Authentic Fisherman's Meals in Kyoto!
Yuichi Nishikita
The restaurant we'll introduce this time is called "Zako-Ya-Meshi." It's an izakaya in the evenings, but during lunchtime, they offer lunch menus.
We took paid leave on a weekday to visit with our family. We heard there would be long lines, so we headed to the restaurant early, but even before the 11:00 opening, there was already a queue.
You can enjoy authentic fisherman's cuisine here.
What exactly is fisherman's cuisine?
Fisherman's cuisine refers to the meals fishermen eat directly on the sea, often served in a bowl format for immediate consumption.
Since they are instantly available, they must be fresh.
I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of fish will be served in the bowl!
For those who love sashimi and fresh fish, this is an unparalleled experience.
What's more, right in front of the shop, there's a fish vending machine. It sells sushi, appetizers, and dashi (soup stock).
It's the first fresh fish vending machine in Kyoto.
Sushi, snacks for drinking, and dashi are sold. Since we're going to have fresh fish at the restaurant, we didn't buy anything this time, but while waiting in line, several people bought snacks and fresh fish from the vending machine.
At only 500 yen per coin, it's very reasonable.
What does "zako" mean?
The term "zako" in the restaurant's name means "a mixture of various types of fish." True to its name, the fisherman's cuisine here contains a variety of fish in the bowl.
The types of fish change with the seasons, so you can enjoy the recommended fish of the season. I wonder what kind of fish we'll get to enjoy today.
The menu is very simple.
There's "luxurious meal," "even more luxurious meal," and "seriously luxurious meal."
"Yori" means "more," and "maji" means "really."
Since we lined up, I decided to treat myself and ordered the "seriously luxurious meal."
How to eat ”Zako Meshi”
The seasonal "zako" bowl, seasonal recommended fish dish, chawanmushi, and tofu were included. The side dishes other than the bowl are also very delicious.
For the bowl, you mix the egg with soy sauce and pour it over the rice. The eggs were also fresh and very tasty.
This alone seems to be satisfying enough, but additionally, tai (sea bream) ochazuke is included.
You can finish the rice in the bowl and then enjoy the ochazuke, or you can ask to have it converted to ochazuke partway through.
Call the staff whenever you're ready.
I asked for it to be made into ochazuke when there was just a little left.
The bitterness of the tea harmonized with the soy sauce flavor, leaving my mouth refreshed.
The interior of the restaurant is a calm space. Since I went with my family, it felt a bit out of place. It seemed that couples, businessmen, and friends were the main patrons.
I was impressed by the care of the staff, such as when my child suddenly started crying.
If you're interested in experiencing Japanese fisherman's cuisine, be sure to give it a try.
| Name: Zakoya Address: 147–3 Honeyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8212 Hours: 11:00 -14:00, 17:00-22:00 ( Closed on Sundays) Phone: 075-221-3358 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yume.zacoya/ |
Author Profile
-
A Japanese language teacher connecting Japanese people with the world abroad.
Captivated by Thai cuisine during 3 years of residence in Thailand.
After returning home, continued international exchange events for 5 years. Enjoys encountering different cultures.
Father of one child. My motto is enjoying both parenting and working
