Figaro
Introducing "Yoshida Okonomiyaki" in Kurume, a town known for its B-class gourmet food. No matter which review article you read, comments like nostalgic, the warmth of the old lady, and long-established are always mentioned. What they all have in common is a heartwarming feeling, a sense of sentimentality perhaps? Such an okonomiyaki restaurant in the town of Kurume is truly a treasure. That's why today, I want to introduce "Yoshida."
About "Yoshida Okonomiyaki":
- Located a 10-minute walk from Nishitetsu Kurume, at the torii gate entrance to Gokoku Shrine.
- Lunch is served until 2 pm, but every time I went, they were always preparing. I finally decided to enter.
- The interior of the restaurant has a homely atmosphere, just like a cafeteria. This immediately makes you feel at ease. And above all, the old lady! Her lovely smile, brisk movements, and lively pace are so pleasant. She embodies the energetic dining hall female proprietor. It's very calming.
- They seem to use very good quality ingredients. Cabbage from the local agricultural cooperative, eggs from Murata, and a dashi broth made with anchovies, kombu, and bonito flakes. You can feel the love of a mother wanting to feed her child delicious and nutritious food.
- My friend always orders the same thing: a mixed okonomiyaki in a large portion.
Food at "Yoshida Okonomiyaki":
- [Mixed Okonomiyaki - Large Portion] 700 yen: Thick! It's about 3cm thick, but this thickness is what makes it delicious. It's not just thick for the sake of it. Fluffy eggs, sweet cabbage, and a well-flavored batter. A genuine taste of sincerity. Anchovies, kombu, bonito flakes – a heartwarming blend that reminds you of a countryside grandma's cooking. The secret to its nostalgia and deliciousness. I devoured the large portion with a sense of nostalgia.
- [Yakisoba - Large Portion] 600 yen: I shared this with my friend as it would be difficult to finish a large portion of okonomiyaki and yakisoba alone. The noodles are so smooth. The charm of the yakisoba lies in its generous ingredients – cabbage, pork, fish cake, and a light sauce and broth. You can feel the warmth of a mother watching over her growing child. It was a delightful yakisoba!
- [Hamburger-style (with cheese) Okonomiyaki] 700 yen: Recommended on TV as a hamburger-style dish. I tried it out of curiosity, and it was delicious! Cheese in okonomiyaki has always been known to be tasty, but the minced meat inside – juicy and melty, that's what makes it so delicious. My wife loved it, and now she wants to try the hamburger set meal next time! It's a dish that made my wife excited.
- [Chicken Set Meal] 650 yen: Juicy, meaty. Crispy on the outside from the hot plate, with a simple salt flavor – delicious! It's just regular chicken, as the old lady says, but the taste is anything but ordinary! It was so delicious that I couldn't help but finish the rice quickly. The rice was sweet, and the miso soup was so glossy! The old lady's touch, right? The kindness of the stir-fried vegetables served on the side, and the aroma of the egg grilled on the hot plate. It was a set meal that deeply touched my heart! It was the best meal.
- [Hamburger and Chicken Set Meal] 830 yen: Please refer to the above descriptions. The chicken was juicy, meaty. Crispy and salty on the hot plate. The hamburger was rich in meaty flavor, homemade and savory, with a crispy, fragrant exterior from the hot plate. And the egg grilled on the hot plate. All of them were so delicious that my mind melted. And all on one plate!! A meal that captivates the heart with the rice and miso soup – it was truly heartwarming. My favorite dish is this hamburger and chicken set meal!! The old lady, this is too delicious, isn't it?
By the way, old lady, please keep up the good work! That's what she makes me think. Such an okonomiyaki restaurant. Next time, I want to try their champon noodles. The champon noodles of love.