A Place Where Sweets and Oden Come Together
Published: November 29, 2024
※Prices are subject to change from those in effect at the time of the interview. Please contact the store directly for the latest information.
At “Oden Nakamura,” you can enjoy the unique combination of oden (Japanese one-pot dishes) and sweets. The owner, a former pastry chef, dedicated 30 years to making cakes at a hotel.
The interior features a calm and cozy atmosphere, with a counter and tables uniquely designed with sake masu boxes.
These features honor Japanese culture and create a warm, intimate dining experience. With soft lighting and natural wood accents, it’s the perfect place to relax, whether eating alone or with friends. Every detail encourages you to slow down and enjoy the moment.
The menu offers a wide variety, including oden, desserts, and local sake. For those unfamiliar, oden is a traditional Japanese dish with ingredients like daikon radish, eggs, fish cakes, and tofu simmered in a flavorful dashi broth. Each bite absorbs the rich, savory essence of the broth, making it a warming and deeply satisfying meal.
The broth at “Oden Nakamura” is rich and flavorful, made with bonito flakes and kombu.The broth here is the dish’s soul, balancing richness and subtlety. This flavorful base infuses each ingredient with layers of umami, transforming simple components like daikon radish or tofu into culinary masterpieces.
The broth at “Oden Nakamura” is rich and flavorful, made with bonito flakes and kombu.The broth here is the dish’s soul, balancing richness and subtlety. This flavorful base infuses each ingredient with layers of umami, transforming simple components like daikon radish or tofu into culinary masterpieces.
Oden: Handmade tsukune (left) and tomato topped with tororo kombu (right).
*Tsukune (Japanese chicken meatball) and tororo kombu (sticky food made from grating a yam and kelp)
Side Dishes: Stewed offal (left) and cream cheese with bonito flakes and soy sauce (right).
The stewed offal is a rich and savory option, slow-cooked for depth of flavor. The cream cheese, topped with bonito flakes and soy sauce, offers a unique blend of creamy and umami tastes.
The owner carefully selected the sake, perfectly paired with oden, through extensive tasting, featuring various dry options.
Additionally, the restaurant features nihonshu sold in charmingly designed small bottles, making them a treat for the palate and a delight to the eyes. These bottles add a touch of artistry to the table, making them a perfect souvenir or gift for sake enthusiasts.
They recommend trying sake mixed with dashi broth and shichimi chili pepper for added flavor.
Interestingly, if about half to one-third of the sake is left in a small bottle, you can have it blended with oden broth and chili peppers. It is an unexpected twist I hadn’t tried before, but I found the taste surprisingly enjoyable: a warm, savory, and slightly spicy treat that perfectly complements the meal.
The “Nougat Glacé,” crafted by the former pastry owner, is the perfect dessert to enjoy after your meal.
Each dessert on the menu is made with meticulous care, reflecting the chef’s expertise and passion for creating sweet masterpieces.
It seamlessly blends tradition and creativity, offering high-quality oden paired with thoughtfully selected sake and a dessert menu that stands out as one of the best in its category. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick meal or looking to indulge in a unique combination of savory and sweet, this restaurant provides an inviting space and an unforgettable dining experience.
“Oden Nakamura” is where you can easily drop by, even alone.
≪English Reporter Journalist Profile≫
・Name：Grégoire Renais
・Age：Thirties
・Nationality：France
・Hobbies：Hiking, Photography (Landscapes, Japanese cultural events)
※Information is based on November 2024. Prices, operating hours, and other details may change. Please verify with the store directly.
※The types of sushi mentioned in the article may vary depending on the supply
conditions.
