Wagashi: Kamishichiken Oimatsu Bitter Citrus Summer Jelly

Natsumikan is a bitter Japanese citrus fruit in season during the summer months. Several wagashi confection stores in Kyoto are quite famous for their chilled natsumikan jellies, in which the jelly is usually inside the hollowed out whole natsumikan fruit peel. They are a bit expensive but are quite a dramatic presentation so are often given as gifts. Natsumikan (lit.…
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Kyoto Nishijin Shinise: Tawaraya Meibutsu Udon

Tawaraya Meibutsu Nihon (Two Noodle) Udon たわらや名物二本うどん Tawaraya Meibutsu Nihon (Two Noodle) Udon  たわらや名物二本うどん
A bowl of udon with only two noodles? Is it a rip-off or a find? Though Tawaraya’s famous udon dish is a bit gimmicky, it does have that special and refined ‘shinise’ taste. This is a dish that has been enjoyed, across the street from an ancient shrine, by several generations of locals…
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