[Fukuoka Lunch] The best inari of my life, found in Daimyo
Today is not about work. It is about a very, very important lunch after work.
I have a work partner, Kubocchi. They are by my side in the conference room and on-site, and before I know it, we are together at lunchtime.
Perhaps they are closer to a guardian than a partner. That is because I have no sense of direction. And I don't just have a poor sense of direction.
I am a die-hard directionally challenged person who can turn at the same intersection twice and end up back where I started.
Today, too,"There is a good udon shop in Daimyo."Kubocchi said, so I nodded along and followed. My internal GPS is always out of range, so this"following"is the safest way for me to get around.
We arrived at a shop called"Kamakiri Udon."The navy blue noren curtain was dazzling, and the vibe of"Oh, this is a proper udon shop"was coming through loud and clear.
When I went inside, there was a wooden counter and the smell of steam. It was that comforting scent unique to udon shops.
Kubocchi orderedudon with beef tendon and burdock tempura.I hadburdock tempura udon,topped with tororo kombu.And, somehow, my mouth moved on its own and said,"Please give me an inari, too."Little did I know at the time that this"somehow"would become the star of the day.
Starting with the udon that was brought out first. The noodles were smooth, and the broth had a gentle Japanese dashi flavor.The beef tendonwas stewed until it was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and theburdock tempurawas crispy and fragrant.
Adding the tororo kombugave the broth a bit of thickness and mellowness, which was quite satisfying in its own right."It's normally delicious,"I thought as I ate along. However, the moment I took a bite of the
inari,my chopsticks stopped.
The way the sweet and salty fried tofu was soaked was exquisite. It wasn't too sweet from being over-soaked, nor was it lacking in flavor.
When you bite into it, the flavor of the dashi spreads out, and the balance with the vinegared rice is perfect. Thisvinegared ricewas irresistibly delicious.
I pride myself on being someone who has eaten a fair number ofinari sushiin my life, but I will be honest. It was by far the number one inari I have ever eaten. Driven by a sense of mission that
"I must have my daughter try this,"before I knew it, I had asked for two to go. That the biggest memory of coming to anudon shopwould be theinariis an unexpected turn of events, even for me. Thanks to Kubocchi, who safely guided me again today, and that
inarithat gave me an unexpected encounter. I never thought a lunch after work would become such a memorable dish. I'll have them take me again. Next time, I won't get lost, and I'll order two
inarifrom the start.
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