Long time no see!? Sakai Higashi is heading to a mapo tofu restaurantヽ(｡ゝω・｡)ﾉLet's go.｡.:*☆Casually sitting at the counter〜I mentioned the summer limited edition⁉︎ Chilled tantanmen and the staff at the counter said... it's sold out by a hair today!? In the end⁉︎ I ended up ordering the master's recommended soup-less tantanmen〜I wanted something cold today... The aroma of the mapo tofu was tempting, but I wanted something cold, Masaru (laughs). Finally, after about 15 minutes, the bowl arrived〜A large bowl with a lot of mizuna on top‼︎ Under the mizuna, there were cut!! Green onions and bean sprouts!? Nuts and minced meat were spread out nicely... Without hesitation!? I mixed the spices and sauce together vigorously!! The slightly thick noodles were mixed with the sauce and slurped up, creating a satisfying meal!! The chewy texture of the noodles and the deliciousness of the spicy sauce made me smile (laughs). The wheat flavor with each bite!? The accent of nuts that naturally enter your mouth is fantastic!! In addition, the sweet and spicy flavor of the minced meat combined with the bean sprouts and green onions is very GOOD‒☆ And then, the master's recommended salted chili peppers were added!! With a fairly spicy kick, it was a taste change that I liked!? Furthermore, the classic addition of extra rice without soup‒☆ Mix it up and the mixed rice is ready... The sauce dilutes... Mild!? With just the right amount of delicious spiciness, the stomach was full and satisfied*･.｡.:*･゜ﾟ･*Deliciously spicy food feeling So Good♡ Soup-less tantanmen at "Karin Mapo Sakaba" (ﾉ´▽｀)ﾉ♪MASARU's recommendation๑•*¨*•.¸¸♪

I visited the restaurant on a regular day, just after opening at around 11:00. There were 2 staff members, but no other guests yet. I had heard about this place from the band Hi-Fi Coffees who performed at the nearby live house Sakai Higashi Goith the day before, so I was looking forward to it. I ordered the Mapo Jiro (980 yen), extra vegetables (100 yen), extra rice (50 yen), and black Oolong tea (250 yen). The menu mentioned that the noodles come in a standard 200g portion. There were 3 types of Mapo to choose from - the typical sweet Japanese-style, authentic spicy Sichuan-style, and curry-flavored Mapo, and I chose the Sichuan style. The interior of the restaurant was a bit sticky and the air conditioning wasn't very effective, so it was quite hot. The water served tasted like Osaka tap water, so soft drinks might be a better choice. They cook the food in front of you, which is appetizing. The food arrived in less than 10 minutes. The extra rice was a decent portion. The Sichuan Mapo was delicious! It came with garlic, Jiro-style, but it wasn't necessary. I felt the vegetables could be doubled... and the noodle portion seemed a bit small... maybe it's worth getting the large portion? The noodles were really good - thick and curly! They paired well with the Mapo sauce. The Sichuan peppercorns on the table added a nice touch. There was a lot of soup, so maybe a soup-less version would be better? The soup was quite strong, so maybe it could be diluted? It would take about 2 bowls of rice to finish the soup completely (laughs). I'd like to try the curry flavor next time! The rice wasn't an extra serving, it was just regular rice... Thank you for the meal!

Today, I thought about having lunch at Mabo Ramen in Sakai East, but it was too hot, so I ordered chilled tantanmen (spicy sesame noodles) (red) and rice with raw egg on top. It had a rich flavor with a spicy Chinese spice kick, which was delicious. The noodles were thin and easy to eat, so I finished it easily. It was also tasty to mix the rice with raw egg like a porridge. Overall, I was quite satisfied, but I still think Mabo Ramen is the best.

On my day off, I wandered around Sakai Higashi and ended up at Karin as usual. I ordered the Mapo Ramen, but this time I tried the Szechuan style with fried chicken. I prefer the Szechuan style Mapo here, and it was really delicious with the noodles. The fried chicken was juicy and freshly fried. The cost performance is also good, and since it's not crowded, I will definitely be coming back!

I had passed by this shop a few times and was really curious about it. The counter seats were lined up and very easy to get into! When I entered the shop, the very friendly shop manager greeted me. I love mapo tofu and spicy food, so I was really looking forward to it! I ordered the Sichuan mapo rice bowl, shrimp mayo, and beer. When I ordered the beer, they even gave me pickled mustard greens as a service! And they even offered a refill!! These pickled mustard greens... were incredibly delicious! They are the best I've ever had! Easy to eat and delicious!! You can also order the pickled mustard greens separately, but I want to order beer in the future just for the pickled mustard greens! Haha The Sichuan mapo rice bowl was very satisfying and delicious! It was so tasty! The fragrance of the Sichuan peppercorns, the perfect spiciness, and the rich deliciousness filled me up! I can see why this place is so popular!! The shrimp mayo was also crispy and just delicious. They arranged the mayo so that you can adjust it, which is also great! I want to try other menu items next time!! This place makes me think that way!! I'll definitely come back again♪ The shop manager was kind and had a pleasant demeanor! This also adds to the points!

When I returned home from work, I forgot to order Mapo Ramen again, but I chose the level of spiciness as mild and it was just right. The portion size was not as big as Jiro-style ramen, which was perfect. The vegetables mixed in with the Mapo were delicious. The restaurant is not too crowded, easy to visit, and overall a really good place to eat.

While strolling through the shopping street in Sakai East, I came across a sign that read "Mabo Jiro," so I decided to go in. I ordered the Cantonese-style mapo tofu with medium spiciness. The presentation was impressive, and the noodles and vegetables mixed with the mapo tofu were delicious. Adding the Sichuan pepper on the table made it even more flavorful. The medium spiciness wasn't too hot, and personally, I prefer Sichuan-style mapo tofu, so I might try ordering it with a level 1 spiciness next time. I will definitely come back again.

The shop is a counter-only shop facing the shopping street. It suddenly got cooler today, which is good. I ordered mapo noodles and extra rice. The noodles are thick and the soup is plentiful. The mapo has a strong miso flavor, maybe not as spicy as traditional mapo dishes. It might be too hot in the summer.

I ordered a set meal. It was surprising how quickly it was served after ordering. I chose the spiciness level as normal, but it was not as spicy as it looked, yet it had a good amount of spices and was very delicious! I would like to try the ramen next time!

In a small shop in a shopping street with only counter seats, the mapo tofu seems to be delicious, as everyone around me was ordering it. I ordered my favorite dry tantan noodles. The noodles were chewy and satisfying. The dish was not very spicy, but I added some extra kick with the Sichuan peppercorn seasoning. The homemade chili oil had a great aroma, so I added a lot of it! Finally, I drizzled some vinegar for a refreshing finish. I would like to try the mapo tofu next time.

I visited one of the many Hanari locations near Sakaihigashi Station. It's a restaurant that focuses on mapo tofu, offering dishes like mapo ramen and mapo tofu with various toppings. I ordered the mapo tofu, a safe choice. The restaurant has a counter seating where you can watch the chefs cook right in front of you. They heat up an iron pot and add in the oil, tofu, and broth. I was impressed by how well they controlled the heat to prevent burning. The spiciness of the mapo tofu wasn't too strong, so I felt like it could have been a bit spicier. They provide condiments like chili peppers and numbing agents at the counter, so you can adjust the spice level. Mixing in some chili peppers added a gradual, intense heat to the dish, but it was different from the original spiciness of mapo tofu. Adding numbing agents gave it a unique sensation. The dish had a good balance of flavors and textures, making it delicious. However, I recommend getting the large portion as the serving size might not be enough.

Today, I went to my usual mapo tofu restaurant. The sign outside said "Mabo Jiro," so I was intrigued and went inside. The restaurant had an L-shaped counter, and two chefs greeted me. I ordered the signature dish, Mapo Jiro, with the default Sichuan flavor. The dish was served with a mountain of vegetables and garlic. I first pulled out the noodles from the bottom and slurped them up, enjoying the chewy texture and savory flavor. Then, I tried the famous mapo tofu with a perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors. The garlic added a nice kick to the dish. The dish also included a generous serving of bean sprouts, cabbage, and chives, adding a healthy touch to the meal. This mapo jiro is a great option for when you want something delicious and satisfying. I highly recommend "Hualin Mapo Shuka" for a tasty and satisfying meal.

- Order: Sichuan Mapo Tofu set meal for 980 yen including tax - Review: A small shop specializing in Mapo Tofu, with a counter dedicated to this dish. They also offer a J-style menu featuring Mapo noodles. The ordered Sichuan Mapo Tofu arrived in a bubbling hot pot, raising expectations. The spiciness was moderate with a generous amount of minced meat in a flavorful sauce, making it a satisfying dish that pairs well with rice and sake. For those who prefer more heat, there are various condiments available on the table. The set meal also included white rice, pickled vegetables, and egg soup made with a gentle chicken broth. Overall, it was a delicious Mapo Tofu dish crafted by a shop specializing in this cuisine. - Location & Access: About a 3-minute walk from Sakai Station on the Nankai Line - Menu: Various Mapo Tofu set meals, curry Mapo Tofu, bowls, noodles, and side dishes like fried chicken, dumplings, and shrimp mayo - Interior: L-shaped counter with 10 seats - Store Information: - Address: 2-2-14 Nakakawaracho, Sakai-ku, Sakai City - Phone: 072-269-4466 - Business Hours: 11:00-23:00 (until 24:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, and the day before holidays) - Closed on Mondays Thank you for reading until the end. Your "likes" and saving the restaurant would be greatly appreciated.

The mapo noodles cost 980 yen (thin noodles) with a large serving for an extra 100 yen and extra rice for 50 yen. The mapo noodles here have a lot of broth. Even though mapo noodles are usually thick, they are quite light here. When you want a punch, it may not be enough, but you can still enjoy the mapo flavor. You will start sweating gradually. Since there is a lot of broth, it might be better to go for a different side dish rather than extra rice.

A popular small restaurant in Gashi (Sakai Higashi) known for their delicious mapo tofu. I selected the Szechuan mapo tofu set meal for 980 yen. There were four types of condiments on the counter (Ten'eiichimi chili powder, pickled fresh chili with salt, fragrant homemade chili oil, and Sichuan peppercorns). My expectations were high. When the dish was served, the staff removed the cover to reveal the bubbling mapo tofu. It looked like it would be too hot for someone with a sensitive palate. I took a hesitant bite. It was pretty good. A bit monotonous and the Sichuan peppercorns were weak, but better than your average Chinese restaurant in Japan. Maybe I'm the strange one. I sprinkled more Sichuan peppercorns using a mill. I love the numbing sensation. I like it even more intense. In reality, I rarely eat mapo tofu at restaurants because many are too sweet. They use sweet bean sauce, so some sweetness is expected, but many places are overly sweet. Even specialty shops are often too sweet. In that regard, this place wasn't overly sweet and had an authentic flavor. The authentic version is oilier, but you can adjust it with the chili oil in front of you. Good system. The spiciness was moderate. It might be tough for those who can't handle heat, especially with the heat. The downside was the rice. It was exceptionally soft today, which was disappointing. It was noticeable just by stirring it. The rice in the set meal was quite sad. I hope for improvement next time. I also want to try their noodles next time.

First visit to the restaurant. I was the first customer as they had just opened. The interior was small with only a counter. I ordered the Sichuan mapo tofu set meal (980 yen tax included) and added 3 fried dumplings for an extra 200 yen. The piping hot mapo tofu in an iron pot was served. It had a spicy Sichuan flavor, but the level of spiciness was just right and delicious. I think I will come back again.

Today, I took the afternoon off to get my fourth dose of the COVID vaccine in Sakaihigashi. Although it is also available at Takashimaya, it is only offered from Friday to Monday. I took a bus from there to Babanomemorial Hospital for the vaccination. Before that, I had lunch at a restaurant nearby. The restaurant only had counter seats and was full when I arrived, so I had to wait outside for about 10 minutes. It was freezing that day due to a cold wave. I couldn't decide between a rice bowl or a set meal, but ended up choosing the Sichuan-style mapo tofu set meal. The spiciness of the mapo tofu made me break out in sweat and warmed me up. It was delicious. Afterward, I went back to Sakaihigashi and had a drink at my favorite spot, "Ootayan," before heading home. (laughs)

I used it for lunch. I was in the mood for mapo tofu since the day before, so I visited here because it seemed famous in Sakai City. I ordered the Sichuan mapo tofu set meal for 980 yen for lunch. It wasn't extremely spicy, but had a moderate spiciness, so it was delicious. Also, they serve it in an iron pot, so I was able to eat it warm until the end. There are restaurants that serve it on dishes, but it becomes lukewarm and not tasty in the latter half. Next time, I would like to order the mapo noodles.

Located in the shopping street in front of Sakai Higashi Station, this is a specialty shop for spicy Szechuan-style mapo tofu. It is a popular restaurant, always crowded with mainly female customers. The menu offers variations of the Szechuan mapo base, such as set meals, rice bowls, and noodles, as well as tantan noodles with or without soup. This time, I ordered the Szechuan mapo rice bowl with an additional side of fried chicken. The bowl was filled with a generous amount of mapo tofu, making me wonder if I could finish it all. As I started eating, I could feel the spiciness, but also a rich and rounded flavor that made me keep going. However, I soon started sweating from the heat, confirming its spiciness. The fried chicken was served with a scallion oil sauce, juicy yet light. It was a refreshing experience with a pleasant level of spiciness.

First of all, I strongly recommend adding 50 yen to upgrade to a large portion of rice for those who order a set meal. This place specializes in mapo tofu, so I had high hopes. The small counter-only restaurant was already full by 11:50. I ordered the Sichuan mapo tofu set meal. The mapo tofu had a strong flavor of fried onions, along with egg soup and pickled vegetables. The amount of rice was significantly less compared to a regular set meal, probably less than 180g. Everything at this restaurant is very flavorful and quite salty. I wish they would consider the balance of flavors between the side dishes and the rice. Towards the end, I was left with an empty rice bowl, struggling with the saltiness. It was nice to have various condiments like pickled mustard greens, fresh chili peppers, and chili oil available at the counter. Overall, it's just too salty. There's no escape from the saltiness with the rice. It's a shame that the authentic mapo tofu is overshadowed by the excessive saltiness.