Saturday, Satoshi had the day off. We planned to see his friend perform Rakugo (Japanese comedy story telling), but before that, we headed to Shinsaibashi for lunch. I had heard about Nanshomantouten while watching the news one day.The original shop is in Shanghai and has been in business since 1900. They are known for shorompo (xiaolongbao, a soup filled dumpling) Apparently the one in Shinsaibashi has been in business for over 70 years.
I ordered the C-lunch (1785 yen (about US$17.85)). This came with an order of shorompo (dumplings), a choice of an appetizer, a choice of noodles or rice and a choice of dessert. I chose the mochi rice shumai (steamed dumpling filled with seasoned glutinous rice), I also chose the mabo tofu (spicy pork, tofu over rice) and the annindofu (almond tofu). The mochi rice dumpling was well seasoned, and the shorompo was delicious with black vinegar and shredded ginger. To eat it you had to becareful not to burn yourself as the soup shoots out of the dumpling when you bite into it. The dessert was delicious too, firm and not too sweet.
Satoshi chose the B-lunch (1596 yen (about US$15.96)) His lunch came with an order of shorompo, a choice of an appetizer and a choice of noodles or rice. He chose the curry filled gyoza, which was actually a puff pastry filled with curry. He also chose the tan tan men (a spicy beef topping) with noodles and broth. He enjoyed everything and even ate some of my mabo tofu. They also gave us lots of jasmine tea, very fragrant and delicious.
After lunch, we did some window shopping and walked around before the performance, since we had some time to kill, we also stopped into Marufuku coffee for some coffee and something sweet. The interior of the cafe is very retro and they have been in business since 1934. We both ordered the cafe au lait (490 yen about US$4.90 each) and shared a plate of cookies (220 yen (about US$2.20). It was nice to sit down for a bit and we enjoyed our coffee and sweets..JPG)
After our little break, we went around the corner to where Satoshi's friend was performing. The group performed 4 different rakugo stories and it was quite funny. Sometimes the story telling is quite fast and sometimes I have a hard time understanding, but I still had a nice time.Hope your weekend was a good one!
Nanshomantouten
1-5-18 Shinsaibashi-suji, Fujii Building 1F
Chuo-ku, Osaka
Phone: 06.6120.2185
Marufuku Coffee
1-9-1 Sennichimae
Chuo-ku, Osaka
Phone: 06.6211.3474
Sounds like a perfect day. i had some similar dumplings in Taiwan once--they were good but it took me a few to get the hang of not burning myself or getting the liquid all over myself. (Of course it could have to do with my general lack of coordination!)
ReplyDeleteHi! I found your blog a few weeks ago while surfing the net at the airport waiting for my flight. I've really enjoyed reading through your archives. You've shed some light on everyday living in Japan for me. You also got me into the habit of carrying my camera with me everywhere I go. You never know when a photo op will arise. Anyway I just wanted to say I tried your simple scone recipe tonight and it came out great! Thanks for the recipe and thanks for the awesome reads!
ReplyDeletemmmm Shorompo, Japan's version of Soup Dumplings(Xiao Long Bao). Does Satoshi usually work weekends?
ReplyDeleteThat's a lot of food! I'm curious about rakugo...along with the storytelling, are there props to aide in demonstrating the story? Or is it just one person speaking on stage?
ReplyDeleteThe enlarged pic of the curry-filled gyoza looks neat...like they aimed for the textured layer of a shell or something.
ReplyDeleteI think Satoshi was a bit disappointed Rowena, as he probably had imagined a potsticker not a puff pastry for the gyoza. For Rakugo, there is only one person on stage and the only props they use are a foldable fan and a tenugui (cloth).
ReplyDeleteYes, he works weekends Kirkk, but it varies from week to week.
Glad you liked the scone, Bentbacktulips!
I don't have good coordination either, Deb :)
Take care everyone.
Kat
wow haha chinese cooking! Must be something different! Hey Kat, I found a recipe online for xiaolongbao, may be you might want to try and make it or understand the trick to making it.
ReplyDeletehttp://sugareverythingnice.blogspot.com/2008/12/xiao-long-bao-shanghai-steamed.html
Aww! Rakugo must have been hilarious! Some things expressed in Japanese cannot be expressed in English!
Thanks Phoebe, I'll check out that link. Though I don't think I'm brave enough to make my own.
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Kat
Love all the variety you guys had at lunch. That's always great with a new place so that you can try a little of everything!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lori, yes, variety is nice :)
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Kat