たべえ
I have been exploring various Chinese restaurants in Kyoto, taking reference from Ms. Yoshimi Joushou's book "Chinese Restaurants in Kyoto." I visited "Heian" for the first time. After departing from Otsu Pier around 9 am on the Biwako Sosui boat, I arrived at Keage and strolled along the Incline. From Keage Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line to Sanjo Keihan Station, I leisurely walked towards the Gion area. We arrived at the restaurant at 11:50 am, just 10 minutes before the opening time. There were already two groups of two waiting. The fact that nearby restaurants like "Okaru" and "Gonbei" were also full shows the popularity of this place. After a 10-minute wait, the restaurant opened. The proprietress asked for the number of people and showed us to our table. Following the two guests in front of us, my partner and I were seated at a table for two. The curved counter seats four. The interior of the restaurant, which used to be a snack bar, has a cozy feel. We were served linen towels and water by the proprietress. She then took our orders one by one. We started with bottled beer (Asahi Dry), "Eight Treasures," and spring rolls. The guests before us and the two guests who arrived later all ordered "Karashi Soba." We started with a toast with the beer. Shortly after, the spring rolls arrived. They were cut into bite-sized pieces, perfect even for those with small appetites like my partner. The seasoning was gentle, and we enjoyed them with hot mustard soy sauce. After the beer, we switched to sake (Kizakura) served warm. The "Eight Treasures" also arrived. This time, we decided to each order a portion of "Karashi Soba" since you can choose the level of spiciness. Just to be sure, I asked the proprietress if we could request less noodles or half the portion, but it was not possible. My partner ordered "High School," and I, in a moment of boldness, ordered "University." In other restaurants, the noodles were served on a plate, but here they were served in a bowl. Both "High School" and "University" looked the same at first glance. Although the portion seemed small, there was a decent amount of noodles. When we compared the two, "University" was indeed very spicy. It made me cough from the spiciness that hit my nose. But it was delicious! "University" might be a bit too spicy, perhaps. If you prefer to enjoy it without too much heat, "High School" might be recommended. The owner mentioned that they can make an even spicier version called "Working Adult" if requested, but he said, "Even making 'University' is tough for me." The adjustment in spiciness is done by varying the amount of vinegar and Western mustard added. There are vinegar and mustard on the table, so if you feel it's not spicy enough, you can adjust it yourself. Towards the end, I added vinegar to make it slightly milder. Apart from "Karashi Soba," there are set menus for lunch, making it enjoyable for everyday dining at a downtown Chinese restaurant. The owner and the proprietress provided warm and welcoming service, typical of a traditional downtown atmosphere, making our dining experience pleasant. When we finished eating and left the restaurant, there were six people waiting. It's a popular spot. Upon reaching Shijo Street, we patrolled "Seikyotei" and found a notice saying, "We will be taking a break for a while." I hope that the tradition of Chinese restaurants in Kyoto will continue for a long time to come. (Visit rating: 3.39)