Nagoya & Gifu 2023

Kisoji

Kisoji means way stations of the roads in Japan old times where weary travelers could rest. Kisoji branches spans from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya to Fukuoka and mainly focus on providing traditional Shabu-Shabu and Sukiyaki experience. There is also a cool detail as rooms in the restaurants are named after places and mountains where Kisoji were found

The ambiance are quite comfortable and I had a Sukiyaki lunch set with sukiyaki(beef and vegetables), raw egg, kishimen(noodles), rice, and pickles. Kuroge-Wagyu texture are extremely satisfying and carefully selected egg did provide silky and smooth texture. The sauce focus on sweeter side though so keep that in mind if you would like to try out this set. Shabu-shabu could be another option for a lighter taste.

Nihonryori Kairantei Miyako hotel Gifu Nagaragawa
日本料理 かいらん亭 都ホテル岐阜長良川

Hida Beef Sushi are just simply delicious with consistent texture supported by green onions, fried garlic for crispiness and sour sauce to add some flavor kick.

Sashimi with Maguro, ika and Madai.

Grilled local Ayu fish. Nagara river are well-known for Cormorant fishing as world agricultural heritage with 1,300 years of history so it is an exciting to be able to taste local Ayu fish in various cooking techniques.

Ayu tempura with assorted vegetables. Ayu texture are quite light which pairs very well with tempura texture with a bit of salt to elevate the experience.

Shrimp with various fish balls as fish balls texture are smooth and enjoyable.

Fried Ayu fish with sour sauce. I would say this dish are quite good to bring out you appetite with a strong sour flavor note.

Finish the meal with Ochazuke with Ayu fish.

Kuzushi Kappo Japanese Dining Issho

Akanee

As tourism rebound in Thailand, numerous exciting fine dining places seems to be resurfacing in Bangkok. I had just stumbled upon Akanee within their first month of opening with a manageable number of customers. Akanee translated to flame in Thai language which was clearly resonated in warm casual family dining vibe.

First of all, decoration and ambiance are simple yet elegant. The menu includes four regions of Thailand from northern to southern region. So if you are planning to try out Thai cuisine from each region in one meal, the place are worth visiting. Also, the staff are extremely polite and friendly.

Starts off with a simple appetizer of Larb Mueng Air Fry potatoes. It is a simple fried wedges with a twist of sour and spicy flavored seasoning of northern region of Thailand combined with light and crispy texture.

Followed by Hokkaido Scallops Mango salad with toasted coconut. A decent amount of scallops with an average size. Scallops are fresh and sweet. Supported by sourness from unripe mango and crispiness of fried fish and a bit of fish sauce flavor.

“Kao-gun-jin is a Tai Yai inspired menu from the Northern part of Thailand. This dish is a rare hidden gem. The flavored rice is served in a fresh banana leaf, ready for you to mix with a variety of delicious condiments. (Fun fact: ‘gun’ means to knead, ‘jin’ means meat in Tai Yai dialect.)” Excerpt from Akanee.

The staff assured that even this menu contains sanitized pig blood rice so the texture and scent would be mild. Overall mixing of the rice came out as refreshing and enjoyable with harmony of flavor and texture in one bite.

Northern Thai Fried pork neck with toasted rice served with Black sticky rice and fresh vegetable. Another simple and enjoyable spicy and sour seasoning with crispy/juicy pork.

Coconut milk with assorted condiments.

Charmgang

Located in a hidden alley around Talat Noi area. Charmgang stand as a bold and cozy curry shop nearby oxygen cylinder and factory related Mom-and-Pop shop in the neighborhood. Charmgang translated to bowl of curry/soup in Thai language which they also expands to Canapé, stir-fried and exciting desserts in their well-curated menu.

Ambiance and décor stays in a warm and friendly tone which perfectly align with staff super-friendly and experienced level of service.

Canapé – blue swimmer/blue crab Wafer

A generous amount of blue crab with a choice of do it yourself fillings to your pleasure. A refreshing and perfect Canapé to start the meal with sweetness from blue crab.

Stir-fried Wagyu Beef with Basil

The presentation might not be crazy or close. Texture and execution wise, Wagyu texture remains on the soft and enjoyable side supported by hot and spicy young pepper with sweetness of onions kind of justify why this menu is one of their best seller.

Hot and sour shrimp paste soup with Tiger prawn

Medium level of spiciness and a refreshing soup indeed. Shrimp paste are well-balanced with a fresh and sweet Tiger prawn. When it gets too spicy, the staff will provide you with a mystery yet effective solution for spiciness.

Thai Canale with coconut sugar

Custard Apple in Coconut syrup with Coconut biscuit

First of all, break coconut biscuit into little pieces then enjoy the sweet and cool treat together. In the right was “Forgot to swallow” in Thai which hinted as “So delicious you forgot to swallow “

Basque Taro cake with salted egg drop and south mango ginger with toasted coconut ice cream

Immensely surprising desserts indeed! Basque cake are instead sour instead of usual sweet flavor that you can find everywhere. Complimented with crunchy taro and sweet and salty salted egg resulted in an intriguing dessert.