one of the recommended item along with negiyaki and yakisoba. A savoury kind of pancake consisting of basic batter, cabbages, meat/seafood before finishing off with sweet sauce, mayonnaise and bonito flakes! Chef cooked till there's a slight crisp but it remains fluffy and paired with their special sauce, it was worth the wait.

They offer more flavours as compared to BAKE like Matcha, Chocolate and this month special, Cinnapple. Mini tarts are creamy and of a lighter cheese taste too. A sensational dessert that always please!

Walking along the the other towards Tōdai-ji Temple, we chance upon this Ichigo Daifuku and can't resist getting one each! Huge yet sweet strawberry atop of a mochi filled with red beans, this is a snack that you don't wanna share.

Though it was close to 3pm by the time we have lunch there was still a queue. Other than Unadon (JPY1890), they also have Mini-Ju Set (JPY1800). Smaller slices of eels and rice in a lacquered box served with chawanmushi, eel omelet, salad, soup and dessert. Enjoy a full meal without bursting your wallet.

Unagi was fresh and perfectly executed with slight smoky flavor. A pot of Kabayaki sauce at side allow you to add more sweetness to the bowl too!

A unique experience as you order via the vending machine before entering an empty cubical shown on-screen. Pass the order coupon to the staff via a small opening and a bowl of ramen will soon appear after 5-10min wait.

Rich milky Tonkotsu soup with thin white noodles, slices of char siew, green/white onions and kikurage mushroom. Their special red sauce is what make it stand out too. This piping hot bowl of ramen taste even more shiok after waiting in the cold!

See the World Through Coffee. Sip a cup of Caffe Latte, Single Origin at Arashiyama as you enjoy the view of Togetsukyo Bridge and Ooi River. Full body, smooth finish, you will enjoy it to the last drop.

One of the many soft serve we had in Kyoto. Sakura Mochi, which is available for limited time only (yeap since it is Sakura season now) Floral taste with frozen mochi bits, it can be too sweet for some.

Always spoilt for choice when you see the array of 🍱 they have!