On my recent trip to Japan, I made an eye-opening discovery that changed my attitude toward a comfort food called oyakodon (a dish featuring simmered eggs and chicken). During my stay in Kyoto, I came across a restaurant called Nakau, located near the hotel I was staying at. Nakau is a fast-food chain in Japan known for its oyakodon rice bowls and Kyoto-style udon noodles. It was always packed with people whenever I passed by, and from my experience in Singapore, long queues usually mean good food. Hence, I decided to step in and give it a try.
After browsing the menu for a while, I decided to order their oyakodon, one of their specialties. I chose an oyakodon set meal (500 yen / SGD 4.15), which came with a green salad. I also ordered a half-size kitsune udon (220 yen / SGD 1.84). Altogether, I paid 770 yen, or about SGD 6.40, for both items.
The oyakodon looked mouth-watering, with a golden hue from the egg covering the rice. I could see chunks of chicken cooked together with the egg. The taste was divine—the soft egg had a sweet and savoury flavour from the mirin, while the chicken was tender and juicy. The rice was moist and chewy, soaked in the sauce that had been drizzled over it during cooking. It was the best bowl of oyakodon I have ever tasted, as it was packed with flavour.
The salad was served cold, with fresh and juicy lettuce. It also included corn, broccoli, and slices of tomato, making it a refreshing palate cleanser after finishing the oyakodon. The udon noodles came topped with crispy tempura flakes. They were slippery, smooth, and delightfully chewy, and were served with spring onions and a piece of chikuwa (Japanese fish cake). My only complaint was that the soup was slightly too salty.
Overall, it was a very satisfying meal. For just SGD 6.40, I enjoyed a generous spread of rice, salad, and noodles. You would be hard-pressed to find a similar meal at that price in Singapore, which is why I love Japan and its affordable food. My experience at Nakau was thoroughly gratifying, and I wouldn’t mind having it again the next time I visit Japan.
Rating:
Food: 8/10
Ambience: 5/10
Affordability: 10/10
