Kyoto is beautiful. Almost everyone can vouch for that. But did you know that Kyoto has some of the yummiest food in Japan? We didn’t even get to experience many of them. In fact, there were plenty of Michelin star restaurants that I wish we could try, but due to time and money constraints, I’d say: there’s always a next time! ;) What we did get to experience though…
Ninja Kyoto
Introducing the Ninja Kyoto Restaurant. It’s not the only one in Japan, but it sure was an experience you won’t want to miss!
Themed restaurants are common in Japan. In fact, I usually do my research and at least visit one unique themed restaurant during my trip. The thing with themed restaurants is… they don’t usually serve the best quality food (it is after all more about the experience and novelty, rather than great taste).
Ninja Kyoto is different.
Let’s start with the experience. We were greeted at the front door by someone dressed in ninja outfit, where we were led towards a dark labyrinth. Halfway through, the ninja “disappeared” (i.e. left us) and asked us to continue walking. She then surprised us by popping up somewhere in front of us! Ha. Fun!
We were seated and given a magic scroll each. How. Cool. Is. That. Okay, it was just the menu, but I like little touches like this.
We got to choose from a la carte or set menus. We decided on different set menus each…
When the entree came, we got all so excited! Shuriken crackers, everybody! Edible shuriken!!!
Okay, anyways, I’m not a food blogger, so I shall not bore you with my attempt at explaining every single dish with such grand words. Just look at pictures, because nom nom nom. PS: You can check the food menu in English on their website. PS2: They were all really yummy.
Okay, now let’s talk about one of the dishes that impressed me the most. The so-called “Turban shell bombs a la escargot” is basically a work of art! LOL.
It arrived on a normal plate, and then the ninja serving us told us she was about to perform ninja magic and asked us to all do the same hand gesture. She lit up a match stick and burnt one end of the string… We watched all amused. And then, BOOMZ! There was a mini magical ninja explosion! So. Awesome.
Apart from the fancy food, as if they weren’t enough to entice you, we were also entertained mid-way by a magician.
He came over to our table and performed some fun magic tricks. They were pretty simple ones, I think, but who cares… I was totally diggin’ the experience!!!
We were quite full by the end of all the dishes, but we wouldn’t miss on desserts… The “cheaper” menu received today’s special dessert that looked boring compared to the original sweets that the more expensive menus got.
Yep. How awesome were those two original sweets?! And just letting you know, that pot of goodness was filled with ice cream and stuff. So so so delicious!
We finished our dining experience with smiles on our faces. There were reviews saying that one of the ninjas would then chase you with a banner saying thank you, we didn’t get that treatment. But hey, nothing major to complain about!
All in all, I was impressed with both the experience as well as the food at Ninja Kyoto. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Kyoto. Plus, the location is not far from the happening area.
Nishiki Market
Apart from Ninja Kyoto, we also visited the famous Nishiki Market. I visited this market back in 2012 and there was one thing that I really came back for… More on that soon!
We started our day by visiting a ramen joint that I have been wanting to try: Ippudo Ramen.
They were good. In fact, I have now been to Ippudo a couple of times, as I kept coming back (not to the same chain in Kyoto, but not to worry, they are everywhere around Japan’s big cities).
With happy tummies, we started our journey into Nishiki Market.
I really do love the vibrant atmosphere of this market. The sights, sounds, smells… The wonderful people selling their specialties… The crowd wandering around with big bright eyes… Yup, love it.
But of course, the best thing about Nishiki Market is the choices of food and snacks that are readily available at every corner… Also plenty of places allowing you to taste their delicacies. Free food, yay!
How awesome! But there was a reason why I returned.
THIS.
Okay, we need to do a close up: THIS.
THIS チョコレートコロッケ everybody!!! That’s chocolate croquette, in case you’re wondering. Yup croquette deep-fried goodness, but instead of like whatever filling, these are filled with chocolate. Chocolate, guys!!!
Okay, I might be a little too excited, as I did see other places (can’t remember where) selling these noms. But Nishiki Market was the one I remembered, so I’m glad I did go back to have another one of these. And only for 90 yen too!
Anyways, more snacks and sweets…
Too sweet for you? Not to worry… Tucked in one of the back alleys of Nishiki Market is this ramen store: Gogyo Ramen.
It’s basically burnt ramen, so the soup is all black and charred. It was pretty decent, although I was so full. So maybe you should give it a try earlier if you want to truly savour the taste.
Be sure to check Nishiki Market when you visit Kyoto, because it is filled with so many yummy goodness for you to taste, smell, or just see. Also don’t miss the Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine just at the end of the market.