Nozomu柱
Recently, I finally visited the extremely popular restaurant "Kyoto Tsuyushabu CHIRIRI" in the Umeda area that many followers have been talking about. I've been really interested in it! This place is gaining attention not only for dinner but also for lunch, and it's been on my mind for a while, so I was thrilled to finally go.
⬜︎ I ordered the Hiei Shabu-Shabu Course (9,800 yen) for two, which included:
- Appetizer (Persimmon salad)
- Sashimi (Tuna and sea bream)
- Shabu-shabu with selected Omi beef shoulder loin (150g), vegetable platter, ponzu sauce, and sesame sauce
- Omi beef sushi
- Udon
- Dessert (Milk pudding)
⬜︎ Drinks:
- Masters Dream beer (800 yen)
- Peach sour (750 yen)
- 2 Ken (whiskey highball) (600 yen each)
Since I had work, I made a reservation for 20:00 but arrived at 19:00—way too early! But being in Umeda, it was no problem to kill some time.
The restaurant has a luxurious vibe right from the exterior, and upon entering, there’s a glass facade. You’re greeted by a prominent blue leopard. The place definitely exudes sophistication.
On that day, there was a large party of affluent-looking guests from China.
We were shown to a private room, which was spacious enough for two and had a fantastic atmosphere.
The course meal was delicious from the very first appetizer, and the sashimi was beautiful and incredibly fresh. The Omi beef sushi was an impressive highlight for our hungry stomachs.
Then, we eagerly awaited the main event: the shabu-shabu. The vegetables were beautifully arranged, and the meat looked amazing. I was taken aback by the marbling of the Omi beef. Initially, I thought the portion seemed small, but one piece of meat turned out to be quite big and filling. I learned from the staff that it was 150g of meat per person—what a delight!
I couldn’t wait and dived straight into the meat, forgetting the vegetables. Honestly… wow, it was just too good! The fat was sweet, and the rich flavor of the tender meat filled my mouth.
My friend joked, "You won't need teeth for this."
Moreover, the ponzu sauce served for the shabu-shabu was incredibly delicious. While the sesame sauce pairs well with some meats, we both agreed that the ponzu was the best match!
The amount of vegetables was more than enough for the two of us, and they were fresh and crisp. There were even instructions on the order and timing of adding the vegetables, which enhanced the experience even more. (Following the instructions really pays off!) Personally, I’m definitely a sesame sauce fan when it comes to vegetables.
For the finale, we enjoyed perfectly cooked udon made with the broth infused with the flavors of the meat and vegetables. Combining ponzu and sesame sauce created a "ponzu-sesame sauce," and adding some condiments made it incredibly delicious. My friend and I finished it off instantly!
Everything was so tasty that I couldn’t stop drinking! At that point, I had already consumed three drinks! Where was my goal to reduce alcohol intake? It just paired so well with the food!
Finally, we enjoyed the handmade desserts from CHIRIRI, creating a colorful and elegant end to our meal.
In the end, I understand why so many people rave about this place. If you're looking for delicious shabu-shabu and a luxurious atmosphere in the Umeda area, I highly recommend this amazing spot. Thank you for the meal!