Akihana

Tucked in a modest multi-tenant building in the northeastern part of Kyoto, Akihana is a quaint, cafe-like eatery dedicated to classic Chinese dishes that departs from the city’s dashi-centric flavors. The chef’s approach to Sichuan cooking is brilliant for the sole fact that it sticks to the basics. Flavors are gutsy and bold, like the twice-cooked pork stir fry and shrimp slathered in chili sauce. Still embracing Japanese roots, the meal presentation is reminiscent of a traditional teishoku. The lunch set brings in small side dishes like single-portion shumai arriving in a petite steaming basket, while egg rolls, radish cake and smoked duck loin are served on beautiful mamezara plates. The mains are on the heartier side, which means diners often come in with a healthy appetite. Popular options include the silky mapo tofu, rich with douban paste and numbing Sichuan peppers and packed with wagyu beef sinew, although the fried chicken tossed with sweet and sour sauce is just as sumptuous. A particular highlight is the clever fried rice with crab and cabbage, and the XO fried rice with shrimp and dried fish. Round off with the almond pudding — a house specialty. Akihana is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant in 2024.