JapanEats: Food-trippin’ in Kyoto

Another food-related post for the last day of October! Not sure if this’ll be the last I’ll talk of my Japan trip last year, but I figured this is a good way to wrap it up. Or something. Kyoto… ahhhh, Kyoto. Food was definitely the least of our concerns when we were in Kyoto, because there was just sooo much to see, and we just ate wherever we stumbled into. 🙂

There were several reasons for the lack of updates in this blog for the past two weeks: first was that things got slightly crazy busy at work and, second, the few snatches of free time in between was spent getting hooked into the Bangtan Sonyeondan (Bangtan Boys, or BTS) fandom. Yep, I think it is safe to say that I am an A.R.M.Y. now. These boys got jams~!

But! On to my food-trippin’ foray in Kyoto!

We arrived in Kyoto during a drizzly evening, and we just barely checked into our hostel, left our luggage, then wandered back out – in the slow rain – to look for a place to eat. It was almost 10pm already, I think, and most of the eating places we passed by were already closed (boo-hoo!). We entered one place that was more like a bar, really. Ordered chuhai, and karaage, and some warm soup to get warm… then dropped by the nearby convenience store for more snacks to bring with us to our hostel. All in all, it was nothing special, really.

So, the next evening, after walking around Nishiki Market, we decided to head back earlier (around 9pm this time) and see if some of the other places were open. Sure enough, one was!

We entered, and it was a cozy ramenya, or ramen store/restaurant. There was only one guy in his 20s behind the counter, and an old man eating in a corner table. When we came in, they welcomed us, and when we took our seats by the long counter table, the old man stood up, leaving his dinner behind. It turns out he runs the place, and the guy is a part-time worker.

So we ordered their ramen, some gyoza and karaage (again! I told you, I had my fill of karaage during this trip!). And we saw first hand how they prepared it.

I do not really recall how much it cost, but I just remember thinking they had generous servings for the price! Utterly satisfied!

On our last day in Kyoto, we were walking around the Kyoto Station, and dropped by the Yodobashi-Kyoto so Peach can buy a new camera. After, we looked for a place to have lunch before setting off for Nagoya.

We found Yebisu Bar. It is a beer-bar in the Kyoto Station/Yodobashi area and, yes, it appears to transform into a drinking place in the late afternoon. But, during lunchtime, it’s a legit, wholesome lunch restaurant.

I wanted something filling, because we weren’t sure when we will get our next full meal. I ordered the Omuhayashiraisu (JPY 834, or USD7.00, or Php325), which is like a combination of omelet rice, and curry rice. Paired with another chuhai, I was highly satisfied with it.

Meanwhile, Peach ordered Hamburger Steak with Hashed Sauce (JPY 723, or USD 6.00, or PHP280). Just looking at it, I felt tooooo full already.

Mochi ice cream was a huge hit for me, even in the small ice cream places in Baguio. So when I spotted them in the convenience stores in Kyoto, I said “to heck with the chill, I’m getting some ice cream~”.

Speaking of mochi, we spotted many stores selling them while we were walking around the Gion area. Too bad we were a bit full at the time, after having a full lunch at Mimikou.

And cream puff! Yep, while we were walking around Ginkakuji, we decided to grab some of the cream puff to satisfy our momentary hunger. I liked how they had green tea for free to anyone who buys from them.

I chose the custard-flavored one. I didn’t think it was anything special, I sure have tasted better cream puffs, but the green tea was good, and it was by the temple, so… haha!

Who’s up for some omiyage or pasalubong? It was in Kyoto where we scored limited edition KitKats (red bean and black tea flavors, and the requisite green tea flavor). But there are also lots of other goodies that you can buy as presents. I had to literally pry myself away from the place after I bought the KitKats requested by friends because I was in danger of spending what little money I had left. 🙂

They were so so so tempting~!!! Not to mention a bit pricey. I suggest that, if you are looking for KitKats and the “simpler” goodies, you can just look for them in convenience stores and other regular stores inside the Kyoto Station. They are cheaper by around 100 to 200 yen, if I’m not mistaken.

And here’s something different (at least, for me). When we stepped out of Kinkakuji, we saw a line of carts selling peanuts. You know what made me buy it?

Yes, because it is wasabi~!!!

I. Loved. It. The moment it touches your tongue, your tastebuds BURST. I had a ball offering it to my colleagues at work, and then watching their reaction. 🙂 My boss even instantly spat it out.

Which is a shame, really, because it is just the coating that has wasabi. The peanut inside is actually very yummy. So once you get past the wasabi, you’re in for a treat! Kyoto. Yet another city whose gastronomic delights I have not fully explored or experienced. I keep realizing how much I have missed… and how much I have to make up for. The question is, will I get the chance to make up for it? Hmmm….