A Culinary Journey Through Sushi Omakase: An Exquisite 19-Course Dinner at Sushi Rakumi, Kyoto
- I Love Food
- Jun 4
- 3 min read
Youtuber: Walk with Fa
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WalkwithFa
Restaurant Name: Sushi Rakumi
Address: 332-6 Miyoshicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0081, Giappone
Restaurant Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/f858ZHEYcMuZ4FHf9
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A Culinary Journey Through Sushi Omakase: An Exquisite 19-Course Dinner at Sushi Rakumi, Kyoto
🗾 **Setting the Scene**
At Sushi Rakumi in Kyoto, Japan, the evening offers a unique dining experience unlike any other. This traditional and cozy restaurant boasts a stunning hexagonal bar that lights up the entire room, creating a warm atmosphere perfect for savoring the exquisite sushi omakase dinner.
👨🍳 **The Maestro Behind the Sushi**
Chef Kazuya Nomura, a culinary expert trained for years in a Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant, has opened his own establishment which features a creative omakase course combining traditional dishes with remarkable Edomae-style sushi. The restaurant, opened in 2019, has quickly become renowned for its quality and the chef's exceptional skills, earning a Michelin star in consecutive years.
🍣 **The First Bite**
The journey begins with delightful warm dishes, starting with seasonal buri that is slightly charred, releasing an aromatic scent and velvety oily fat. Served with soft daikon radish, it complements the creamy white miso soup from Kyoto, topped with hints of minari and yuzu, making for a brilliant opening course.
🐟 **A Fusion of Flavors**
Next, diners can appreciate the unique texture and clean flavor of fugu, paired beautifully with a creamy and nutty an-kimo sauce, enhanced by finely chopped green onions for added flavor. The experience becomes interactive as Chef Nomura encourages guests to pour the remaining sauce over shirako, a soft fish roe, elevating the dish further with a hint of ponzu sauce for a refreshing zest.
🍤 **Perfectly Cooked Seafood**
The hotate, lightly crisped to a golden hue, shines with its incredible sweetness and firm yet juicy meat, topped with karasumi for a lovely umami twist. Meanwhile, the namako boasts a delightful crunch, marinated in vinegar and garnished with finely grated daikon to impart a refreshing sharpness.
🦑 **Savoring the Squid**
One of the highlights is the ika (squid), where the chef emphasizes the sweetness that comes from proper cutting techniques. Sweet and creamy, the squid showcases a delightful texture that melts in the mouth, truly setting the stage for a wonderful sushi experience.
🐠 **Rich and Flavorful Sushi**
As the meal progresses, the shima aji (striped jack) proves to be a light and flavorful bite, adorned with a touch of ginger paste, balancing its sweet and savory notes perfectly. This is followed by an array of appetizers, including skewered grilled squid, a delightful respite from sushi that reveals rich, buttery flavors in its accompanying liver sauce.
🍚 **A Unique Rice Experience**
Chef Nomura also presents rice paired with the delectable, tender squid. The harmony of flavors is outstanding, and for those who adore squid, a visit to Sushi Rakumi during the season is highly recommended.
🦀 **Artistry in Each Dish**
The chawanmushi, filled with sweet crab meat and a thick kani miso sauce, delivers a warm, luscious experience that is elegantly crafted. The richness of the chūtoro (fatty tuna) and akami zuke (marinated lean tuna) showcases the chef's talent, offering unique pairs with wasabi and red vinegar rice that intensify the experience of each bite.
🐟 **Finale of Flavors**
As the omakase course culminates, seasonal uni (sea urchin) emerges as a star, delivering refreshing oceanic sweetness complemented by a slightly smoky aroma from bamboo grilling. To conclude the experience, a handmade maguro roll encapsulates a burst of flavors and textures, leaving diners in awe.
🍓 **A Sweet Ending**
The meal wraps up with tamagoyaki, a sweet Japanese omelet, and fresh strawberries from Mie. The strawberries are plump, juicy, and fragrant, bringing a refreshing finish to an extraordinary dining adventure.
🔍 **A Memorable Experience**
The quality of ingredients, inventive dishes, and personal touch from Chef Nomura create a remarkable sushi omakase experience that is highly recommended for those visiting Kyoto. The inviting ambiance and exceptional skills displayed throughout the meal truly make Sushi Rakumi a gem in the city's culinary scene.