A dreamy feast of curry rice and matcha cake amidst Kyoto’s maple leaves and snow scenery!

Text & Photos /Annie

It was my first time visiting Fire Lotus, and I happened to catch the shop on its irregular off day. I came back again and still couldn’t make it in, but on my third try, I finally got in.
(The first half of this article features photos from the first visit, and the second half from the second visit)

Fire Lotus is tucked away in a small alley along Oike Street, and it’s very easy to miss if you don’t look carefully.

On my first visit, it was snowing non-stop in Kyoto, and it was rare to see ginkgo leaves dusted with snow on the road.

There was a maple tree still in full color at the shop entrance, which completely captivated me as someone who had never seen autumn leaves before.

As soon as I walked in, I chose this seat so I could gaze out at the red leaves and snowy scenery.

The staff were worried I’d get cold and gave me another blanket (please ignore......my protruding belly).

That morning, I had rushed straight from the airport to Kyoto just to photograph the snow-covered Golden Pavilion. I was out in the snow all morning, and when I arrived at Fire Lotus for lunch, it was so warm that I ended up staying for quite a while before leaving. The snowy scenery outside the window was truly beautiful!

My top-rated curry rice is from Songbird Coffee, and the second place goes to this bowl — Fire Lotus’ classic curry rice.

Dessert after the meal: coffee jelly.

Since I wanted to try matcha cake, I later ordered an additional dessert.

The richly flavored matcha cake that left a lasting impression on me.

Second visit: that day, I had originally planned to go to another café, but unexpectedly, all the seats were reserved for other guests. After walking nearly a kilometer, I came back to Fire Lotus once again.

As usual, I ordered my favorite curry rice.

Dessert was, once again, the matcha cake.

cafe Fire Lotus
http://karirenge.exblog.jp/
74-4 Yanayahachō, Kamigyō-ku, Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu, Japan (Up Yanokōji-dōri, along Yanbayashō-dōri, on Kashiwaba-machi Street)

Annie @ Travel, Food & Play
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