りょんこ
As I got older, I had my wisdom teeth removed and the pain lingered longer than expected, putting me in a bit of a blue mood. However, my foodie spirit will not be defeated! For lunch on this day, I wanted something delicious but easy to chew, so I searched for various options. Chinese porridge and dim sum! I thought it was a great idea and looked forward to it.
1. About the restaurant: It is located about a 5-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station, and a similar distance from Nagahoribashi Station. It is on the 2nd floor of an old mixed-use building, so when visiting for the first time, look for the large menu sign with photos on the street as a landmark. Take the elevator to the 2nd floor and you'll find the restaurant right away. It's surprisingly spacious, so it's not easy to fill up quickly. The interior has a royal court style, with Chinese ornaments reminiscent of a Hong Kong restaurant from an old movie.
2. About the food: The lunch menu offers a wide variety of options, including fried rice, ramen, and dumplings. Usually, I would have a hard time deciding, but on this day, I had no choice but to go for the "Homemade Xiao Long Bao Set with Seafood Porridge," so it was easy. First, cold oolong tea is served in a pot, which is surprisingly nice. Next, a large tray is brought with seafood porridge, xiao long bao, black vinegar, pickled vegetables, and almond jelly. I start with the steaming xiao long bao in a bamboo steamer. I put it on a spoon, sip the soup first, and... oh, it's rich and you can really taste the flavor of the pork. Adding shredded ginger and black vinegar gives it a refreshing flavor, making it even more enjoyable. The porridge is topped with plenty of fried wontons, adding a rich oiliness. The sesame seeds, green onions, and chopped pickled vegetables are good accents. As I continue to eat the piping hot food, I come across several small seafood items like abalone and scallops, which make me a little happy. Finally, I finish with the smooth texture of almond jelly. I'm full and satisfied.
3. About the staff: The wait staff are all experienced men. They all seemed to be from the original country, as their Japanese accents were slightly different. However, they communicated well and provided polite service, so there was nothing to be concerned about. The speed of serving the food was appropriate, and the checkout process was smooth.
4. About the value for money: I was satisfied with the lunch that perfectly matched my condition and mood on that day. It had been a while since I had xiao long bao, but hot and freshly steamed ones are still delicious. The atmosphere of the restaurant and the staff's service were pleasant, and I think the value for money is good.
5. Other observations: At a nearby table, a tea ceremony was being performed, and I couldn't help but be mesmerized.