Mikutama
Kansai TV's "Yoi Don" featured this place, so I was curious and decided to check it out. I love natto, regardless of being from Kansai or not. Recently, it seems like more Kansai people are starting to like natto too, right? The location is along Tosabori Street, between Tosabori 1-chome and 2-chome intersection. I thought since it's a bar, there would be a space to drink alcohol, but it seems like there isn't. The showcase inside the store is filled with natto. For those Kansai people who dislike natto, it must be painful (^_^;) Since it was close to closing time on that day, most of the natto in the case was sold out. All that was left were large natto beans, indicating that the popular ones are the small beans and grated natto. I reluctantly bought 3 large natto and 2 small natto that were left. Each one costs 270 yen. There are various flavors, and the most popular one is green chili miso. I also bought onion, plum, kimchi, and shredded kelp flavors. The large beans are meant for alcohol, while the small beans and grated natto are said to go well with rice. I brought them home and tried them immediately. The green chili miso had a spicy kick followed by the flavor of miso. The spiciness might be lacking once you get used to it. I couldn't decide if miso goes well with it or not... The soybeans themselves have a rich flavor. The best one was the kimchi natto. Well, it's a common combination that you can find in any household - just mix natto with kimchi. On the other hand, the one I disliked the most was the plum natto. The smell of natto and the acidity and flavor of plum clashed. I didn't like this one. Between the large and small beans, the small beans were easier to eat and tastier. Overall, it didn't beat my favorite black bean wasabi natto. It's a bit pricey, and considering the trip to Tosabori, it might be a bit expensive. There seems to be online shopping available, so there's no need to come all the way here to buy it. Even though it was sold out, there were natto in real bamboo tubes, as well as gift sets available, making it suitable as a gift for natto lovers. Thank you for the meal!