My first trip in Japan (2019) was nothing short of an eye-opener—or in this case, a gateway to a gustatory reawakening. One could tell the food was fresh. If people had some experience in the culinary arts—be it through formal education or forged through the fires of familial pressure—they could appreciate all the thought that went into a dish and its fine execution.
Let’s jump into 2023, where travel and tourism are starting to pick up after the global lockdown due to Covid-19 back in 2020. I’ve had the privilege of visiting Japan once again, looked forward to the food trip and dropped by old favorites and tried new ones.
Our quick trip through Osaka, Nara, Kyoto and Tokyo still offered some ultra flavorful finds that left us speechless after first bites (or spoonfuls). Here’s a quick narration of what we ate:
Osaka
When you’re at Dotonbori (business and shopping district in Osaka), just about any random street food stall you find will probably end up serving something tasty. To satiate our hunger after a long flight, we immediately ordered some takoyaki—I believe we had some from chain outlet Takoyaki Juhachiban Dotonbori.
For late night dinner, we headed out to the 24-hour ramen shop Hanamaruken, famous for its 10-inch pork rib ramen. If you like your ramen calm and collected, steer clear! Hanamaruken ramps up the umami in its broth, punctuated by the juicy pork bits.
For quick, affordable breakfast eats, we checked out the convenience stores for the onigiri (white rice formed into triangle or round shapes, wrapped in nori). There’s something for everyone from tuna and salmon, to fried pork and Spam.
We cut to the chase and made time to drop by Ikinari Steak for my ribeye fix for lunch. Unless you’re vegetarian, how can you not love a juicy piece of steak done medium rare, served with buttered vegetables and garlic chips?
For snack/dessert, we got a taste of the famous 10 Yen Bread (or pancake?) back at Dotonbori. It’s a savory bread filled with mozzarella cheese fitting of its name: I give this a 10!
Late dinner, a local suggested for us to try out Torikizoku. True enough, it’s one of the cheaper yakitori chains in Japan. It’s a no-nonsense place where you simply get what you pay for—perfect for young people bonding over beer and barbecue.
Nara
After about an hour’s worth of travel from Osaka to Kyoto, we left our luggage at the station and took another 40-minute ride to Nara to see the deers. And since we were already there, we dropped by the nearby, world-famous Todaiji Temple.
Just on the corner before the street leading to Todaiji, you can find a restaurant called Miyama. Well technically, there isn’t a sign up with “Miyama” on it. Fully fledged tourists at this point, we had faith in ourselves and trusted Google maps.
I think it’s pretty underrated for what it serves. Quality set meals in a very comfortable dining space. The staff are friendly and attentive, too. Now, back to the food. For 2,090 Yen, I enjoyed a roast beef and simmered beef set with rice, soup, egg and sides. Diners are encouraged to have this meal three ways: 1) Eat it plain. 2) Enjoy the beef with green onion and wasabi. 3) Pour the broth over the beef and rice and eat it like a porridge (locally referred to as “chazuke”). I enjoyed this meal very much and would definitely return if I find myself back in Nara. (To be continued)