There is a restaurant always bustling with customers near the intersection of Chuo 1-chome on Kurashiki Chuo-dori. There is no sign, just a simple "Kimuraya" written on the wall. You can see people dining, which piques your curiosity about what kind of dishes are available.
"Kimuraya" is the second store run by Kimura Naoki (木村直貴), who also operates "Curry and Coffee Shop 774" (カレーとコーヒーのお店774（ナナシ）) introduced in Kurashiki Tocotoco.
We covered the restaurant Kimuraya, which has a completely different menu and concept from Curry and Coffee Shop 774.
About the building of "Kimuraya"
Kimuraya opened on November 11, 2023. It offers a variety of international cuisine, mainly Chinese and ethnic dishes. The exterior has a white wall style, and it is a renovated old house.
Before Kimuraya, there was Fujishokudo, a diner that had been in operation for about 60 years. Kimuraya connects the dining area and kitchen of Fujishokudo with a building that used to be an oden (Japanese stew) shop, creating a single space. Since the two stores are connected, the structure is long horizontally.
The table seating includes small seats at the back, rectangular seats that can accommodate large groups in the front, and seats by the window where you can enjoy the view outside. They hope everyone can gather around the table and enjoy their meal in a homely atmosphere, which is why they have created large seating areas. The window-side seats are perfect for those who want to enjoy a quiet meal.
The left side of the entrance is where the former oden shop was located, and it features a kitchen and counter seating.
"I wanted to cook while chatting with customers," says Naokimu. A counter was established here, which could not be created at Curry and Coffee Shop 774 (774) due to structural reasons.
From the counter seats, you can closely observe the cooking process. Above all, conversing with Naokimu is enjoyable. Even while busy cooking, he responds carefully.
If you want to talk to Naokimu, please head to the counter seats.
The menu of "Kimuraya"
Kimuraya is open only for dinner. It is a restaurant mainly serving Chinese and ethnic dishes, which is unexpected from its appearance.
The menu includes items that are always available, but it changes frequently. You will likely encounter new dishes each time you visit.
While 774 offers curry and sweets, Kimuraya serves completely different dishes. However, the base menu of Kimuraya was offered during the night service of 774.
As of July 2024, 774 is not operating at night.
Why Chinese and ethnic cuisine? The reason is that Naokimu likes it, and it is a genre that is not available in the area where the shop is located.
Even the same menu can undergo minor changes in flavor.
For example, there is a story about ramen. One day, a customer who had a lot of food and natural wine at Kimuraya ordered ramen to finish off the meal.
The customer said, "The ramen itself is delicious, but it's not suitable for a finale. The flavor is too strong, and the meat is a bit heavy."
Taking the customer's words into account, the flavor was changed a week later.
Kombu was added to the soup, the tare was increased, and the flavor was adjusted with soy sauce and mirin. The amount of sauce for the braised pork chashu was reduced to lessen the sweetness, and the seasoning of the boiled egg was made milder. Aromatics were enhanced with green onion oil.
The large braised pork chashu was sliced thinner to avoid being too heavy. It became a bowl suitable for a finale.
"I changed the ramen once, but I will continue to make small changes. I will keep improving," said Naokimu.
Always aiming for the latest completed form and continuing to update, the passionate feelings were conveyed.
A Place to Enjoy Again and Again
Kimuraya continues to evolve. The menu is always changing, so some items may disappear, but here are some of the dishes that have been served.
Fried Rice
Fried rice has received overwhelming support from regular customers and has become a staple menu item. According to Naokimu, this dish will continue to be offered in the future.
Surprisingly fluffy, each grain of rice stands out. Large shrimp with a bouncy texture and braised pork are generously included, making it a rich fried rice. If you're unsure about the menu, this is a dish you should try first.
Dashi-Maki Tamago with Chinese Sauce
Dashi-maki tamago with Chinese sauce is also one of the staple menu items. It can be described as the egg part of a Tianjin rice dish transformed into dashi-maki. A dish that takes the best of both Japanese and Chinese cuisines.
Simple yet profound, dashi-maki tamago. Like fried rice, it has a charm that makes you want to eat it every time you visit.
Fried Horse Mackerel with Century Egg and Nara Pickles Tartare
Surprising culinary sense, fried horse mackerel with century egg and Nara pickles tartare. The tartare sauce contains the surprising combination of century egg and Nara pickles.
The chewy texture of the century egg is interesting, with a creaminess and richness that differs from chicken eggs, along with a salty flavor. The Nara pickles add a crunchy texture and sweetness. The tartare sauce with a taste you encounter for the first time is so delicious that it feels wasteful to leave any behind.
For the last bite, I gathered the sauce and placed it on the fried horse mackerel to eat.
Stir-fried Liver and Garlic Chives
Let me introduce the stir-fried liver and garlic chives, which I couldn't stop eating and finished in no time.
With large liver, new onions, green onions, and plenty of garlic chives, this dish is aromatic and whets the appetite.
This menu seems like it could recharge your energy, and it was a dish that made my body happy.
At Kimuraya, there are also small bites, substantial portions, and an ethnic-style curry with cutlet. The menu changes constantly, so what you can eat depends on the day. It's a place that offers excitement with every visit.
Kimuraya offers a variety of dishes. I spoke with the manager, Naokimu.
Kimuraya Data
| Name | Kimuraya |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-7-15 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-697-6397 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | 6 PM to 12 AM (Last Order 11 PM) |
| Regular Holidays | Irregular Holidays |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation | Available |
| Seating | 24 seats: 6 counter seats, 3 tables (for 4, 4, and 6 people), 4 window counter seats |
| Smoking | Completely Non-Smoking |
| Toilet | Western-style Toilet |
| Website | Kimuraya |
