JPN: Smile Hotel Nagoya Shinkansenguchi (スマイルホテル名古屋新幹線口) [Breakfast]
Free-flowing 'unagi' for breakfast!
The black coffee was notably strong, while the orange juice wasn't overly sweet. Pika's advice: Not a fan of either? You may want to have some tea, apple juice or milk.
Nagoya is the largest producer of unagi (Japanese freshwater eel) in Japan. For two mornings at the cozy Smile Hotel Nagoya Shinkansenguchi (3*), my BFF and I enjoyed unlimited servings of unagi. When else could we enjoy such an indulgent experience without burning a hole in our pockets?
Japanese Set
Taste: 6.5/10
Each guest is entitled to a choice of single-serving set meal for breakfast. During my stay, the Japanese set featured a small piece of grilled mackerel with pickled ginger, soft-boiled egg, shredded burdock roots and carrots, natto (Japanese fermented soybeans), miso (Japanese fermented rice, barley and/or soybean) soup and rice. It's safe to say that it was decent.
Western Set
Taste: 6/10
The Western set was no more exciting. To say the least, it featured a slice of toast with a packet of margarine and strawberry jam, a bowl of salad that could be fresher, a sunny-side up egg and handful of mango cubes.
Ochazuke
Never mind the set meals; things took a delightful turn when we had the free-flowing ochazuke (Japanese rice soaked in broth). Soaked in a delicate dashi (Japanese stock made of fish and kelp) broth, the fluffy rice was so comforting. The indulgent contrast to the light broth were grilled unagi pieces glistening with a sweet and smoky glaze.
Assorted Stuff
The photo showcases two plates of assorted items from the buffet line to top your ochazuke with. Besides unagi, there were savoury items like shredded beef, dried anchovies and seasoned mushrooms, in addition to various pickles. For a touch of natural sweetness, the steamed pumpkin was a wonderful addition.
Coffee & Orange Juice
Melon's Rating
Taste: 7/10
Ambience: 7/10
Overall: 7/10
Are you a fan of ochazuke?
Smile Hotel Nagoya Shinkansenguchi
(スマイルホテル名古屋新幹線口)
21-20 Tsubaki-cho
Nagoya, Aichi
Japan
(Daily: 6.30am - 9.30am)
*No separate price given as breakfast is included in the room price.
Have a nice meal,
Cliff(y)
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