JPN: Kawachiya (川千家)
How good was the 'unagi' in this place that has stood the test of time?
Is there a place in Tokyo that retains the charm of traditional Japan? The answer to that is Shibamata near Edo River that's the natural border between Tokyo and Chiba Prefecture. Located in the old neighbourhood is Kawachiya, a restaurant specialising in unagi (Japanese freshwater eel), with more than 250 years of history.
Is there a place in Tokyo that retains the charm of traditional Japan? The answer to that is Shibamata near Edo River that's the natural border between Tokyo and Chiba Prefecture. Located in the old neighbourhood is Kawachiya, a restaurant specialising in unagi (Japanese freshwater eel), with more than 250 years of history.
Spring Lunch Course ¥4,000 (~S$51.30)
The Japanese name of the lunch course is 季節のランチ, a set that basically changes according to seasons. Let's take a look at what was offered in early spring when I was there.
Appetiser Dishes
Taste: 8/10
Between the usual selection of sliced raw fishes and those of carp, I chose the latter. Still having a bit of bones intact, they were served really cold and were surprisingly bouncy. The accompanying miso (Japanese fermented rice, barley and/or soybean) dipping sauce was quite potent. The rest of the dishes were beautifully plated - adequately fresh and tasted nice, but not as good as their appearance.
Tempura
Taste: 8.5/10
The deep-fried battered eggplant, green pepper and prawn were delicious: crunchy outside, yet still succulent inside. Served on the side was some green tea salt that enhanced the overall flavours of the fried items further.
Unajyu
Taste: 8/10
The rice topped with unagi that was served in a pretty lacquered box. Nicely grilled with an adequate amount of caramelised glazing sauce, the three pieces of unagi were tasty, but truth be told, they weren't extraordinary. I was hoping that they'd be even more succulent. As accompaniments, there were miso soup and pickles.
Sakura Mochi
Taste: 8/10
Sakura mochi, a pink-coloured rice cake wrapped with a pickled cherry blossom leaf, is certainly synonymous with spring. I'm not sure about you, but I'm the kind who prefer less red bean paste filling. Having said that, what I had at the restaurant was good, not overwhelmingly sweet and pretty fragrant too. Pika's advice: If you're not a fan of Japanese sweets, you can opt for a cup of coffee instead.
Melon's Rating
Taste: 8/10
Ambience: 8/10
Service: 8.5/10
Overall: 8/10
Service: 8.5/10
Overall: 8/10
I believe I've had better unagi elsewhere, but I wasn't complaining. Thanks for the lunch and hospitality!
Kawachiya
(川千家)
7-6-16 Shibamata
Katsushika, Tokyo
Japan
(Daily: 11.00am - 7.00pm)
*Prices quoted are nett prices.
Have a nice meal,
Cliff(y)
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