Dinner at Riba Tei (里葉亭)

Dinner at Riba Tei (里葉亭)

at Riba Tei (里葉亭) on 7 May 2026
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A visit to the renowned restaurant "Riba Tei" in Kannai, which continues to impress food enthusiasts.As I settled into my seat, the excitement built even before passing through the noren curtain. The meal began with a vibrant array of pickled vegetables, gently awakening my appetite. The depth of fermentation and the freshness of the vegetables served as a perfect prelude to the feast that was about to unfold.The first skewer, "Heart," was cooked to perfection, maintaining a delightful bounce and juiciness. The ginger topping accentuated the sweetness of the meat beautifully.Particularly noteworthy was the "Kousaka Chicken Breast." This skewer, featuring okra, was completely free of dryness. With its moist and luscious texture, the robust umami burst forth with each bite, showcasing the chef's remarkable skill in cooking.The crispy and fragrant "Deep-fried Chicken Wings" and the large, juicy "Chicken Skin"—crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside—created a wonderful balance of textures and flavors.Moreover, the quality of the side dishes served between the skewers was exceptional.The "Pork and Eggplant with Sansho" provided a refreshing tingle from the sansho, acting as a delightful reset, while the "New Potato with Shuto" harmonized the sweetness of the fluffy potatoes with the bold saltiness of the shuto.These sinful flavors inevitably quickened the pace of our drinking. The moistly cooked duck breast topped with vibrant green condiments and the thick shiitake mushrooms, bursting with rich juices upon biting, showcased the ingredients' potential to the fullest.After indulging in a whirlwind of skewers, including the rare white liver and classic tsukune, I couldn't resist ordering additional gizzards and chicken skin, savoring their delightful crunch and exquisite fat until the very end.Finally, the blissful conclusion of the meal was the "Curry Fried Rice," a dish that has become synonymous with Riba Tei. This plate, spicy yet rich with concentrated chicken flavor, combined with the deeply satisfying "Chicken Soup," is nothing short of spectacular, no matter how many times I experience it. It was a night enveloped in overwhelming satisfaction, where traditional craftsmanship and a quest for excellence were evident in every skewer and dish.

9 / 10