Yesterday's heavy rain has given way to clear skies today, with the heat reaching the first scorching day of the season. Despite the intense heat, the sweat is flowing smoothly and there is no discomfort... I walk towards lunch, choosing the shade along the way. Located at the corner of the McDonald's Yakuin store on the Jounan Line, there is a small café called "Plant-based cafe NICE" at the end of a alley with exposed concrete walls and a large table for 10 people. The simple white and wood-tone walls, tables, and the matte black finish on the kitchen give the space a stylish and pleasant atmosphere. In addition to simple hamburgers, there are options like Teriyaki Burger and Cheeseburger, but I decide to try the "Genovese Cheeseburger" offered as a limited edition for July. At first glance, it looks like a regular hamburger, but the dishes served here are made only from "plant-based" ingredients, using materials derived from plants. The patty is made from homemade ingredients such as chickpeas and brown rice, rather than using soy meat known as a meat substitute. The juicy lettuce, crunchy onions, and juicy tomatoes sandwiched between the buns create a delicious combination, enhanced by the concentrated umami of dried tomatoes and the aroma of basil paste. The rich flavor of the Daiya cheese, which was first imported into Japan this year, is so convincing that it's plant-based. The dish truly reflects the owner's desire to create delicious food using only plant-based ingredients. I highly recommend this gem of a dish at NICE. Just be careful not to confuse it with the NICE store right next to it!

NICE in Tsurumibashi, a non-animal-based burger joint on the way from Sakurazaka to Tsurumibashi... While walking, I happened to come across a place called "NICE." It's located on the 1st floor of an apartment building and has a subtle exterior. Their specialty seems to be plant-based burgers. I usually don't consume many carbs at night, but if it's 100% plant-based, does it balance out? The seating area consists of a large table, with a modern cafe-style interior. Well, I ended up ordering the Heartland burger for 1,100 yen. It has a beautiful shape. The patty is made using chickpeas instead of the usual soy meat, with added nuts. The texture is crispy and unique, which is nice. Rather than trying to mimic meat, they seem to be aiming for their own unique style... Let's call it an alternative burger (my own term). According to a magazine I found, the restaurant opened in March 2020 during the early stages of the pandemic... That's impressive. Mad respect. - Restaurant Information - NICE Phone: 092-983-5971 Address: 3-13-35 Kego, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City

I had a fig burger for takeout. It was a monthly special menu item with fig on the patty and cream cheese on the buns. The sauce had balsamic vinegar, giving it a nice tangy flavor with tomatoes and mustard. The burger was big and messy to eat, but that's part of the fun! It was a satisfying meal with a side salad. A bit pricey, but as a vegetarian, I was happy to have this kind of restaurant. I look forward to trying a different menu next time. Thank you for the delicious meal!

Located in a residential area off of Yakuin Odori, this cafe with a plant-based concept caught my eye every time I passed by. Unaware of its concept, I finally decided to visit. I spotted "hamburger" on the menu and ordered without hesitation. However, upon tasting it, I realized it was different. The patty was not meat, but likely soy meat. It turned out to be a vegetarian cafe. Despite this, the taste was great, and the portion was satisfying. The atmosphere was lovely and stylish. The staff were also nice. I found a gem of a cafe that I can definitely recommend!