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Food lovers get loose when they hear about Kyoto. This humble city’s food scene is influenced by nature, including the bountiful fresh water. It’s the destination for health-conscious travelers as tables will have superfoods and local vegetables. Kyoto is home to the healthiest cuisines in Japan.
Kyoto is a highlight of every Japanese adventure. Don’t miss the Golden Pavilion, the historic geisha district of Gion, the lush bamboo forest of Arashiyama, and Kyoto’s famous weaving district, Nishijin.
From oyakodon to sushi, here are the best foods to eat in Nishijin!
1. Oyakodon at Toriiwaro
Toriiwaro is a restaurant in Nishijin that serves some of the best oyakodons. Oyakodon is a rice bowl dish consisting of chicken, egg, sliced scallion, and other ingredients as the chef deems fit, simmered together in a soup-like texture with soy sauce and stock. Everything there is served on top of the rice.
This restaurant won’t disappoint as it is one of the oldest in Kyoto serving this dish – over 100 years old. The interiors will make you feel like you are dining inside the houses of the characters of your favorite anime. They accept reservations and are open even during public holidays.
Price: From 1,500 yen
Hours: 11:30 AM-3 PM (closed on Thursday)
Contact: +81 75-44-14004
Address: 75 Itsutsujicho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8446, Japan
ALSO READ: BEST HALAL RESTAURANTS IN KYOTO
2. Terrine and Japanese Favorites at à la Chalamont
It isn’t a sin to try French cuisine alongside your Japanese food favorites when you’re in Nishijin. Nishijin is quite a sophisticated place for being a textile center, so classy restaurants like à la Chalamont can be found here.
à la Chalamont is a family-run French restaurant that serves a fusion of French and Japanese dishes. The best would probably be terrine, a sumptuous loaf of forcemeat or aspic, resembling a pâté, cooked in a covered pottery mold in a bain-marie. Too French? You can combine this with Japanese dishes like slow-cooked roasted wagyu cheek lamb to realize its goodness.
Price: From 1,150 yen
Hours: Lunch - 11:30 AM-2 PM, Dinner - 5:30-10:30 PM, until 9:30 PM on Sundays (closed on Mondays)
Contact: +81 75-44-10170
Address: 13 Nishitakajicho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8004, Japan
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3. Sushi at Daigen
Will you eat sushi in Nishijin even if it is a cliché? Well, you should, as every sushi experience will never be the same. The sushis at Daigen are simple, fresh, and of course, delicious thanks to its talented chefs working to satisfy every traveler who visits.
Price: From 100 yen
Hours: 5:30-10 PM
Contact: +81 75-43-20201
Address: Shohacho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8057, Japan
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4. Monaka Cookies at Tsuruya Yoshinobu
A meal won’t be complete without a tasty dessert. When in Japan, you’ll think about the famous Japanese ice creams in cones right away. But let go of that craving for now as you head to Tsuruya Yoshinobu for some cookies.
Established in 1803, Tsuruya Yoshinobu has been serving traditional confectionery or wagashi to the Kyoto Imperial Palace and grand tea masters.
One of their best offerings is the monaka cookie, a pair of rice wafer shells with red bean paste as filling. But, the red bean paste is separate, you’ll spread them yourself like spreading caviar over a slice of bread. This store also has mochis, sweet dessert soup, and steamed sweets.
Price: From 2,300 yen
Hours: 9 AM-6 PM (closed on Wednesday)
Contact: +81 75-44-10105
Address: 340-1 Nishifunahashicho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8434, Japan
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5. Yokan at Toraya Ichijo
Have more appetite for more desserts? Try yokan at Toraya Ichijo, a store listed as one of the best places for a food adventure in Nishijin. It is only a few minutes walk from Nishijin’s landmarks.
Yokan is also a type of wagashi, but made with red bean paste, sugar, and agar. It is usually served in blocks looking like a bar of soap. Their yokan’s flavors include Japanese black tea, white miso, and honey, among others. This place also offers other traditional desserts such as summer jelly and fresh sweets.
Price: From 1,800 yen
Hours: 9 AM-6 PM
Contact: +81 75-44-13111
Address: 415 Hirohashidono-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8426, Japan
ALSO READ: BEST SUKIYAKI IN KYOTO
Looking for a fun food tour in Kyoto? Join us for our Nishiki Market Kyoto Food Tour where we will take you around the best food spots at Nishiki Market and feast on various delicious dishes.
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