Japanese izakaya "Kakurega Izakaya" in Sao Paulo
🍶 Kakurega Izakaya: São Paulo’s Hidden Japanese Pub with Homemade Magic Tucked in Paraíso, this tiny izakaya (recommended by my Japanese friend!) serves up authentic Japanese pub grub in a hole-in-the-wall setting. Warning: it’s minuscule, no reservations—arrive at opening for a spot! Here’s what made our night: 🌟 The Booze & Bites That Wow Lychee Wine (3 Types, But This One’s King): Low ABV, intense lychee flavor—we ordered two rounds! 🍷 Smooth, not boozy, perfect for sipping. Tangy Tonkatsu: Tender fried pork with a zesty, sweet-sour sauce—way more refreshing than classic versions. 🥩 The tang cuts through the fried goodness. Wagyu & Beef Brisket Showdown: Wagyu (R$70): Worth the splurge—fatty bits melt in your mouth, no greasiness. 🥩 Beef Brisket (R$49): Massive portion, slightly chewier than wagyu but packed with umami. Served with ginger-miso soy (skip if you hate ginger!). 💥 Homemade Highlights You Can’t Miss House-Made Tofu (Zero Bean Taste!): Silky, fresh tofu—they make it in-house! 🥢 Order with a dash of soy for simplicity. Yakitori That Ruins All Others: Sweet, tender chicken—puts every other SP yakitori to shame. 🍢 No dryness here! Simple Yet Perfect Gimbap: Salmon-stuffed seaweed rice rolls—basic but game-changing. 🍙 The rice alone is worth it (so fragrant!). Crispy Chicken That Stays Hot: Fried to perfection—even after chatting for hours, it was still piping hot. 🍗 Crunchy exterior, juicy inside. 🍨 Desserts for the Adventurous Triple Ice Cream Threat: Black Sesame: Intensely nutty, like eating pure sesame paste. 🖤 Yuzu Wasabi: Zingy yuzu with a mild wasabi kick (not spicy!). 🌶️ Whiskey: Strong bourbon flavor (you can taste the alcohol!). 🍸 💡 Tips for Your Visit Slow Service Reality: Tiny kitchen, 1–2 cooks—come to chill, not scarf down. 🍳 Patience is key! Best For: 2–3 friends here for drinks and deep chats, not fast-paced meals. Hours & Closures: Open Mon–Sat (11:30 AM–2:30 PM / 6:00–10:00 PM), closed Sun. 📅 🌟 Final Verdict: Worth the Wait (and the Hunt) Go if: You crave authentic Japanese pub food made with love You’re down for homemade tofu and creative ice creams You want a cozy spot for boozy chats with friends Kakurega proves good things come in tiny packages. Just come hungry, order the lychee wine, and prepare to fall in love with their homemade magic. 🍶✨ 📍 Address: R. Manuel da Nóbrega, 88 - Paraíso, São Paulo (04001-000) 💰 Price: R$180–200 per person #Brazil #SaoPaulo #Izakaya #JapaneseFood #SPFoodie #HiddenGems