Dining
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During its reign as the Imperial capital, delicacies from all over the country were brought to Kyoto to tantalize the palate of the Emperor and his court. That pride in fine dining is still visible today in the wide variety of Kyoto restaurants serving flavours from around the world. Exploring the fine cuisine here will be a highly rewarding part of your stay. |
Types of RestaurantEating establishments range from cheap noodle bars and kisaten coffee shops where a satisfying meal costs just a few hundred yen to more extravagant places serving the most formal cuisine. There is a lot of fun to be had an izakaya bar where good food comes reasonably priced with the sake and beer. Equally there are familiar international fast food chains, casual diners called family restaurants and international ethnic eateries providing tastes of home. A phenomenon that is particular to Kyoto is the refurbishment of historic timber machiya town houses for use as bars and restaurants that cater to all from formal to chic to casual. Hot summers in Kyoto make yuka terraces over the Kamo River a refreshing way to enjoy the evening. Restaurants can be found throughout Kyoto city with the highest concentrations around Shijo-Kawaramachi, Teramachi Dori, Shinkyogoku, Kyoto Station and popular tourist areas. Most restaurants have pictorial menus, English explanations, replica models of food, or all of the above to help the international traveller enjoy their Kyoto culinary experience. For some suggestions on dining locations in Kyoto, please refer to the resources below. It is also worth asking your hotel and colleagues for recommendations as well as to consult local listings such as Kyoto Visitor's Guide (free at hotels). |
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Etiquette and dining customsIn general, Japanese diners share all dishes at a meal; therefore your order will likely be placed in the middle of the table for you to transfer to one of the number of small plates in front of you. If the bill is not placed on your table, you need to ask for it when you have finished your meal. However, you do not pay at the table; instead you take the bill to the cashier (usually located near the door) and pay there. Tipping is not practised in Japan, so you just need to pay the amount stated on the bill (service charge is included). If you see a tray near the cash register, this is an elegant way of handing over payment, not a request for a gratuity. |
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Types of CuisineDining in Kyoto gives you the opportunity to experience formal Kyoto Kaiseki Ryori, a many-course meal made from seasonal dishes, famous Kyoto tofu, yuba (related to tofu), fu (wheat gluten), mizu-taki chicken, obanzai (Kyoto home-style cooking), and Shojin Zen vegetarian menus; as well as favourites such as tempura, sushi & sashimi, noodles, okonomiyaki & takoyaki, sukiyaki & shabushabu, yakiniku & teppan yaki dishes grilled on hot plates or over charcoal, eel dishes, and Japanese confectionaries. You might also like to try locally produced vegetables that all come with the Kyoto marque. |
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Eel Cuisine | |
Charcoal grilled eel in a sweet sauce served on a bowl of rice is a Japanese summer favourite that gives energy during the hot days. This dish can be enjoyed all year round in Kyoto. |
Further Information:Kyoto City Tourism & Culture Information |
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