http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/tags/food Sad to say, but this lovely old town requires some support. en-US Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:20:33 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/search.php http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/casual-breakfast-in-kyoto#post-260 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 18:09:50 +0000 umeboshisan 260@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <p>noen, in gion opposite ichiriki teahouse does a mean bacon and eggs </p> http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/oatmeal-weather#post-220 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:00:53 +0000 archer_root 220@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <p>Dewd. Do you harsh my mellow? Hardly a Zen pooper-scooper, am I.</p> <p>As you know, authentic mountain spring water has dissolved solids. Sometimes this is good for you. Often these dissolved solids will associate with the ingredients in a dish and create a stronger extraction, yes? Maybe this is why there are so many Chinese sayings about mountain water and tea leaves being an essential combination. </p> <p>Kuzu is just plain good for the intestines. "Wake up. Nourish intensetines. Have a good day." How's that for a hip Engrish tee-shirt? </p> http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/oatmeal-weather#post-219 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:04:24 +0000 peko 219@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <p>That is a dog-gone good sounding recipe!! With kuzu and mountain spring water? You must be a real Zen Master chef! </p> http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/oatmeal-weather#post-218 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:59:04 +0000 archer_root 218@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <p>My favorite morning porridge used to consist of the following:</p> <p>Mountain spring water<br /> Kuzu (starch flour from the root of the infamous Kudzu vine)<br /> Rolled spelt grain<br /> Fresh ginger, shaved thinly<br /> Cranberries, unsweetened<br /> Frozen or fresh blueberries<br /> A pinch of ground cardamon, clove, and nutmeg<br /> A pinch of sea salt</p> <p>Sprinkle camu-camu on that and maybe a squeeze of lime for tartness and nutrition.</p> <p>I have yet to discover rolled spelt in Kyoto.<br /> We'll see if I can find a nutty-tasting replacement. </p> http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/oatmeal-weather#post-217 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:21:54 +0000 carol 217@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <p>Thank you, Peko, I found the rolled oats today in Tavelt. And picked up some quinoa, too. It makes a nice meal like rice, very delicate.</p> <p>And in Nishiki market, chanced on the best kombu I've had yet-- it was fresh, with vinegar and hot spice, long strips rolled in fine sugar I think, really tasty. </p> http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/casual-breakfast-in-kyoto#post-214 Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:29:17 +0000 peko 214@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <p>Hello incognito,</p> <p>Sorry for the delayed reply. Japanese breakfast is also great, the best place to enjoy that is at a ryokan (inn) or at home. There aren't really restaurants that serve Japanese style breakfast -- as Japanese aren't really big one eating out for breakfast. </p> http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/oatmeal-weather#post-213 Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:20:32 +0000 peko 213@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <p>And the best shampoo for dogs it made with oatmeal! I have not made milk with it though. Sounds fascinating though.</p> <p>I get my oatmeal at Tavelt in the underground food court/grocery store of at Fujii Daimaru. I get Hamlyns of Scotland's Scottish Porridge Oats &amp; Bran. It is 700 yen (I think) for a 750g bag. That seems very reasonable to me. They also have some other varieties and granola and muesli too.</p> <p>For a long time I bought muesli, granola and oatmeal at Meiji-ya on Sanjo. They do offer a good, maybe the best selection in Kyoto of high quality and natural Western style breakfast foods, but I just get tired of feeling ripped off after shopping at Meiji-ya. Tavelt at Fujii Daimaru is just too good and reasonably priced to ignore now.</p> <p>More info and locations here: <a href="http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/department-stores-in-kyoto-takashimaya-daimaru-and-isetan" rel="nofollow">http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/department-stores-in-kyoto-takashimaya-daimaru-and-isetan</a> </p> http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/oatmeal-weather#post-212 Sat, 24 Oct 2009 04:54:57 +0000 carol 212@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <p>I gather that Maki Shoten may be the best place to try to find oatmeal here in Kyoto. Up Higashioji, I'll check it out. So yummy, cooked very creamy or apples-n-oats, raw rolled oats mixed with grated apple and with milk, muesli really, add nuts. There's also not much better for cleansing face, just do it over the kitchen sink! (Put some raw rolled oats in a sock, tie it and drop in the hot bath.) It makes good milk, too, like almond or hemp milk, if you have a blendor. </p> http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/casual-breakfast-in-kyoto#post-208 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 05:50:38 +0000 incognito 208@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <p>Hi Peko,</p> <p>thank you for getting back at me! I forgot to mention that I totally wouldnt mind having Japanese for breakfast. I am just not sure if it's customary for the locals to go out for breakfast. And yes I have read the coverage for Le Petit Mec from Kyotofoodie.com. Thank you for such an excellent site, btw, I am sure it has benefited many visitors! </p> http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/seasonal-things-to-eat-in-kyoto#post-207 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:40:31 +0000 miwa 207@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <p>Dear footmarks,</p> <p>I am very sorry for the late reply. I was not sure what you should not miss in Oct, so I asked Chef Tanigawa from Kichisen.<br /> He says Matsutake mushroom tastes the best around that time. Their smell is very unique and special, so Japanese just love them!</p> <p>Matsutake will be served a lot of Japanese restaurant in Kyoto,in different ways; they will be found in soup or rice very often. Cheap ones are imported ones.</p> <p>Kichisen kaiseki restaurant serves cut mushroom, you cook over charcoal at your table. That would be something special.</p> <p>There are no particularly seasonal event at that time, but 25th Tenjin Market at Kitano tenmamgu will be interesting. </p> http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/casual-breakfast-in-kyoto#post-205 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:34:31 +0000 peko 205@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <p>Hello incognito,</p> <p>Thank you for your question. As someone that enjoys eating out for breakfast, I have say that Japanese aren't really into doing Western-style breakfast. I am also looking for places like you mention and will do some research on the subject and get back to you. In the meantime, this is my tried and true:</p> <p>The Le Petit Mec (Red Mec) bakery has amazing bread and coffee but is not that close to Hotel Monterey, maybe 10 or 15 minutes by taxi. Their potato bread, warmed with plenty of butter and a café au lait just cannot be beat, in my mind.</p> <p><a href="http://openkyoto.com/stores/kyoto-bakeries.html" rel="nofollow">http://openkyoto.com/stores/kyoto-bakeries.html</a><br /> <a href="http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/bakeries-in-kyoto" rel="nofollow">http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/bakeries-in-kyoto</a> </p> http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/casual-breakfast-in-kyoto#post-203 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:17:11 +0000 incognito 203@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <p>Hi there,</p> <p>I will be in Kyoto for a week in November, staying at Hotel Monterey then a ryokan (with breakfast). We will be taking advantage of a few lunch Kaisei deals and won't go for the hotel breakfast. I know there are probably some decent snack food/bread available from convenient stores that we can have as quick and casual breakfast. I am just wondering what other options might be? Cafes, wagashi stores, Mr Donuts?</p> <p>Thanks a lot! </p> http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/seasonal-things-to-eat-in-kyoto#post-202 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 04:33:33 +0000 foomarks 202@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <p>Hi there, I'm going to be in Kyoto 10/24 to 10/30. Can you recommend must see seasonal things to eat, and at which places? Thank you!</p> <p>(If you can recommend seasonal things to do and see, that would be great too!) </p> http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/vegetarian-vegan-and-visiting-japan-at-new-years#post-109 Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:40:37 +0000 rikonick 109@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <p>I found it amazingly easy to eat vegan food in Kyoto. First, most vegetarian food is vegan. There's not the stigma attached to veganism that you find in the West - because the frame of reference is shojin ryori, which is vegan. I checked out all the shojin and fucha places I know of - Ikkyu, Kanga-an, Shigetsu, Izusen - and none of them used dashi. But it's not really a vegetarian's best bet - I only know of one of them that's open later than 7pm. Some of them are memorable, but not really a way to sustain yourself in Kyoto.</p> <p>I also got vegan meals in traditional kaiseki places, as well as many other joints that carnivores don't realise serve veggie food. Chefs in Kyoto understand the term "shojin" and the best ones are enthusiastic to show what they can do. Harise is a traditional, very traditional, kaiseki place, but I had the best shojin ryori of my life there. What's more, the dishes all resembled my carnivorous companion's food, but made from entirely different ingredients. </p> <p>At Misogigawa on Pontocho I didn't even have to ask - they asked me straight off whether I was vegetarian or had any allergies. The chef there makes it his trademark to cook differently for each person. And the chef at Il Viale once trained as a vegetarian chef, so he can whip up a vego course without blinking. Same goes for Sasajima at Il Ghiottone, who uses the word "shojin" a lot. Tamaki, behind the Manga Museum, was obliging and produced a superb course lunch. On top of all that, I found around 15 proper vegetarian restaurants. </p> <p>In Tokyo, asking for a vegan version of a dish is like asking the chef to serve it with oven chips. In Kyoto you're spoiled for choice. </p> http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/woman-eating-alone#post-99 Mon, 09 Mar 2009 05:09:53 +0000 adania 99@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <p>A lot of the business hotels have started to offer wifi, or at least free ethernet in rooms. A notable exception is Hotel Fujita, which just has a terrible coin-operated terminal in their lobby for guests to use.</p> <p>Speaking as a woman who eats alone most of the time, what I find most important in choosing a restaurant is the counter. If there is a counter, and there are friendly looking people behind it or sitting at it, I feel better eating there than if I have to sit at a table all by myself. Kyoto bartenders and chefs are mostly really friendly, perhaps especially to single women, and usually will at least attempt to make conversation and keep you company. </p> http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/vegetarian-vegan-and-visiting-japan-at-new-years#post-76 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:43:26 +0000 ChrisLehrer 76@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <p>My wife has students who are pure vegetarians, though not vegans, and the general agreement is that Japan is a nightmare: everything you order that appears to be vegetarian turns out to have dashi in it.</p> <p>BIG thing to watch out for, you vegetarians: DO NOT EAT any prepared egg dishes except at western-style (yoshoku) family restaurants and such. It is usual to cook eggs with a little dashi here. That lovely roll of pure egg omelet? The egg itself has dashi in it: it's not rolled around fish, but is fish through and through.</p> <p>My own feeling, of course, is that bonito are plentiful and fast-breeding, so you can set aside all moral scruples when eating them in dashi, and that if Zen monks can eat something, so can you. But I recognize that this is not an entirely fair (or unbiased) sentiment. </p> <p>Me, I eat anything that doesn't run away fast enough. Most Japanese I know well are horrified at what I'll eat. Ants? Very good for you, with a pleasantly citrus-acid crunch. </p> http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/need-restaurant-recommendation-in-kyoto-for-3-days#post-74 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:29:33 +0000 ChrisLehrer 74@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <p>For dinner, you might try Yagenbori, which does country-style Kyo-ryori (if that makes any sense) at a surprisingly reasonable price. You must make a reservation, of course, but my recollection is that $50/person is definitely possible. It's in Gion:</p> <p>Higashiyama-ku, Gion, Sueyoshi-cho Kiritoshi-kado<br /> 東山区祇園末吉町切通し角<br /> Tel (075) 551-3331 </p> http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/woman-eating-alone#post-73 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:14:04 +0000 ChrisLehrer 73@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <p>I understand, I think. The question is, as a woman alone, is there anything specific one ought to know about eating out, going out, being in places alone, etc.?</p> <p>Yes.</p> <p>1. Before you eat at a restaurant of any kind, at an ordinary meal-time, just look inside a bit -- a quick glance through the window or a briefly-opened door will do it. Here are your questions: How thick is the smoke? Are there any women? If so, are they young, smoking, dressed "hot," and with men?</p> <p>If there's minimal or no smoking, go ahead.<br /> If there are middle-aged women, go ahead.<br /> If there are women of any age sitting with one another, go ahead.</p> <p>If the air is thick with smoke and the only women are young, smoking, dressed for "action," and with men, give it a pass.</p> <p>Not that anything will happen, probably, but the atmosphere is not going to be super-comfortable. This is a bar-restaurant aimed at men and/or women who (at the moment) want to appear a bit wild.</p> <p>2. At lunchtime, restaurants divide into three groups: male, female, and mixed. Male means guys bolting ramen and running. Female means OLs (office ladies) or groups of non-working (at the moment, anyway) women having a fun lunch together. Mixed means a family restaurant. If you want good food, go for female: the salary men don't care. If you're starving, it doesn't matter, but a family restaurant will probably be more comfortable. Every terrific lunch at a non-super-expensive place I have had here has been at a place where I am pretty much the only male customer.</p> <p>3. The thing to watch out for is trains. If on a crowded long-distance train, there is probably a "ladies only" car. Use it. For some reason salary men on trains lose their marbles and grope women appallingly. It's one of the most disgusting phenomena in Japan, actually, so don't be on the receiving end. Outside of approximate rush hours, especially evening commutes out to the suburbs, it's not likely to happen, but keep a wary eye out for guys in suits moving toward you in a creepy way. Rape is extremely unlikely, but I doubt very much that you want to be mauled around.</p> <p>In general, I'd say this country is an excellent place for a woman to explore on her own. You might want to keep your question in mind as you travel, though, and see whether you spot some of the subtler ways in which discrimination occurs: quite interestingly different from home (wherever home is). </p> http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/need-restaurant-recommendation-in-kyoto-for-3-days#post-60 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:30:54 +0000 stylchick15 60@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <p>I am going to Kyoto for 3 days at the end of March. Would you be able to recommend a good and reasonable places to eat (up to $150 for 3 people for dinner and up to $30 p/person for lunch)? I heard so much about Kyoto cuisine that i would like to try the must have.<br /> Could you please recommend places to eat for the 3 nights?<br /> 1. Somewhere in Gion district<br /> 2. Somewhere in Pontoncho alley<br /> 3. Anywhere in central Kyoto.<br /> Would you know where a good tea place in Gion that we can experience a traditional tea ceremony?<br /> Also, could you please let us know anything particular cuisine we should tryout for lunch. We eat anything. Is there a good spot near Kyoto train station for lunch and in Arashiyama?</p> <p>Thank you in advance. </p> http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/vegetarian-vegan-and-visiting-japan-at-new-years#post-58 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:23:36 +0000 Deep Kyoto 58@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <p>This is too late for Ophelia I'm afraid, but perhaps future readers will find this list of vegetarian restaurants on my website useful:</p> <p><a href="http://www.deepkyoto.com/?p=362" rel="nofollow">http://www.deepkyoto.com/?p=362</a> </p> http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/woman-eating-alone#post-57 Fri, 09 Jan 2009 02:02:23 +0000 peko 57@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <p><strong>WiFi in Hotel Rooms: K's House Kyoto</strong></p> <p>This is the place, I guess that it is a hostel, not a hotel. I know some people that have stayed here recently and they liked it. It is nice and new and clean.</p> <p><a href="http://www.kshouse.jp/kyoto-e/index.html" title="Backpackers Hostel K's House Kyoto">Backpackers Hostel K's House Kyoto</a> (English language website)</p> <p>Backpackers Hostel K's House Kyoto<br /> 418 Nayacho, Shichijo-agaru, Dotemachi-dori, Shimogyo-ku,<br /> Kyoto city, Japan 600-8142<br /> TEL +(81)-75-342-2444 FAX +(81)-75-342-2440<br /> email ：kyoto@kshouse.jp </p> http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/woman-eating-alone#post-53 Sat, 03 Jan 2009 15:40:30 +0000 peko 53@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <p>Hello Kat,</p> <p>Thanks for stopping by Kyoto Support and posting your question.</p> <p>Regarding customs; Japanese customs are very different from other parts of the world, especially non-Asians cultures. Of course this is one of the things that makes Japan a very interesting place to visit. However, Japanese are very sophisticated in their understanding of Japan and other cultures. Japanese don't expect visitors from abroad to behave just like Japanese. Japanese are most happy to see people visiting and appreciating Japan, even if you don't do everything just like a native.</p> <p>If you just use common sense, be polite, friendly, modest and so on, you should have no trouble. Just try to pay attention to what others do.</p> <p><strong>Cleanliness and Shoes in Japanese Culture</strong><br /> Do observe Japanese customs related to cleanliness, especially regarding shoes. In Japanese culture, shoes are dirty. And, in fact, shoes usually really are dirty, if you think about it. Check out a public restroom, especially a men's public restroom anywhere in the world to confirm this.</p> <p>There are two kinds of steps in Japan, wooden and stone or concrete. Wood is 'clean' and stone is 'dirty'. That means, take your shoes off BEFORE stepping on anything wood. If a step is stone or concrete, you step on to it then take your shoes off. Actually, many Japanese today don't know this rule. Just remember that pebbles stuck in your shoe treads will scratch and gouge wood, however they won't bother stone and concrete.</p> <p><strong>Exploring and Eating on Your Own</strong><br /> Sorry, I don't quite understand this point. If you could clarify a bit I will try to reply.</p> <p><strong>WiFi in Hotel Rooms</strong><br /> Free WiFi is not common here. Most hotels DO NOT yet offer it. Ethernet in hotels is common, though it is often fairly expensive. There is one new hotel that does offer free WiFi I heard, let me check the name, I can't recall it at the moment. </p> http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/woman-eating-alone#post-52 Sat, 03 Jan 2009 15:20:59 +0000 lychee kat 52@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <p>hi!</p> <p>i will be in kyoto for at least 3 days sometime the last two weeks of january.<br /> i want to try everything as i'm passionate about food. :)</p> <p>is there anything to be aware of eating / exploring on my own?<br /> i am not worried about safety, just want to make sure i follow any customs properly.</p> <p>also -- do most hotels have wifi in the rooms?</p> <p>thanks!</p> <p>kat </p> http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/vegetarian-vegan-and-visiting-japan-at-new-years#post-9 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:19:44 +0000 peko 9@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <p>Hello Qphelia,</p> <p><strong>Visiting Japan at New Year's, Oshogatsu (お正月)</strong><br /> Generally I would <strong>NOT</strong> recommend visiting Japan during the New Year's celebration for several reasons</p> <p> - New Year's in Japan is family time, like Christmas in Western countries.<br /> - Few shops, stores, restaurants will be open from January 1-4.<br /> - Hotel and ryokan will be very difficult to book.</p> <p>Oshogatsu is a wonderful time in Japan, here is how you might be able to experience it:</p> <p> - Book an EXPENSIVE ryokan, probably 6-12 months in advance would be required. Some (wealthy) families book the same ryokan every year for decades. At an upscale ryokan you will be very well taken well care of with breakfast and dinner included. (In Kyoto plan on about $1000 per day for two people at a nice ryokan at New Year's.)<br /> - If you can stay with friends or family in Japan, you will surely have a great time.</p> <p><strong>Vegetarian Food in Japan</strong><br /> Vegetarian food in Japan is a rarity. Shojin ryori (精進料理), or 'temple food' is your best bet. In Kyoto there are a number of restaurants that offer shojin ryori, but many use fish based dashi (出汁), soup stock, so this won't work for vegans. Shojin ryori is fairly expensive and more restaurant are open from 11am to 4pm. So, dinner is not available. </p> <p>Shojin ryori article in Wikipedia<br /> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_cuisine" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_cuisine</a></p> <p>Happy Cow's Vegetarian Guide for Kyoto<br /> <a href="http://www.happycow.net/asia/japan/kyoto/index.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.happycow.net/asia/japan/kyoto/index.html</a></p> <p><strong>Vegan Food in Japan</strong><br /> Vegan Food is virtually impossible to get in restaurants in Japan. If you are vegan, and you really want to visit Japan, I think that you need to stay somewhere that has an attached kitchen so that you can cook your own food.</p> <p>In Kyoto, there is Cafe Proverbs [15:17] (formerly Dining Bar Peace and before that Cafe Peace) located in the Hyakuman-ben neighborhood of Demachiyanagi and Kyoto University.</p> <p>Dining Bar Peace - 100% Vegan in Kyoto (Our review of what is now Cafe Proverbs [15:17])<br /> <a href="http://kyotofoodie.com/dining-bar-peace-100-vegan-in-kyoto/" rel="nofollow">http://kyotofoodie.com/dining-bar-peace-100-vegan-in-kyoto/</a></p> <p>Cafe Proverbs [15:17] homepage<br /> <a href="http://www.proverbs1517.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.proverbs1517.com/</a> </p> http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/vegetarian-vegan-and-visiting-japan-at-new-years#post-7 Sun, 09 Nov 2008 08:51:09 +0000 Qphelia 7@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <p>I was hoping to go to Kyoto for my honeymoon this winter (December 29th-January, 2nd) but my fiance is a vegetarian. He can't have any kind of meat (fish included), or any oils, extracts or dashi. Do you have any recommendations for vegetarian restaurants in Kyoto that would be open during this time? I'm also wondering if there are any interesting New Year's celebrations we might be able to take part in.</p> <p>Thanks! </p>