JPN: Kubotaya (久ぼ多屋)
Virgin experience with Omi beef, red konjac and 'choji-fu'!
The Japanese writing of the dish on the menu is 近江牛あみ焼き御膳. The beef slices underwent the delicate art of amiyaki (lit. net grilling), resulting in a succulent, melt-in-the-mouth texture that was both indulgent and unforgettable. The savoury and sweet dipping sauce served on the side perfectly complemented the inherent richness of the red meat. 
My family and I had the opportunity to go on a day trip to Shiga Prefecture, specifically the town of Omihachiman, that's not too far from Kyoto. For lunch, we dropped by a restaurant serving Omi beef, which is recognised as one of the top three brands in Japan, alongside Kobe and Matsusaka beef.
Omi Beef Sukiyaki Set ¥3,200 (~S$28.70)
Taste: 8.5/10
The Japanese writing of the dish on the menu is 近江牛すき焼き御膳. Who could resist the allure of thinly sliced, marbled Omi beef, ready to be cooked in a savoury broth brimming with vegetables, mushrooms and beancurd? As shown in the photo above, the set came with a raw egg for dipping, salad and a plate of side dishes featuring local ingredients.
The red meat was delightfully tender and succulent. Each bite into the sliced beef that'd absorbed the rich flavours of the broth was a bliss.
Zooming in on the left-hand side of the plate of side dishes, let's talk about two distinctive produces of the region that can hardly be found elsewhere. The first is red konjac, a jelly-like delicacy made of a specific type of yam. While it remains unclear, it's said the story of its creation is intertwined with Omihachiman Sagicho Fire Festival and the legendary figure Oda Nobunaga. The other culinary gem is choji-fu, a variety of gluten with a fluffy and airy consistency.
Omi Beef Amiyaki Set ¥2,900 (~S$26.00)
Taste: 9/10
Looking at the enticing colour of the beef again is enough to make my mouth water.
Omi Beef Hamburg Set ¥1,700 (~S$15.25)
Taste: 8/10
The Japanese writing of the dish on the menu is 近江牛ハンバーグ御膳. Arriving at the table sizzling on a hotplate, the minced beef patty exuded hearty flavours. It was bathed in thick demi-glace sauce with a nice hint of acidity that tantalised my taste buds. Additionally, the dollop of potato salad was adequately creamy. I'd love to see more broccoli though.
Melon's Rating
Taste: 8.5/10
Ambience: 7.5/10
Service: 8/10
Overall: 8/10
The lunch made a lasting impression even for my mother and sister, both of whom aren't typically fans of the red meat. Pika's advice: For something more lavish, you may want to try their Omi Beef Steak Set (近江牛ステーキ御膳), which is priced at ¥5,300 (~S$47.75).
Kubotaya
(久ぼ多屋)
14 Suwai-cho
Omihachiman, Shiga
Japan
(Mon-Wed: 10.30am - 5.00pm;
Fri-Sun: 10.30am - 6.00pm)
*Prices quoted are nett prices.
Have a nice meal,
Cliff(y)
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