Hiking and Starving? This Japanese Restaurant Saved the Day
Last Saturday, after a long hike with friends at Twin Falls, we were so hungry we could barely walk. We stumbled into this unassuming Japanese restaurant in North Bend. We just wanted something quick to fill our stomachs, but the first bite of the teriyaki beef bowl almost made me cry—it was that comforting! (I’m being honest here; it’s hit or miss sometimes, but this was a hit!) 🍚 Chicken and Beef Teriyaki Bowl $17.99 The chicken is even more tender than my mom’s stewed chicken! The edges of the beef are crispy and super fragrant. The sauce is the star—it’s perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, not cloying at all. The soft-boiled egg, when broken and mixed into the rice, is pure bliss. After a tiring hike, this meal is incredibly satisfying. The portion is huge; I recommend sharing it between two people (I stuffed myself to the point of needing to lean on the wall). 😋 🍜 Black Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen $16.99 The broth is incredibly rich! It doesn’t leave you thirsty afterward (you know how some places use too much MSG). The chashu’s fatty parts melt in your mouth—I even finished them all, and I usually avoid fatty meat. I added a soft-boiled egg (the staff even threw in an extra half for me!). 🍜 🐙 Takoyaki $9 To be honest, I was a bit disappointed... The batter is quite thick, and the octopus pieces are so small you almost have to search for them. But the sauce is well-blended, and the crispy nori bits add some nice texture. 🦑 ✨ Hidden Tips: 1. Ask the staff for free spicy oil! It’s amazing with the rice bowl. 2. There are plenty of free parking spots right in front. Just search the restaurant name on your GPS, and you’ll find it easily. We spent exactly $50 for two people and even took half a bowl of rice home for lunch the next day. Sitting by the window, you can see the distant snow-capped mountains—perfect for a relaxing evening. 🌄 Address: YAMA SI Japanese Kitchen 434 Main Ave S, North Bend (just a 12-minute drive from Twin Falls) If you’re like us and often don’t know where to eat after a long hike, this place is definitely worth a try! It’s just a regular neighborhood spot, but that warm meal will make you feel like you’ve come back to life. 🌟 #SeattleWorkerCanteen #NorthBendHikingRefuge #RealFoodDiary #BudgetFriendlyJapanese