Sunday, June 22, 2008

rainy foodie friday in kyoto

It was a rainy Friday in Kyoto, actually all over the Kansai area, or maybe the whole of Japan...

Anyway, my friend, Tamakikat, was in some need for some sweets, so she emailed me to join her.

Always willing to help someone tame their sweet tooth, I met her in Kyoto.

Lunch was at a Vietnamese restaurant, Tiem an Huong Viet, that was featured in a foodie magazine. (actually the picture in the magazine was so delicious looking, I was a bit disappointed that the dish was no longer on their menu...insert pouty face.)

Their items on their lunch menu during the week costs only 1000 yen (about US$10), but the prices go up on the weekend, so watch out--you get the same portions as the weekday.

I ordered the Bun Cha Hanoi. This came with fried spring rolls in a sweet/sour soup. The noodles came separately and were chewy. I dipped the noodles into the soup and really enjoyed this dish.

Lunch also came with a little dessert (caramel gelatin with milk) and a shot of vietnamese coffee.

After lunch, we walked around in the rain and did a lot of window shopping, and popping into stores when the rain got bad.

We decided to stop for cake and coffee at a relatively new place, Patisserie M.S.H. This shop was also featured in the same foodie magazine. I really liked the home-iness of the cafe area.

I could see myself having barbecue parties out in their terrace area. Actually, I think I was happy just to see grass, no one really has grass in their gardens here...

I ordered two cakes (oink oink)...the green tea (399 yen ) and the caramel chocolate (493 yen).

The green tea flavor was strong and when Tamakikat tasted it she said, "this is what Kyoto tastes like". I think it did too.

The caramel chocolate was rich, maybe a bit too rich. But both went nicely with a hot cup of cappucino.

Despite the rain, it was a nice day filled with good company and good food.

Hope you are having a great weekend!

Tiem An Huong Viet
Oshikoji Higashitoin Nishi Hairu 118
Nakagyo, Kyoto
Phone: 075.253.1828
Open 12:00-14:00, 18:00-21:30
Closed Tuesdays

Patisserie M.S.H.
Oshikoji Fuyamachi Nishi Hairu Tachibanamachi 630
Nakagyo, Kyoto
Phone: 075.212.5388
Open 11:00-20:00
Closed Thursdays

12 comments:

Tamakikat said...

Good morning Kat,
a nice write-up of a good day. Thanks again for coming to Kyoto.
I had to make a conscious effort to go to the supermarket rather than the Bread Room this morning.
Wanting to fit into my summer clothes I'm back on the veges and fruit today.
However, let me know if you want together for a foodie Friday next month. I'm sure I'll be up for it:)
Have a super Sunday.
T/K

K and S said...

I saw your post on the Bread Room. The next time I see you I must show you a book I have it lists all sorts of shops and cafes in Kyoto, you may get some new ideas for places around you, Tamakikat :)

Take care.
Kat

2kamuela47 said...

Wow what a great day even though it was raining. Spring rolls and noodles yummy!

Anonymous said...

Hi, kathy!
long time no comment...sorry about that but I always enjoyed your diary =)
Hmmm...great food and sweets!!
I pretned that I have it, and enjoyed the time with you by see this post.
Take care!

bourgogne said...

chocolate, TOO rich???! nah! ;-)

K and S said...

Thanks Laura, it was a great day despite the weather.

Hi Aya, long time no see! Hope you are well. When you come to Osaka, we can go to eats sweets together :)

Bourgogne :)

Take care everyone.
Kat

Anonymous said...

What fun sounding day in Kyoto...so jealous! :)

K and S said...

Aww, if you come to Osaka/Kyoto Lori, we can go holo-holo too :)

Take care.
Kat

Barbara said...

The green tea cake looks wonderful.

K and S said...

I think you would enjoy it Barbara :)

Take care.
Kat

Anonymous said...

There are some weird noises outside in the night here in Kyoto tonight. I guess it is not aliens though.

Those cakes look REARRY REARRY good!

Oshikoji, ahhh...I think I walked into that place once, but didn't get anything for some reason.

P

K and S said...

Thanks Peko! We can hear a lot of frogs at night, in the rice fields.

Take care.
Kat