JPN: Mimasuya (みます屋)

Chewy udon rolled with juicy beef!

Walking along Pontocho, an alley lined with restaurants and bars near Gion in Kyoto, brought back memories. When I came to Japan in June last year, I didn't walk to the other end of the alley, and had quite a sumptuous dinner at Izumoya. That night, I decided to walk further with my BFFs. We eventually came across Mimasuya which bears a Trip Advisor sign on its facade, specialising in innovative tapas-style dishes.

Udon Noodles Wrapped in Grilled Beef with Sweet and Salty Soy Sauce ¥880 (~S$10.70)

Taste: 9/10

Have you ever tried udon (Japanese wheat-flour noodle) on skewers? The ones that I had were enjoyably chewy, wrapped with juicy, not-so-thin slices of beef. The soy sauce was adequately thick, and most importantly, it was desirably sweet that made me feel like licking the whole plate. 

Steamed Tofu with Crab and Yuba Sauce ¥780 (~S$9.50)

Taste: 8/10

I pretty much enjoyed a bowl of warm silky smooth beancurd coupled with slippery beancurd skin crab meat, kamaboko (Japanese fish cake). While the broth was adequately thick, it could be seasoned better.

Sea Eel Tempura and Salmon Roe on Rice ¥780 (~S$9.50)

Taste: 8.5/10

Reminiscing on the experience of eating the best anago (lit. conger eel) in Daiwa Zushi, I decided to try the deep-fried version. While the flesh wasn't entirely melting in the mouth, it was acceptably soft and sweet, topped with bursting salmon roe that had been marinated well. 

Salmon and Salmon Roe on Rice ¥880 (~S$10.70)

Taste: 8/10

It was a comforting gruel topped with salmon, salmon roe, spring onions, sesame seeds and seaweed. While overall it could be more flavourful, the fish used was fresh. The spring onions were aromatic and crunchy.

Melon's Rating

Taste: 8.5/10

Ambience: 2/10

Service: 6/10

Overall: 5.5/10

While the food was delectable, I couldn't stand the noisy atmosphere. Not only that, I was literally breathing cigarette smoke for one hour or so. Service was alright, although it was pretty slow. Pika's advice: Be prepared to pay a cover charge of ¥300 (~S$3.70) extra per person!

Mimasuya

(みます屋)

Pontocho Dori 

Nakagyo, Kyoto

Japan

(Mon-Fri: 5.00pm - 12 midnight; Sat-Sun: 12 noon - 2.00am)

*Prices quoted are nett prices.

Have a nice meal,

Cliff(y)