This was my first visit to Sazenka, a place I had wanted to try for a long time! It is the first Chinese restaurant in Japan to earn three Michelin stars. As a side note, the executive chef, Mr. Kawada, is from Tochigi Prefecture, just like me! That definitely added to my excitement! Being a Chinese restaurant, the flavors are bold and impactful, yet surprisingly light and free from any heaviness on the stomach! ( ☆∀☆) I know it sounds cliché, but the shark fin soup prepared in a white broth was incredibly delicious! I’ve had wide shark fins before, but I’ve never encountered such thick ones! The signature dish, Yunbai Rou, was a stunning culinary masterpiece that left me speechless! ( ；∀；) And surprisingly, this beautiful Yunbai Rou pairs perfectly with rice, making it incredibly easy to eat! When combined with Mapo Tofu, I could easily finish about six bowls of rice… haha! The staff even joked about running out of rice from the clay pot! (^_^;) The service from the staff was excellent, striking the perfect balance between being friendly and professional! I can’t thank Mr. O enough for making this reservation for me! ( ；∀；) Chef Kawada even took the time to see me off outside as I was leaving, which I truly appreciated. We had a lovely chat about our hometowns while exchanging business cards, and it made me very happy! (*^^*) As I walked to the parking lot, I turned back to see Chef Kawada and the staff still waving goodbye at the entrance… ((( ；ﾟДﾟ))) There’s a saying by the renowned tea master Ii Naosuke, "Three steps to welcome, seven steps to see off," and I felt that the essence of this sentiment was beautifully expressed in the tea at Sazenka, without being overbearing, yet meaningful at times. It was truly an honor for us. m(__)m I know that making a reservation is quite difficult, but I will definitely stop by again someday. I am grateful for the opportunity to enjoy such a meal today. It was a great meal!
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