karin04
I recently got hooked on yuba and nama-fu. I was really craving tofu dishes, so I looked up and found out that there is a Ume no Hana restaurant in Ginza. I decided to head there! However, I still don't know my way around Ginza very well, and ended up walking in the opposite direction of the restaurant. So, I took a taxi to get there. When I entered using the elevator, I was greeted by a serene atmosphere and the sound of a koto, which was very calming and I loved the ambiance of the restaurant. Since I made a last-minute reservation, they kindly asked if it was okay to seat us in the main hall, and we agreed. It was a weekday, so we were the only ones there, almost like a private dining experience, and the place had a very charming vibe that made me feel enchanted. This time, we ordered the Ume no Hana Supreme Course and a muscat black vinegar drink. The muscat drink had a nice balance of acidity and a hint of sweetness that was very addictive. The course started with appetizers, followed by dishes using tofu and yuba. My personal favorite was the yuba sashimi! For the hot pot, we chose the black wagyu shabu-shabu. As expected from a tofu restaurant, we first enjoyed yudofu in a pot with kelp broth before the shabu-shabu. The yudofu melted gently in the mouth with its sweet flavor. It was so delicious! The shabu-shabu at Ume no Hana was fantastic, with large yet thinly sliced meat and easy-to-eat vegetables. It was perfect with condiments like chopped green onions and ground sesame seeds. In the middle of enjoying the shabu-shabu, they served yuba tempura and nama-fu dengaku, which were my absolute favorite. After the hot pot, we had the black wagyu lava grill, fish with saikyo miso marinade, seasonal rice, yuba soup, and for dessert, soy milk ice cream and red bean tofu. Every dish was of high quality and delicious! We also ordered a salad, and to our surprise, there was cold tofu hidden underneath the salad, giving us a taste of summer. I couldn't resist and had to order the yuba sashimi again. Yuba is just so delicious! I enjoyed the tofu dishes and the variety of courses without feeling overwhelmed. Not only the food, but the dishes and utensils were also beautiful and a feast for the eyes. I was amazed by the quality and service, which was even better than the Nishitamagawa branch I visited before! I definitely want to visit again soon!