Yusurago

One diner describes the pleasure of finding sweet beans hidden inside a bowl of shaved ice as they eat their way through it. At Yusurago, Uji matcha shaved ice with sweet beans is a classic choice, while the menu also offers combinations such as milk with sake lees, milk with sake lees and sweet beans, green shiso and lemon, and rum and banana. These make for a change from strawberry or Uji matcha. A guest who ordered the Uji matcha version was pleased with its generous mound of ice and sweet beans all the way through. Other visitors have enjoyed the sake-lees shaved ice and the creamy rum-and-banana version, too, so there are different flavour directions to explore.

For a meal, consider the curry platter featuring chicken curry with cardamom and lemon alongside lentil dal curry. Both come with salad and side dishes, making it a convenient way to try two spiced curries together. The menu also lists options centred on vegetables, including Enmen noodles with soy milk and organic vegetables, and a millet rice set served with pickles, seaweed, a small side dish and the dish of the day. Enmen can also be ordered as a set with grilled rice balls or seasonal organic vegetable sushi, giving you a choice of combinations for a lighter meal.

Visitors describe the interior of the renovated machiya townhouse as a place lined with retro manga and books. You can settle in at a low table or on a sofa and browse while you wait for your meal. Coffee and chai are also available, whether you are stopping in for lunch or taking a break over shaved ice and a drink.