6 Places to Eat and Drink in Kyoto
We had gone to Kyoto, Japan, for a day trip and we can say it was well worth the adventure out of the main cities.
Table of Content:
- Kyoto Sizuya
- Deep Fried Fish Sausage Cutlet
- Deep Fried Prawn Tempura
- SNOOPY CHA-Ya
- 英 Nishiki Market
- Black Swan Coffee
Check out where to go in Kyoto here.
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Kyoto Sizuya: Our Top Melon Bun Pick!
We spotted Kyoto Sizuya near the JR station and decided to try their melon bun. Out of all the melon buns we’ve had, this is a must-try! We ranked it #1 – it was lightly baked with a sweet, soft, and fluffy interior. We even went back for more! The bakery’s cozy vibe and friendly service just added to the charm.
Deep Fried Fish Sausage Cutlet: A Savory Market Snack
Inside Nishiki Market, we found this Deep-Fried Fish Sausage Cutlet. It boasts a crispy outside and a savory, tender fish sausage filling. This snack was easy to eat on-the-go, making it a convenient and satisfying market bite with a rich flavor and crunchy texture.
Deep Fried Prawn Tempura: A Disappointing Bite
Nishiki Market is famed for its culinary delights, and we saw a shop with pre-made tempuras that had a line. We tried their deep-fried prawn tempura, but it wasn’t worth it. It felt like it had been left out too long and lost its crispness. At 550 yen for one piece, it was quite expensive and left us feeling disappointed.
SNOOPY CHA-Ya: Cute, But Not Worth the Hype
Snoopy Yaki in Kyoto offers adorable Snoopy-shaped pancake-like cakes filled with red bean paste or custard. While cute, we found them not worth the hype and ranked this sweet snack as average.
英 Nishiki Market: Pricey Sushi, Tight Squeeze
At 英, a sushi joint near Nishiki Market, we grabbed some sushi. The restaurant was tiny, with only a row of seats that required people to get up if someone needed to leave. The sushi combo was delightfully refreshing, but still felt expensive compared to other places. We felt obligated to order two separate combos due to the small space.
Coquelicot Blanc/Black Swan Coffee: Unique Look, Average Taste
Near the Hokan-ji Gojunoto temple, we found Coquelicot Blanc/Black Swan Coffee, known for its black croissant and black coffee. We tried their black latte and a charcoal-infused croissant. The croissant was very flaky and visually striking, but not soft enough to truly enjoy. The black latte was just okay – an average black coffee we wouldn’t go back for. It’s a decent spot to rest after walking uphill towards the temples.
Conclusion
Kyoto offered a mix of hits and misses. Kyoto Sizuya’s Melon Bun was our absolute favorite, a must-try. At Nishiki Market, the Deep Fried Fish Sausage Cutlet was great, but the Prawn Tempura was a costly disappointment. SNOOPY CHA-Ya was cute but average. 英 Nishiki Market offered fresh, albeit pricey, sushi. Finally, Coquelicot Blanc/Black Swan Coffee had unique looks but average taste. Kyoto’s food scene was an adventure, showcasing unique flavors and experiences.