ハラミ串
[Overall Impression] Located about a 4-minute walk from Kitasenju Station, this café has been renovated with a stylish touch and offers a menu with a mix of Taiwanese flavors. While primarily a café, they also serve lunch, which I tried this time. As a fan of Taiwan cuisine, I naturally opted for the braised pork on rice (^_^) I visited with casual expectations, but the braised pork on rice exceeded my imagination with its authentic taste. The side dishes were also delicious, making the lunch experience quite high-level! Although it is a bit on the pricey side compared to more authentic Taiwanese restaurants, I was completely satisfied with the atmosphere included.
I originally thought it was a trendy café or dessert shop, but I found out through a review from an acquaintance that they also serve lunch. Moreover, they seem to offer quite unique dishes beyond typical café fare. I dropped by on a Sunday afternoon to check it out (^_^) The shop has a simple façade made of brick and glass. From the outside, it's a bit hard to tell what kind of shop it is. Inside, the first floor is a café space with face-to-face sales of sweets, and the second floor is an eat-in space with a counter for 6 people. While primarily a café, the lunch menu includes braised pork on rice, panini, and sandwiches with a unique mix of Taiwanese influences. The sweets include Basque cheesecake and Taiwanese castella, offering a tempting selection of delights. Since I visited for lunch, I ordered the braised pork on rice without hesitation, but it seems like a nice spot for café use as well. The staff are all stylish, and the customers who visit also have a chic vibe. In contrast, I'm just a middle-aged guy who's not very fashionable (^_^;)
- Braised Pork on Rice Set: 1250 yen
The set includes braised pork on rice, simmered eggplant, turnip and its leaves, pickles, and miso soup. It feels like a hybrid set meal combining Taiwanese and Japanese flavors. The braised pork on rice has a firm texture rather than being melt-in-your-mouth, with a quite sweet sauce. It blends well with the soft rice. The side dishes and small dishes are meticulously prepared and delicious. The miso soup has a rich umami flavor, which is a nice touch. The braised pork on rice that I came for was delicious, and the accompanying side dishes were also tasty. This set meal has a really excellent composition.
[Final Thoughts] I mistakenly assumed it wasn't a place to have a meal, but I deeply regret that now. The braised pork on rice here is as delicious as at a specialized Taiwanese restaurant. While it is primarily a café, the dishes are surprisingly well-prepared. It has definitely become one of my lunch options (^_^) Today's bill came to 1250 yen. Thank you for the meal.