If you’ve been in Japan long enough, then you know the quality of a 24-hour restaurant just isn’t the same as an authentic place like Miyako.
Serving up delicious bowls of udon and soba noodle soup, Miyako is a casual dining restaurant with establishments all over Kyoto, the traditional capital of Japan.
Nothing spells “authentic” more than an old Japanese lady in an apron cooking up fresh handmade noodle soup with no help whatsoever.
Simple Comfortable Layout
This particular Miyako branch in the Fushimi ward of Kyoto consists of simple stools and tables set up against the wall.
There is a bathroom with a traditional paper grid sliding door and all in all the place is built with a mixture of wood, brick, and concrete.
My immediate feeling upon walking into Miyako was that it was a combination of traditional and modern as far as design goes.
The result is that you get to enjoy the convenience and practicality of new-age establishments while embracing a sense of the olden-day vintage Japanese noodle shop style.
Easy Ordering (Even For Foreigners)
Unlike 24-hour restaurants such as Sukiya and Nakau, there is no touchscreen ordering system here.
Instead, you must order the good old-fashioned way, by communicating with the chef!
Of course, if your Japanese is lackluster, this might seem daunting, but don’t worry! The menu is in English and there are plenty of pictures to point to!
When your order is ready, you’ll collect your tray of food from the front counter and then you can choose to sit anywhere.
Superb Quality
There is a chili seasoning shaker at every table if you want to spice things up, but I’d advise keeping things plain and simple at Miyako.
When the quality of the food is this good, you don’t want to be tampering with it, after all, spice isn’t exactly the forte of Japanese cuisine.
I ordered the shrimp tempura udon noodle soup with soft-boiled egg and fried tofu, and needless to say, it was one hearty meal!
For the humble price range of 500 to 600 yen (3 to 4 USD), you will leave Miyako feeling satisfied in mind, body, and soul!
To learn more about life in Japan, check out my book: The Japanese Pursuit of Perfection. This book features my most profound observations of Japanese culture and society as a foreign resident. Available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Grab your copy today!