Choshoku Kishin

The name “choshoku kishin” roughly translates to “joyful breakfast,” drawing from the Zen Buddhist teaching that eating and cooking are the better parts of life. Occupying a quiet space along the path of Hanami-koji Street, the eatery curates a relaxed, breakfast-only menu that follows the patient progression of the Japanese tea ceremony. Meal starts by selecting your serving bowl and follows a simple principle: one rice, one soup. Perfectly plump and steaming in a clay pot, rice is portioned bit by bit, so the excitement lies in savoring the changes in the grain’s texture as the cooking continues. By the time the scoop reaches the bottom, a layer of crisped rice becomes a delightful surprise. The gentleness of the flavors and the inspiration for the menu stem from homemade dishes by the owner’s mother. The Kyoto white miso soup with pork and seasonal vegetables is one of the more popular choices, but expect a string of other ever-changing options as the season unfolds. What remains constant is the emphasis on harvests sourced from Kyoto and Kamakura. Charcoal-grilled maruboshi sardine and house-made pickles become the perfect side dish. Service is courteous with a personable touch — this is where you’d go for a traditionalist breakfast in Kyoto. Reservations are required.