Boasting the title of Kyoto’s No. 1 Oyako Nabe  — tender chicken and silky half-boiled egg

Text and photos byRight Up, 45-degree angle girl’s Japanese Flavors Travel Diary

Kyoto’s No. 1 Oyako Nabe<, right up took the chance to try it while cherry blossom viewing in central Kyoto. Look at this golden egg yolk sauce—makes my mouth water Up~

Located in central Kyoto’s Nishijin district, Toriganrou is a restaurant in a traditional machiya townhouse. Originally established in Gion, it moved to Nishijin in 1945 (Showa 20), and the original name “Toriganrou” was then prefixed with “Nishijin.” It’s a high-end restaurant, and besides its lunchtime-only Oyako Nabe<, it also offers sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and à la carte dishes.

The shopfront decor is quite elaborate (can we say that?), almost as if they’ve brought the garden’s stone flooring and ornaments right into the entrance. We arrived at noon and were lucky enough not to have to queue, only waiting about 3 minutes on the bamboo chairs inside.

This isn’t just decoration — it’s also a sink, because there’s no hand-washing area in the restroom~~

The main dining area for regular guests is on the second floor. Looking down at the garden from upstairs, one thought comes to mind... so crowded, there’s just so much stuff here (laughs).

It was about 1 PM by this time, and the first round of diners were enjoying their meals.

I really like this iron teapot — it’s rustic, very Japanese in style, but also quite heavy ! As for the tea, well, it’s just tea...

Lunchtime-only (12:00–14:00) Oyako Nabe<, one serving is just 800 Q?. The presentation is lovely, and the soup base is rich and savory. There’s also a small piece of mochi inside. It arrives hot and is best eaten quickly. The miso-based dipping sauce is quite salty, and the included dashi broth is also salty. Right Up has a lighter palate, but thankfully tea is provided.

[Nishijin Toriganrou]
Address: South side of Nishikikouji-dori, west of Chion-in, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City
TEL: (075) 441-4004
Closed: Regular holidays (please check the official site) Business hours: 12:00–21:00
Transportation: Take bus 59 to Senbon Imadegawa, then a 5-minute walk

Right Up, 45-degree angle girl’s Japanese Flavors Travel Diary
Just love going to Japan