Ryōtei Ichiriki

Roadtrip!! Well more like a day trip by train to Nagasaki so we could explore Shippoku Kaiseki Ryotei in a private room at Ichiriki, the oldest Shippoku restaurant in Nagasaki (and Japan.) Shippoku-ryori is Japanese traditional cuisine only found in Nagasaki prefecture, a mashup of Chinese, Dutch and Portuguese cuisine. Shippoku-ryori was born in Nagasaki when Chinese traders came and stay there in the begining of Edo period(1603-1868). Shippoku-ryori is deeply involved wtih Nasagasaki's history as the only port for Western countries and China under the isolationist foreign policy by Japanese government of Edo period. People saw and trade with foreign visitors, Chinese, Dutch and Portuguese, only in Dejima which is an island of Nagasaki. Unlike more traditional Japanese Kaiseki, here you will find everyone being served family style from communal dishes. It’s more folksy, less fussy. There is more of a meat focus, and they are not shy about mixing sweet and savory flavors . First course is always Ohire, a clear soup with bream after serving aperitif. Other Shippoku specific dishes we were served not found in traditionalKaiseki: Buta no Kakuni (Braised Pork Belly): This is arguably the most iconic Shippoku dish. It's a rich, slow-braised pork belly, deeply flavored with soy sauce, sugar, and sake/mirin, often cooked until incredibly tender and melt-in-your-mouth gelatinous. Its origins are clearly Chinese (similar to Dongpo pork). Hatoshi (ハトシ - Minced Shrimp Toast): Another famous fusion dish: it consists of minced shrimp (or other seafood/meat paste) spread onto slices of bread, then deep-fried until golden and crispy. It's a direct influence from Chinese cuisine (similar to shrimp toast) adapted with local ingredients. This was my favorite. Many of the other dishes are interpreted differently by the various restaurants . In the case of Ichiriki, they had a distinct Chinese influence. the stew w the fish, meat, and taro tasted very similar to a classic Cantonese white sauce. The egg drop soup, well, you get the idea. Even the red bean soup dessert. Ichiriki was founded in 1813 in the midst of the Kasei culture which flourished among townspeople. And it was a transition period to the last days of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Many activists trying to overthrow the Tokugawa Shogunate most likely the ruling factions, would have sat down at Ichiriki’s round table and discussed heatedly the future of Japan. All in all, a fascinating and very educational cultural experience in a 200 year old building with rather treacherous staircases. #thefoodietraveler #kuishinbo

First time in Nagasaki and we reserved dinner for 6 people. It was fantastic. The restaurant is very traditional in appearance, with private room overlooking a small garden. The service was prompt and friendly without being intrusive. But the main thing is the food was amazing. All the dishes were beautifully presented and taste was perfect. Really enjoyed this dinner!

料理がとても上品で素材の味を活かした調理をなされていると感じました。 卓袱料理の食べ方を教わりながらいただきました。 今回はご馳走になったため、金額的なことがわからないことから、評価を4としました。 写真は最初の3品です。(あとは写し忘れです。)