Nichijo Sahan + — Restaurant in Kyoto

I was supposed to have gyukatsu for dinner, but my digestive system was still beefing with a recent traumatizing tempura experience. Therefore, my emergency search for home cooking concluded with ichiju sansai (one soup and three side dishes) set from Nichijo Sahan.

My experience with this place was similar to my encounter with Ghibli's movie Whisper of the Heart. It was a hidden space on the 3rd floor of a narrow building, and we can see its personality shining even before we step through the door. It was decorated with dried flowers, pottery and other memorabilia, just like Grandpa Nishi's antique store. Reggae music was playing softly in the background, a surprising but somehow very fitting choice. The place was single-handedly run by the owner, a stylish older gentleman.

All my worries about the unknowns dissipate and turn into wonder. Rather than dining out, this feels like visiting a legendary uncle/auntie who refused to settle down and lived an adventurous life. No matter what they serve, you know it will be good because you trust their exquisite taste. While I was busy making scenarios in my head, my order was delivered.

That day's set meal consisted of pork and yam meatballs, sauteed vegetables, and pickles with a side of rice and miso soup. Nothing too flashy or sharp, the kind of food you won't mind eating everyday. It was a simple but balanced, nutritious, and heartwarming meal.

Maybe this is a rare occurrence of the universe looking out for me and reminding me of everyday magic in the mundane, instead of its usual...

This is the type of meal I deeply enjoy. I randomly found it on Google maps, and checked it out. It's at the third story of an apartment (?) building, run by a single proprietor who does everything from seating, serving, washing, and cooking. The food is a traditional Japanese meal - simple, high quality, and presented with the touch and care that I've associated with Japanese craftsmanship. Even the menu is presented in a modest and tasteful way, with simple options and a brief statement by the proprietor about what to expect and how to order. There's old American blues playing on the speakers, and for-sale antiques and sheet music for sale, lending the entire experience a unique vibe that I absolutely loved....

Awesome! Walk up the stairs to enter this cozy little restaurant. The owner is soft spoken Japanese man who speaks English well. Reggae music played softly in the background while we sat in chairs and a couch. Three options for dinner. Pork or chicken or veg tofu. I had the veggie tofu with some rice and side dishes like pickled things and salad and miso soup. Super delicious and healthy. We were served a small cup of Japanese tea after the meal. Three of us ate for 2,600 yen, what a deal! Highly...