I can recommend the long-established tempura restaurant called Nakasei with confidence

Whenever I find a really nice restaurant, I feel exquisite pleasure.

So I make a point of writing about it in my blog.

The long-established tempura restaurant called, “Nakasei” is located next to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo.

Normally, Senso-ji Temple is always filled with tourists visiting Japan, but it has been relatively uncrowded because of the COVID-19 spike lately.

Nakasei is a secluded place in contrast to the hustle and bustle of neighboring Senso-ji Temple. 

The appearance of the restaurant is reminiscent of ancient times. 

That is only natural because this restaurant was established over 250 years ago.

A female staff member, who was wearing a kimono greeted me with a smile.

I told her that I’d like to have the course meal.

She showed me into the innermost Japanese room of the restaurant.

Though that room was covered with tatami mats, there were some tables and chairs.

A small Japanese-style inner court could be seen from the room.

There was a pond in the inner court, and some colored carps were swimming in it.

I really liked that traditional Japanese atmosphere.

In addition, the stillness of this traditional restaurant made me forget I was in the middle of Tokyo.

At first, the appetizer was served.

A branch of cherry blossoms called, Keiou Zakura was attached to the tray.

It is winter now, so it is not cherry blossom season.

Keiou Zakura is a particular kind of cherry blossom that blooms in winter.

I thought that it was an exquisite presentation.

This branch of Keiou Zakra on the tray made me look forward to spring.

Actually, spring is just around the corner.

The appetizer consisted of squid tempura with Shiso herb, some taros with sticky sauce, grilled trout, and sweetend chestnut.

It was so delicious.

The next was assorted tempura.

It consisted of two prawns, a conger eel, a flathead fish, and a sand borer.

They were completely different from the tempura that is sold at the supermarket.

They were not greasy at all, and I could definitely taste the flavors of each ingredient.

They were simply amazing.

After I finished eating the assorted tempura, Tencha was served.

Tencha means Tempura-chazuke (tempura on rice with soup poured over the top).

This tempura was the mixed tempura with shrimp.

It was also amazing.

Lastly, some fruits (two strawberries and two slices of orange) were served.

I enjoyed their amazing tempura, and I’d love to go there again.

Their tempura was definitely authentic.

I generally don’t like deep-fried foods.

This is because such greasy foods give me indigestion.

However, the authentic tempura doesn’t sit heavy in the stomach at all.

Tempura is a simple dish, so I can easily make it at home, but it is far from the authentic tempura.

Simple often means very profound in traditional Japanese culture.

I think that authentic tempura shows the profundity of this Japanese culinary art.

I can recommend the long-established tempura restaurant called Nakasei with confidence.