Surrounded by historical tourist resources such as shrines and temples and rich nature, Kyoto is a fairly major prefecture for first-time visitors to Japan.
Here are seven of the best foods in Kyoto that you should try.
1.tofu cuisine
Kyoto is a land blessed with good quality water, and flavorful tofu has been produced here since ancient times.
“Yudofu” is a famous dish of tofu heated in kombu (kelp) broth. Yudofu is said to have originated in Nanzenji Temple in Kyoto. It was originally a vegetarian dish for monks.
Yuba, made from the same soybeans, is also famous.
Since tofu and yuba are made mainly from soybeans and bittern, they are also attracting attention as halal food. It is also recommended for vegetarians.
2.Saikyo yaki
Saikyo yaki is Kyoto-style grilled fish. Fillets of mackerel, silverfish, salmon, etc. marinated in Saikyo miso,etc. as described above and grilled.
As the ingredients are marinated in miso, the deep flavour and richness can be enjoyed.
3. Kyo-udon(Kyoto udon)
Udon noodles with kelp-based broth as the main ingredient.To bring out the umami of the broth, the noodles are often soft and thin.
The recommended Kyo-udon is an ankake-style udon, which is a must-try.(A thickened broth containing kudzu and potato starch).
4.Obanzai
Home-cooked and prepared dishes that have been prepared in ordinary Kyoto householeds.
Generally referred to as ‘okazu’ in Japan. It has a simple flavour that makes use of the natural taste of the ingredients, but is also seasoned in such a way that it can be eaten every day and never become boring.”Obanzai” set menus are available in Kyoto.
5.Namafu(wheat gluten)
One of Kyoto’s most famous ingredients, kneaded and steamed from wheat flour, an essential traditional ingredient in Kyoto cuisine with a chewy texture.It is a low-calorie, low-sugar, low-fat food. In addition to being easily digested and absorbed, they are very rich in vegetable protein and minerals, and are therefore increasingly attracting attention as a health and diet food.
There are many varieties, including colourful ones in the shape of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
6.Yatsuhashi
Yatsuhashi is a typical Japanese confectionery of Kyoto.A type of hard-baked rice dough made by steaming a mixture of rice flour, sugar, and cinnamon, then rolling it out thin and baking it.
Incidentally, there is also a type of yatsuhashi without baked dough, which is called “nama yatsuhashi”.Perhaps this is more major and popular.It is filled with red bean paste, chocolate, green tea, or other red bean paste.
When visiting Kyoto on vacation, many people buy these nama yatsuhashi as souvenirs.
7.Ajari-Mochi
A semi-fresh confectionery baked with Tanba Dainagon sweet bean paste wrapped in a glutinous flour-based dough, sold by the Kyoto confectionery Mangetsu since the Taisho era(1912-1926).
One bite and you will find that the inside is filled with red bean paste, and the skin is thin and chewy.
The sweetness of the red bean paste is moderate and elegant.
A must-try when Kyoto.
2 of Aki’s Kyoto food recommendations are also available.
Now, here are two of my personal favorite Kyoto foods.
1. Kyoto Ramen koji
On the 10th floor of the Kyoto Station building, there is a store lined with famous ramen stores from all over Japan.
You can try just one restaurant or eat your way around.It is a ramen restaurant where you buy a meal ticket and enter the restaurant.It is very easy to find ramen that originated in Kyoto and to try ramen from other areas.
2.green tea parfait
There are many Japanese confectionery shops in Kyoto. Some even have their own cafes. Many cafes seem to offer sweets using matcha green tea.Famous examples are Nakamura Tokichi Honten and Tsujiri cafes. However, it is also a good idea to enter a café you find while walking around town. Be aware that the famous ones are very crowded!
