About a year ago a videowent viral on the internet. It shows how a talented chef prepares his omurice (aka omuraisu). First flipping and tossing the frying pan with rice in it, carefully fitting the fried rice into a lemon-shaped rice mold followed by placing it on the plate. Then he diverts his attention on the stove again, making this rugby ball like plump omelette where he then carefully balances it on top of the fried rice. When he cuts the omelette from one end to another, it opens up to both sides like flower petals while the inner fluffy egg sliding out from the bud. For the final step he pours some brown sauce on the top and it shines in the eyes of this foodie. Almost magical.
Later did I figure out that it was by Japanese Chef Motoyoshi Yukimura (幸村元吉) from Kichi Kichi (キチキチ), a Western restaurant located at Kyoto, Japan.
After 10 months of waiting followed by a 6 hours 50 minutes flight from Kuala Lumpur, I finally made it to Japan this March! Well, Osaka and Kyoto, to be exact. And Kichi Kichi became the highlight of my trip.
Due to the limited seats (only 8 seats by the counter) in this small and cozy restaurant, it is best to make reservation before visiting; by filling up this reservation form on their website or by calling the restaurant, either from own cellphone or in the case of overseas patrons, only phone reservation from hotel/lodging host. I made our reservation by submitting the online form and it didn’t take long for them to send me the confirmation email. It was all set.
What made me even excited was the close proximity to our rental house at Gion, a mere 15 minutes walking distance, or maybe even 10. For those who are taking public transport, it is accessible from Kawaramachi Station 河原町(exit 5) or Gion Shijo Station 祇園四条(Exit 3/4). The landmark to look for would be Matsumoto Kiyoshi, a famous drugstore chain in its yellow signboard. From there, either take a walk through buzzing narrow alley of Pontocho 先斗町(right lane) with chances of bumping into a Geisha, or through Kiyamachi dori 木屋町通(left lane), a wider road next to small running river, and take a peek into their red light district.
Knowing the basic survival Japanese and its characters, I matched the shoplot names in this google map provided by Kichi Kichi as we walked through Kiyamachi dori. About 10 minutes later, we found this striking red Kichi Kichi (キチキチ) signboard hanging on the right side whereas the restaurant itself is well-concealed at the back lane.
Once entered, I told them about the online reservation made and we were welcomed by the chef along with his assistant.
It was almost surreal that we are actually here.
We then took off our coats and be seated by the counter while the pretty assistant passed us the menu (with photos). While we were making up our minds, she gave a gentle reminder that even though sharing is allowed; each of us should order at least 1 dish.
Upon seeing our DSLRs, the chef happily put on a show for us. Even though I knew what to expect from the video, the feeling was somewhat different; like watching a youtube concert video to watching it live. Except that this is much closer. And camera is allowed, even better, welcomed.
ふわふわ卵の逆さオムライス Omurice with Fluffy Omelette 2,500 yen
(ハーフサイズ Half-sized / ミニ Mini 1,350 yen)
On the first look, this plate of half-sized omurice was way too small to fit into any part of my stomach, let alone feeding me full. We shared these 2 plates among 4 of us and when I had the first spoon, it was OMG so delicious.
It has to be the best omurice I’ve had so far.
Unlike the usual tomato omurice that’ll leave me craving more due to its appetizing nature, the savory type fried rice right here was filling by its own. I must say the rich demi-glace sauce and fluffy omelette made this omurice memorable in just a few spoons. The portion turned out to be just nice; satisfied my craving yet not too satiated to return within short period.
シェフお得意クリームコロッケ (Chef’s Specialty) Cream Croquette 1,350 yen
A well-executed dish: juicy, succulent yet not too greasy.
超おすすめ ビーフシチュー (Chef’s Recommendation) Beef Stew 2,800 yen
This beef stew was another marvelous dish in what I believed to be demi-glace sauce. Rich flavor, thick sauce, and the beef so tender it literally melted in my mouth. Simply divine.
自家製パン Homemade Bread (1 set/ 2 pieces for 250 yen)
An additional order made spontaneously after we’ve finished our meal which I’m glad we did. There was no other bread like this; the outer was so crispy it formed an egg-shell like crust and cracks like one too whenever I bite. The inner, was exactly what in the description; soft, fluffy and full of yeast (yuzu-like) aroma. Another must-try.
The concept of sitting by the counter may not be common to us, but it is the best seat, for we can always communicate face-to-face with Chef Yukimura, a friendly, cheerful guy that likes to share on food.
Our bill came to a total of 7,750 yen (about RM244) for 4 of us. Even though the price was on the “ouch” side, the meal and dining experience here are definitely worth every penny.
Else, you can always go for the lunch set where it comes with soup and entrée salad for the same price: Omurice (full-sized 2,500 yen / half-sized 2,000 yen), Beef Stew (2,800 yen) and others. Well here’s the catch; their lunch session only opens on reservation basis (a day before for Japanese while 2 days before for foreigners).
ザ・洋食屋 キチキチ The Western Restaurant Kichi Kichi
京都府 京都市中京区材木町185-4
Operating time: 5pm - 9pm
*Accepts credit card