JPN: Okunoya (奥野家)
Trying Ise 'udon' for the first time!
Welcome to another prefecture of Japan: Mie! Before heading to the revered Ise Grand Shrine, I stopped for lunch at Okunoya. It was there that I had the chance to sample not only Ise udon (Japanese wheat flour noodle), but also Matsusaka beef, one of the top three varieties alongside Kobe and Omi beef.
Pikachu popped out of the backpack, eager to have his lunch.
Tempura and Grated Yam Ise Udon ¥1,000 (~S$8.65)
Taste: 7.5/10
The Japanese writing of the dish on the menu is 天ぷらとろろ伊勢うどん. The udon was crowned with not only deep-fried seafood and vegetables, but also grated yam that lent a creamy texture and a delicate earthy undertone.
Simmered for an extended period of time, Ise udon is known for its remarkably soft, almost melt-in-the-mouth, a stark contrast to the chewy bite of typical udon. While I generally prefer the latter, I wouldn't say I didn't enjoy the former, especially since it'd soaked up the rich, dark soy-based sauce. Pika's advice: The restaurant recommends the Ise udon topped with prawn fritters (芝えびかきあげ伊勢うどん), which is priced at ¥1,000 (~S$8.65) as well. Alas, it'd already sold out by the time I arrived.
Matsusaka Beef Sirloin Torched Sushi ¥2,100 (~S$18.20)
Taste: 8.5/10
The Japanese writing of the dish on the menu is 松阪牛サーロイン炙り寿司. Each of the two beautifully presented pieces featured a tender slice of Matsusaka beef with good marbling, lightly torched to bring out its rich, buttery flavour. A delicate sprinkle of finely chopped spring onions and a zesty hint of yuzu (a species of aromatic Asiatic citron) added a fresh, aromatic brightness to the red meat.
Ise Set ¥2,450 (~S$21.25)
Taste: 8/10
The Japanese writing of the dish on the menu is お伊勢さんセット. Tekonezushi is a local specialty of vinegared rice mixed with thinly sliced marinated fish, such as tuna and mackerel. I enjoyed the rice even though the portion was on the smaller side. It came with two pieces of black beef (not Matsusaka beef) torched sushi, Ise udon and clear soup to complete the meal.
Melon's Rating
Taste: 8/10
Ambience: 7/10
Service: 7.5/10
Overall: 7.5/10
Ordering is made easy with a tablet placed at every table. I'm not sure if there's an English menu option, but there are pictures to help you figure out what to order.
Okunoya
(奥野家)
18 Ujiimazaike-cho
Ise, Mie
Japan
(Daily: 10.30am - 4.00pm)
*Prices quoted are nett prices.
Have a nice meal,
Cliff(y)
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