Persian & Indian Cuisine: Arashi's Kitchen (Marutamachi) - Bagari Polo, Mahiche, Gorme Sabzi, Kebab, and more Curry Detective, Yami-chan, here for my Kyoto expedition in mid-February 2023, part 2! As I entered the upscale residential area where the Persian & Indian restaurant "Arashi's Kitchen" is located, I couldn't help but notice that 83% of the customers were foreigners. It seems like this place is a gathering spot for foreigners living in Kyoto, some even enjoying shisha (water pipe) as they lounged around. The most famous dish here is the reservation-only "Kalepache," which consists of "lamb legs, head, and tongue stew (popular for breakfast in Iran)." Priced at ¥15,000 for 4 servings, it's quite the extravagant dish. I opted for the popular Persian dishes instead, choosing three items: 1. Kebab Neghin - ¥1600: A hearty dish made with a blend of beef and lamb minced meat, grilled to perfection. Simple seasoning allows the meat's flavor to shine through. 2. Gorme Sabzi - ¥1800: A Persian stew featuring herbs like thyme, with tender vegetables and red kidney beans. 3. Mahiche (and Bagari Polo) - ¥2300: A lamb leg stew, Mahiche, paired with Bagari Polo, a rice dish with fava beans. The lamb meat was tender and flavorful, while the rice with fava beans was a delightful combination. Overall, I enjoyed the simple yet delicious flavors of Persian cuisine, reminiscent of the origins of North Indian and Pakistani dishes. The experience was truly fascinating. As I left, I saw the owner, Arashi, enjoying the extra Kalepache he had prepared for a customer, eating it with gusto right at the table. Stay tuned for my next curry adventure at a restaurant in your city! Curry Expedition 2023, mid-February, 2 nights 3 days in Kyoto - Chapter 2 For more details, visit the links below: Arashi's Kitchen Review: [link] ROTI Circle (Indian Subcontinent Cuisine Lovers Association): [link]

While taking a walk, I suddenly craved curry and coincidentally found a restaurant. It seems to be popular among foreign tourists, as half of the customers were foreigners. They serve Persian, Indian, Turkish, Arabic, and all Halal foods. The atmosphere and staff were friendly and the food was delicious. The prices were reasonable. The grilled dishes were moist and easy to eat. I also enjoyed the two types of curry with beans and vegetables.

Visited for dinner. - Forgot the formal name (grilled eggplant and tomato with garlic paste) ¥1,000 (with naan) - Turkish ice cream ¥500 The restaurant was mostly filled with foreigners. The atmosphere seemed more like regular customers rather than tourists. This time it was Persian cuisine. Not curry, but a paste-like dip to eat with naan. I immediately dipped the naan and took a bite. It wasn't spicy, but the garlic was strong. The two slices of tomato were a nice touch. I hardly felt the eggplant flavor. The naan had a chewy texture. It was crispy in some parts. It seemed like it would go well with alcohol. Since there was no meat, some people might find it a bit lacking. The owner kindly started a conversation with us.

We went to Kyoto for an event after a long time. For lunch, we visited a Persian and Indian halal restaurant that I had bookmarked. I ordered Mahichegusfand (stew made with lamb shank) and my husband ordered Kebab Kubide (skewers of minced lamb and beef). Both came with naan or rice, soup, and a drink. The soup was served first, a cup full of it with plenty of barley simmered in a tomato-based broth. It reminded me of the Harira soup I had at a Moroccan restaurant. The soup had soft vegetables and bits of chicken, very satisfying. Squeezing some lemon juice made it even more delicious. The large meat dish arrived, easily falling apart as it was cooked well. It tasted like Nihari when I tried the soup. My husband's skewers were also flavorful and juicy. We both chose Basmati rice as our main dish. We decided to add dessert, but the Baklava was quite expensive at 400 yen per piece. So, we opted for stretchy Turkish ice cream and Firni (a dessert made with milk, rice flour, sugar, and rose bergamot). Both were delicious but smaller in portion compared to the main dishes. The set came with tea, which had a hint of cinnamon and was refreshing after the meal. The other customers were mostly elegant Kyoto ladies, seeming like regulars. It seems Kyoto people are quite open to trying new things, so I look forward to visiting more interesting international restaurants in the area.

This time, I went on a culinary tour in Kyoto. I visited "Alashi no Kitchen", a restaurant that serves Indian cuisine such as curry and naan, as well as Persian cuisine. While there are other restaurants in the area that serve Persian cuisine, I chose this one because they had dishes that I had never tried before and they looked delicious. I decided to try the "Baba Ganoush" (served with butter naan, 1,100 yen including tax) as the main dish, and added a "Soup Jo" (350 yen including tax) on the side. Baba Ganoush is an eggplant and sesame dip, while Soup Jo is a barley soup. Additionally, I received complimentary tea, and the total bill came to 1,450 yen. - Food & Taste: The dishes may seem more subdued compared to meat or rice dishes, but personally, I had no regrets trying something new. Baba Ganoush is a cold dip sauce made with plenty of olive oil, smooth eggplant, and sesame, with a hint of acidity and a strong olive oil aroma. It pairs well with bread. The butter naan was crispy with a strong charred flavor. The Soup Jo had a chewy texture from the barley, simple taste with hints of spices and herbs, and tasted refreshing when squeezed with lemon. The hot straight tea had a strong aroma of tea leaves. - Service: The staff were efficient and friendly, providing good service even though it has a bar-like atmosphere. - Atmosphere: The restaurant has a slightly exotic bar-like ambiance with mainly table seating and some tatami seating. The exterior is eye-catching with neon lights. - Cost Performance: While not a budget-friendly option, the prices are reasonable for the quality of food and service. - Overall: The restaurant turned out to be more user-friendly than expected, with an attractive menu and an interesting dining experience. I would definitely consider revisiting. It was a pleasure to enjoy Persian cuisine again after a long time.

I love eating foreign cuisine. This time, I went to a restaurant where I can eat Persian food, which I love. When I entered the restaurant, I felt excited as the atmosphere was filled with exotic vibes. I tried Gormeh Sabzi, a Persian stew made with beans, beef, and herbs, along with Persian tea and Baklava. Gormeh Sabzi was so delicious when I poured it over rice. It's hard to describe the taste, but it's completely different from Japanese food, yet incredibly tasty! I even told the waiter how delicious it was when he came to refill my water (which I now find a bit embarrassing). The Baklava dessert was very sweet, maybe too sweet for a Japanese palate, but it paired well with the tea. There were many other dishes on the menu, so I will definitely go back!

The portion size is large but the prices are high. The naan bread was not great. I was forgotten about for dessert. Since I was the only customer, I didn't have the courage to remind them. How is it possible to forget something like that? They seemed completely unmotivated. And the prices just kept getting higher!! The mysterious chaos of Persian and Indian cuisine at this restaurant was simply due to the presence of Israeli and Indian chefs. The taste of the naan bread was quite mediocre. Visited on April 7th. There will not be a return visit. That's for sure.

Enjoy the kebab by picking it up with gusto and eating it with naan.

The chicken tikka masala was alright. The staff's friendliness was 0 points.

Arash’s Kitchen @ Kyoto, in front of Kumano Shrine A few years ago, I discovered this restaurant next to Seigoin Hachihai Main Store. When the bank across the street was Sanwa Bank, this restaurant definitely did not exist. I visited and tried their dishes. The restaurant is located on the second floor, so you need to check the menu downstairs before entering. It's convenient that they have a lunch menu even on Sundays. The restaurant was almost full, with a diverse group of customers including platinum blond foreigners who seemed like tourists and groups of different races (probably locals) speaking English. It was very crowded, so I placed my order first. They offer Persian and Indian cuisine, so I started with the Doner Chicken Kebab set. I also noticed they have a good selection of alcoholic beverages and ordered a Turkish liquor called "Rakı" with water. First, I received soup and Rakı. The soup, called "Soup Jo," seemed to be a tomato and onion-based vegetable soup with plenty of ingredients, and it tasted delightful. As for the Rakı, it was a palate cleanser typically found in Indian restaurants, and its unique taste made me smile. I personally really enjoyed it. The refreshing aftertaste had a distinctive character that became addictive. I later found out that the original liquor is colorless and becomes cloudy when mixed with water. I spent some time at the table looking at the condiments. The left one seemed like salt, the right one was probably cayenne pepper, but I couldn't identify the spice in the middle. I tasted it, but couldn't figure it out. The label was faded, so I couldn't read it, but I later found out it was probably "Sumak." Then, the bread arrived, which was huge (compare it to the soup plate next to it). The bread was firm, without liquid butter spread, and the Kebab followed shortly after. The Kebab itself didn't have a strong flavor, but the meat was juicy and had a good chew to it. It was delicious when savored. The meat portion was generous. I tried dipping it in the condiments on the table, but it didn't make much difference. However, the sauces brought by the staff were excellent. The white one seemed yogurt-based with a rich flavor, while the red one had a sweet chili taste with a strong chili kick. Both were tasty. I dipped the Kebab in the sauces and wrapped it in the bread, and it was simply sinful. The taste was divine. Although the portion was enough for two people, I found myself finishing it all without realizing it. If I had taken it to go, I might have eaten it in two portions. After the meal, they served complimentary tea, which smelled lovely. Thank you for the delicious meal!

A restaurant where you can enjoy Persian and Indian cuisine. They use halal food, so Muslim customers can feel at ease. They also have belly dance shows every Saturday. I went there for the Persian cuisine, which is the current Iranian cuisine. Some popular dishes include kebabs and dolma. The dishes are mostly spicy but not too hot, seasoned with salt, pepper, turmeric, and saffron. The main staples in Iran are rice and bread, similar to naan. The atmosphere feels foreign, with mostly international customers. I ordered Turkish wine and chicken curry. The kebabs were delicious, with lamb, beef, and chicken skewers. The dishes were flavorful, with the chicken curry being spicy and the lamb curry having a unique taste. The garlic naan was also very tasty. I also tried the vegetarian dish which included falafel and dolma. The dolma was wrapped in grape leaves and had a tangy flavor. The falafel was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. My friend who usually dislikes lamb enjoyed the lamb kebab and ordered the mutton curry, which was rich and flavorful. The garlic naan was also a hit. Overall, I wanted to try more Persian dishes, but I was satisfied with the delicious meal I had.

This time, I was brought to this restaurant by a friend. It's located about a 15-minute bus ride from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station. There is the Heian Shrine nearby. I arrived late at around 1:45 PM. At this time, there were about 3 groups of customers. I often go to Indian and Nepalese restaurants, but this was probably my first time trying Persian cuisine! I wasn't sure what to expect, but it seemed like kebabs were the main dish. Since it was lunchtime, I ordered the Kitchin Kebab lunch set for 1000 yen, which came with soup and a drink. After waiting for about 15 minutes, first the naan arrived. By the way, the owner of this restaurant seems to be Iranian, but they also serve Indian cuisine. I guess offering Indian cuisine along with Persian cuisine makes it easier for customers to imagine. The naan was slightly sweet and delicious, even without any curry to dip it in. Then, the main dish of chicken kebab arrived. It smelled great. Let's dig in. It's good. Since it's chicken, it's healthy and easy to eat!! This restaurant serves Halal Persian cuisine, and the meat mainly comes from Australia and Malaysia. The owner is very friendly and approachable. You can enjoy Halal Persian cuisine in Kyoto~~

There is a shop on the second floor of a local supermarket called San Plaza. It used to operate in a small shop nearby, but it moved here. I was wondering what Persian cuisine was, but when I asked the owner, they said it's Iranian cuisine! So, it's a halal restaurant because it's from the Islamic region. When I went there around 1 o'clock, I ordered lunch. I ordered a dish that looked like skewered meat and a stew-like meat dish. After waiting for 15 minutes, the food arrived. First, I tried the skewered meat dish... Huh? It's minced meat. Oh, it's a half hamburger made of beef and lamb! Amazing. In countries where pork cannot be used, they make hamburgers like this. And it's delicious. The rice was very long, longer than Thai rice. It's Pakistani rice. The stew was made of lamb, beans, and vegetables. It's not curry, but it tastes like curry. This was also delicious. It's a cuisine that I'm not familiar with, but I have a feeling I'll get hooked. I need to do some research!

I visited a restaurant near Heian Shrine called "Arashi no Kitchen," run by an Iranian chef serving Persian, Turkish, and Indian cuisine during lunchtime. I ordered the Zereshk Polo set for 900 yen, which is a Persian dish of berry rice. It had a slightly sour taste and was easy to eat. The restaurant also offers Indian cuisine and is halal-friendly, making it popular among international students in the area. The background music was unexpectedly a music video by the Japanese boy band Arashi, which seemed out of place but provided some amusement.

I love Turkish cuisine (or rather Caspian Sea cuisine), and this place is a casual spot where you can enjoy kebabs, chai, and alcohol. The restaurant looks like an old small Western-style eatery, with no sense of freshness at all. However, this roughness is quite endearing to me, but it may not be inviting enough for passersby to think, "Let's give it a try." Once you enter, you'll find it even smaller and with only a counter. Oriental knick-knacks are haphazardly displayed, which may not appeal to everyone. Appetizers are around $5, mains around $10, and kebabs are around $12 each. Some may feel that kebabs are just barbecue and therefore overpriced, especially in this setting. The Kubide Kebab (Iranian kebab) is a mix of lamb and beef minced meat grilled like a hamburger, juicy and with a nice unique spice. The Jujeh Kebab (chicken breast kebab) is juicy and tender. You can have this with naan or rice for $14.50. This was our second stop of the night, and we devoured it all. It's a taste I've loved for a long time. You can also enjoy hookah and the sticky sweet Turkish desserts. Wine starts at $23, quite reasonable. The friendly and cheerful owner may come off as a bit careless, depending on how you see it (maybe it's just their character). The menu is extensive, but sometimes items listed are not available, and you're told with a smile (awkward). There's a regular at the counter, chatting happily with the owner. Perhaps enjoying a chat over some small bites is the best part of the experience. The authentic Turkish cuisine is outstanding, but various factors make it feel overpriced and a bit difficult to order. Such a shame.

It is located on the second floor of a supermarket just northeast of the intersection of Higashioji Marutamachi. It should take less than a 10-minute walk east on Marutamachi Street from Jingu Marutamachi Station. I had lunch there before, but I visited again alone for dinner yesterday. I recommend the Gourmet Subji, which is a lamb (please confirm as the menu said beef, so if you're not a fan, check) and vegetable, bean black stew with rice. Most of the menu items are Indian curries or Iranian stew dishes, kebabs, with naan or basmati rice included in the 1,000 yen range. The portions were also decent. Iranian cuisine takes time to prepare, but it's a great price for a neighborhood full of students. There are also many foreign visitors and halal enthusiasts. They also serve alcohol. By the way, I think what I ate last time was curry and chicken stew, but both the naan and curry were delicious. The Iranian owner, Arash, has a great vibe at the restaurant. Definitely try to get to know him! I will be heading to Dorphingar in Yahata City, which is a friend's restaurant, to eat soon.

It was lunchtime, so the restaurant was crowded with customers coming in one after another. Despite having only a small sign as a landmark, the place seemed to attract a lot of people, including many repeat customers. Inside the restaurant, there was a busy foreign staff member, and it felt like you had to find your own seat. The menu took a while to arrive, so I ended up going to get it myself. This kind of experience is quite common in restaurants run by foreigners. The food offered was a mix of international cuisines such as Indian and Persian dishes. I ordered the chicken curry, which took a bit of time to come out due to the busy crowd. However, the staff occasionally checked in with me, which helped ease the wait. When the chicken curry finally arrived, it came with two large pieces of naan bread. I later found out that refills were free, and they had given me an extra piece as a service. The chicken curry was delicious, with a flavor that seemed to cater to Japanese tastes. I would like to visit this place again if I have the chance. While there are many Indian restaurants around, there are fewer options for Persian cuisine and other international dishes, so I'm looking forward to trying some Persian food next time.

I had been thinking of going to a Persian restaurant (MR. KABAB) that has been around for a while, but I found out that it had been renovated without me knowing. The phone number remained the same, and the type of cuisine is still Persian, so I wonder if it's still the same owner. The restaurant is located on the south side of Kyoto University Hospital, and despite claiming to have only about 10 counter seats, it's actually quite small and cramped if 10 people show up. There is no place to store your belongings. The owner, who is Persian (Iranian?), runs the place by himself. He is not very good at Japanese, but his friendly demeanor makes him very approachable. The menu offers a variety of kebabs and stew dishes, all of which are delicious. They bake naan and pizza in a large tandoor oven. The naan has a slightly sweet flavor. Most of the menu items are available for takeout. The lunch set includes a main dish, salad or soup, and a drink for around 1000 yen. Honestly, there are hits and misses on the menu, with some dishes being a bit disappointing. I also wish the prices were a bit lower, but seeing the owner makes me want to support this little restaurant.