タケマシュラン
"Xiaoxiao," a creative Cantonese cuisine restaurant that opened in November 2022, quickly caught the attention of foodies in Kyoto. Located a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station or a 5-minute walk from Shichijo Station, the restaurant's unique interior features bright red rotating chairs, creating a mysterious atmosphere reminiscent of a cabaret or snack bar. Interestingly, the area is near an adult movie theater, suggesting it is a more mature neighborhood.
Previously known as "Xiaoxiaoxingfu," a take-out roast duck specialty store on Bukkoji Street, the chef at Xiaoxiao may come off as unfriendly, so it's recommended to request a table seat if this concerns you. While the ambiance and pricing suggest a casual setting, the alcohol prices are relatively high, with a medium-sized beer priced at 850 yen and sake at around 1,000 yen per glass.
Starting with the marinated white fish in Shaoxing wine, the alcohol content is mild, allowing the strong aroma to stand out. The smooth texture and unique bitterness leave a lasting impression. The "Shimeaji" dish, featuring plenty of condiments for a refreshing taste, surprisingly packs a strong spiciness, overshadowing the expected sourness.
The crispy sakura shrimp salad is more of a drinking snack than a salad, with an abundance of deep-fried sakura shrimp and a stylish lemongrass-flavored dressing. The seasonal mapo tofu, made with firefly squid and oysters, is generously portioned, making it more of a drinking snack than a traditional mapo tofu dish. The tofu is uniquely prepared by thinly shaping it on a flat plate before pouring the mapo sauce over it.
We also enjoyed a trio of grilled meats, including chicken heart, chicken with ginger sauce, and oven-roasted duck. Served with jasmine rice, the meal left us feeling full, almost overwhelmed by the richness of the dishes. With each dish costing around 2,000 yen, dining solo can add up quickly, so it's best to visit in a group and try a variety of dishes.
After indulging in the meal and some drinks, the bill came to just over 8,000 yen per person. For a more budget-friendly option, consider trying the grilled meat assortment during lunch to sample their offerings before committing to a full dinner experience.