The true joy of eating tempura at a Japanese soba restaurant…

A typical downtown Tokyo streetscape. The road from the Ebisu 3-Chome intersection toward Kitasato University.

But this is Shirokane. Shirokane, the place with an image of celebrity.

A traditional local soba restaurant just past Kitasato University.

The miso soup is topped with wakame seaweed and green onion. Lightly seasoned. Simple.

The kakiage is “vegetable kakiage.” Carrot, green onion, and sweet potato. Simple. The sauce is subtle, giving it a healthy feel. The vegetables are cooked al dente, or is this intentional? They’re still slightly chewy, like pasta.

The rice is sticky and soft. I wish there was a little more. Maybe it’s impossible in these times…

The sauce is well-absorbed, but the light flavor means you won’t end up consuming too much salt, so it’s reassuring!

Eating pickles in between brings the meal together. Was it calculated?

The katsu curry last time was delicious, but this time’s kakiage wasn’t that great?!

But the healthy flavors will be great for people middle-aged or older.