口福ヤマトモ
The appearance of the dishes at this restaurant may seem quite homey, which often leads people to mistake it for a regular Korean restaurant. However, the dishes here are truly exceptional and stand out from other places. While the more formal "Touge" in Kokura may overshadow Snow Princess Teahouse in terms of presentation, the depth of flavor in the dishes at Snow Princess Teahouse is equally impressive.
During a recent visit with guests from Nagoya, they opted for the 8000 yen course. The flavors of the namul dishes were unlike anything we had tasted before. The vegetables such as radish, celery, Korean zucchini, and seaweed were expertly prepared to bring out their natural sweetness, with just the right balance of garlic and other seasonings. The sazae (turban shell) with green chili pepper was both spicy and delicate in flavor. The kujolpan was incredibly thin and crispy, with a chewy texture that was addicting. The ingredients were all cooked with care, and the mustard sauce was exceptionally tasty.
One of the signature dishes, the oyster and burdock root jeon, perfectly combined the richness of the oysters with the earthy aroma of the burdock root, complemented by a flawless soy vinegar dipping sauce. The main dish, a royal-style hot pot with meat, featured tender cuts of fresh beef and a slightly sweet and mellow broth. The finale was a comforting kupa made with a superb soup base of beef bones and shank meat, offering a gentle and deep flavor. The dessert, inspired by sakura mochi, was also delicious.
The restaurant itself has a simple and well-organized interior. They offer set courses ranging from 4000 to 6000 yen, as well as a la carte options. While Snow Princess Teahouse may be compared to the more upscale Touge in Kokura, their delicate flavors and the skill of their chefs are truly on par. Dishes like the eggplant, asparagus, and scallion salad showcase their exceptional seasoning and delicious flavors. The kujolpan is meticulously prepared, with ingredients like shiitake mushrooms, carrots, bell peppers, eggs, beef, and bamboo shoots all perfectly seasoned. The use of rehydrated shiitake mushroom broth adds a wonderful depth of flavor. The jeon, a signature dish, is cooked on a sizzling hot plate, and the tangy vinegar sauce enhances the flavors. Be sure to try the burdock root and oyster jeon.
The boiled pork is juicy and sweet, served with a kimchi that is rich in umami from seafood and uses high-quality chili peppers, all made in-house. The gochujang has a smooth sweetness and is also house-made. The abalone porridge is rich and flavorful, with a hint of sesame oil enhancing the taste of the abalone. Finally, the scorched rice in a cast iron pot and the denjang jjigae are a perfect ending to the meal. The scorched rice has a crispy texture and a fragrant aroma, while the denjang jjigae, a popular dish at the restaurant, is packed with crab, clams, and a rich seafood broth, using house-made miso with a subtle and delicious flavor.