A taste of Kyoto at Zeniya

The kaiseki restaurant is serving the region’s premium produce until the end of November

JAPANESE ingredients may be the gold standard for restaurants and food lovers alike, but delving into the bounty of the country’s respective prefectures brings with it a whole new level of appreciation.

Take Kyoto, home of traditional kaiseki, which would not have achieved such elevated status if it didn’t have the ingredients to show for it. The term kyoyasai, or simply “Kyoto vegetables”, was coined to describe heirloom vegetables grown in the mountainous region. Kyoto’s history as the original capital of Japan and home to the ruling class meant that there was a demand for top-grade produce, and the ideal terroir and climate to grow them in.

Of late, the Kyoto government has been actively promoting kyoyasai internationally, to spread the word on the quality of the region’s vegetables, seafood and Miyabi wagyu. For a taste of it, kaiseki restaurant Zeniya at Shangri-La Hotel is collaborating with Japanese importer Livlon to showcase Kyoto produce in its dinner menus until Nov 30.

Kyoto Miyabi wagyu served shabu-shabu style. PHOTO: ZENIYA

Expect dishes such as velvety bluefin tuna from Ine, Kyoto, chopped up with kyujo negi (leeks) and spiked with yuzu ichimi (chilli powder); Miyabi wagyu served shabu-shabu style; and a soup course of Kyoto amadai (tilefish) in dashi topped with a baby kanzashi carrot. Pickles made from giant Shogoin kabu or oversized turnips, and turnip greens are good with Tango gohan – an award-winning koshihikari rice. And for dessert, dig into warabi mochi smothered with traditional matcha and black bean powder.

Warabi mochi dusted with matcha and black bean powder. PHOTO: ZENIYA

Zeniya’s 11 to 13-course menus are priced at S$388, with introductory nine to 11-course menus at S$188 and S$288. 

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring the best of Kyoto, considering the region’s 1,200 years of food culture. If you want to try your hand at cooking kyoyasai and more in your own kitchen, check out Livlon’s online store at bishoku-by-livlon.myshopify.com.