JPN: Nishiki Uoriki @ Kyoto Tower Sando (錦魚力 @ 京都タワーサンド)
Deep-fried 'hamo' (lit. conger eel), anyone?
Kyoto was the first destination on our eagerly anticipated family trip. After dropping off our luggage at Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Hachijoguchi, we made our way to the food court at the basement level of Kyoto Tower. Among the various options, it was the stall by Nishiki Uoriki, a restaurant founded in 1919 at the bustling Nishiki Market, that piqued my interest the most.
Hamo Ten Udon (Set B) ¥1,200 (~S$10.87)
Hamo Ten Udon - Taste: 7.5/10
Dried Fish Rice - Taste: 6.5/10
The Japanese writing of the dish on the menu is 名物鱧天うどん (Bセット). As the eatery specialises in hamo (lit. conger eel), I tried the deep-fried rendition paired with udon (Japanese wheat-flour noodle). Even though there were only three pieces, I enjoyed the eel encased in a pleasantly substantial batter that'd absorbed the clear broth, resulting in a fluffy texture. The set came with a bowl of rice topped with fried small fish that was lightly seasoned with salt, as well as a side of goma-ae (Japanese long beans seasoned with toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce and sugar).
Uoriki Don ¥980 (~S$8.90)
Taste: 7/10
The Japanese writing of the dish on the menu is 魚力丼. A dish bearing the name of the eatery should be a compelling choice, no? It was a decent rice bowl featuring not round, but deep-fried hamo strips and long beans, as well as some beef. The beef slices, though rather fatty, offered a nice contrast in texture. Having said that, I'd anticipated them to be cooked with some onions.
Unagi Don ¥1,350 (~S$12.25)
Taste: 7/10
The Japanese writing of the dish on the menu is 魚力の鰻どんぶり. It was quite a glorious sight of succulent pieces of unagi (Japanese freshwater eel) glazed with thick caramelised sauce sitting on a bed of rice. While the eel was adequately fresh, a touch more grilling could've enhanced it further. I'd prefer the sauce to be slightly less sweet though. Just like the Uoriki Don, it was accompanied by miso (Japanese fermented rice, barley and/or soybean) soup.
Melon's Rating
Taste: 7/10
I must say that the servings at the stall aren't particularly large. Pika's advice: If you're looking for light bites, you may want to go for their hamo skewers.
Nishiki Uoriki @ Kyoto Tower Sando
(錦魚力 @ 京都タワーサンド店)
721-1 Higashishiokoji-cho
B1/F, Kyoto Tower Sando
Shimogyo, Kyoto
Japan
(Daily: 11.00am - 11.00pm)
*Prices quoted are nett prices.
Have a nice meal,
Cliff(y)
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