Yoshikawa Tempura @ Kyoto

Yoshikawa Tempura is lauded as Kyoto's best and with a no reservation over lunch policy, I have to thank my lucky stars when we got our seats without any waiting in the cold. House in an inn, the place exudes plenty of charm.




The entrance to tempura heaven, or so they say.



Japanese garden view in the quaint and cosy tempura restaurant with just 8 counter seats.



The aged chef was the only one handling all the orders and bless that man with his perfect memory! Each of us came in at varying times and he could remember how far we have progressed with our courses.



That pot of oil was kept bubbling throughout and the chef deftly handled his tempura pieces with such skill, I just wonder how many years of experience went into mastering this.




From skillfully slicing the ingredients to equal portions and dipping them into the batter and finally slipping them into the cauldron of cooking oil, I was in awe.



JPY 3,000 lunch set are the only option with top ups like those above. 


My set came in so many compartments - which is what I really love about the Japanese cuisine. Nary a boring meal.



Pickled cabbage and fried shrimp were recommended as rice toppings.




Absolutely delicious when sprinkled on the rice, either the rice was amazing or these toppings were just too delicious. I could have polished my bowl of rice with just these had it not been for the spread that was awaiting me.



Lemon and salt was also provided as additional seasoning.



Prawns

 
Eggplant

 

Corn




Sweet Potato



White Fish



Long Beans



Pumpkin



Mushrooms



Anago



Scallops and lady's fingers



More prawn, I was surprised with this course. I'd have expected prawn heads at least for that finale.



We could not resist sharing a mixed vegetable and prawn fritter!



Incredibly crisp and crunchy, the vegetables were fried till they tasted just like crackers and those shrimps were still juicy.

Best tempura? I have to agree wholeheartedly on the claim. The experience was fussfree and enjoyable, the staff are clearly used to foreigners hence the impressive grasp of the English language even. Lunch is definitely very affordable and I would highly recommend a visit to Yoshikawa.


Yoshikawa Tempura
Tominokoji-dori, Oike sagaru, Nakagyo-ku