Where to eat in Kansai?

Some of the most memorable moments in Japan were marked by the good food we stuffed ourselves with!

Endo Sushi @ Osaka Municipal Market, Osaka

It's Osaka Municipal Market, where the famed Tuna Auction takes place in the wee hours of the morning. We were really excited in trying out the very much raved about sushi. Arriving at about 7.30am in the morning, there wasn't a queue, but we were to wait outside for about 5 minutes to be seated. That has to be some of the freshest and most generous plates we can choose from. There are 4 different sets of five sushi. At ¥1000 (SGD$12), one gets a mini ocean!

And this is the standard Ebi Sushi in Singapore should par at!

An ocean of freshness! Every set boosts a mix of sushi and a mouth-watering fatty tuna sushi! Straight off the market, and the crowd boost locals and foreigners alike. Yummy!

Yaekatsu @ Kuromon Market, Osaka

Osaka really helped us relax after the restrained dinning environment in Kyoto. Do not for a moment despise this casual dinning place. It's kushikatsu that we were trying. Kushikatsu (串カツ), also known as kushiage (串揚げ), is a Japanese dish of deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables. In Japanese, kushi (串) refers to the skewers used while katsu means a deep-fried cutlet of meat. Japan is indeed more than just sushi and ramen! The experience was akin to Singaporean's lok lok, where ingredients come in sticks, fried and served on the spot. It boosts a curious variety, including Miso beef stew and fried scallops! Long queue during lunch time when we visited, We waited for a mere 10 minutes to get seats. Food were served fast. While we were initially intimidated by the strings of Japanese food orders called out by guests beside, it's a relief there are English menus available. The chefs didn't make us feel rushed despite the crowd. Thumbs up for the awesome street food!

Yazawa Hankyu Sannomiya @ Sannomiya, Kobe

As we settled into our accommodation, a staff from Kobe recommended us to try Kobe beef at Yawaza, which has difference branches. This one is near Sannomiya station in Kobe.

The prices are determined by the parts of the cow as well as how big the portion. Portions ranges from 80g to 200g. So we ordered sirloin and red meat, which has a pretty stark contrast in their texture and taste.

The restaurant is mounted with accolades aplenty. In the midst of dining, the waiter brought us the trophy and suggested taking a photo. Heh... that explains the awkward smiles. But really, we enjoyed the meal. ;)

All in all, in Japan, this is the beaming expression one gets, when we talk about FOOD!! Itadakimasu!