R-Akabane House-KI0319

Negima-nabe, a tuna and spring onion stew, is a tradition handed down since the days of the shoguns. At a time when lean meat was treasured, this stew was contrived as a way of lightening the texture of toro, the fatty cut of tuna. Enchanted with Edo-era cooking, the proprietress of Negima revived it. True to original recipes, the dish uses neither kombu nor mirin. The meal ends with ‘pepper rice’, a dish of fresh-cooked rice seasoned with broth from the pot and pepper. Sample the pure cooking that true Edo-ites have always loved.

The food looks great, the aroma whets the appetite, the flavour captivates: this ramen sets all five senses tingling. The word ‘Japanese’ in the shop’s name indicates that this is authentic Japan-made ramen; the name is written in Latin script to proclaim Japan’s comfort food to the world. Flavours of each region come together in a single bowl: salt ramen with shijimi and hamaguri clams; soy-sauce ramen with free-range chicken and kombu. Ceramic bowls handmade by a potter are used instead of porcelain. From ingredients to dining ware, the shop revisits the bounty and wonder of Japanese food cu

‘Nakiryu’ means ‘roaring dragon’. The name is rich with meaning: it’s a reference to the dragon of Yakushido Hall in the Nikko Toshogu Shrine, to hopes for business growth, and to the couple who craft bowls of ramen together in perfect sync, both born in the Year of the Dragon. Dandan noodles create a synergy of flavours—layering meat miso, Chinese sesame paste, and chilli oil for a deep, amplified umami. Soy-sauce ramen owes its elegant flavour to its soup, drawn from whole chicken and oysters. À la carte items such as steamed chicken with spicy sauce and shrimp wontons exemplify experience w

The atmosphere is relaxed, with jazz playing in the background. To ensure the most enjoyable sake experience, the chef alternates between snacks and nigiri. This is a great place to try a variety of sakes, served in glasses and accompanied by an extensive selection of snacks and sushi. Toro (fatty tuna) is served first, so that the heat of the freshly cooked vinegared rice melts the fat. Fresh-toasted nori and tea served in Nambu ironware teapots show commitment without compromise.

From the north, butter chicken; from the west, pork vindaloo; shrimp curry from the south – such a lineup of flavours from every region of India adds breadth to the joy that is Indian cooking. Tandoori chicken and vegetables are cooked using the radiant heat of a tandoor. For spices, the basic triad is cumin, coriander and turmeric. To keep the flavours of meats and vegetables at the fore, the number of spices is kept to a minimum.

The ivy-draped façade arrests the eye. On the menu, one item after another professes the chef’s admiration for the cuisine of Tuscany. ‘Fumo’ is a dish of pasta in tomato sauce, learnt by the chef on his Tuscan sojourn. Aromas of olive oil and garlic wafting from the kitchen, tables set to encourage sharing from a single dish: it all recalls everyday life in Italy. Set menus are always an improvised surprise. DA PEPI is fun, like an invitation to dinner at a friend’s home.

Café