The Background of Starting a Café with a Buffet of Obanzai
The interview is based on the content from the initial coverage conducted in April 2019.
Could you tell us about the background of starting a café with a buffet of obanzai?
Miyake Sumiko
Kurashiki Café Ouka started as a subsidiary of Tora Soy Sauce and is now operated independently.
It began with the idea that “we need a place to propose ways to use soy sauce, not just to make it”.
Nowadays, soy sauce is not used as much anymore.
For sukiyaki, people use "sukiyaki sauce," and for ginger pork, "ginger pork sauce."
The taste of home cooking has disappeared, and I thought it would be nice to have a place where we can propose “you can do this with soy sauce”.
Despite the location being a bit hard to find, it has become so popular that there are lines outside on holidays.
Miyake Sumiko
I never thought it would become this popular.
There are hardly any restaurants around, and even if a udon shop opens, it quickly goes out of business.
It’s a difficult place because it’s hard to find and has an unwelcoming atmosphere, but after being featured on television, it has gradually become established.
Miyake Rika
Fortunately, there are families who come every week.
Not just mothers and children, but also grandmothers come along, and people of various ages enjoy it.
I think if it were during the bubble era, it probably wouldn’t have been popular, but now, such simple meals are in demand.
Many people say, “I came to eat vegetables because I can’t usually eat them.”
Popular Menu Items of Obanzai
What are the popular menu items of obanzai?
Miyake Rika
Japanese-style okara salad and sato no ko age (fried vegetables) are the popular ones.
At first, I didn’t think they would become staple items, but due to customer feedback, they have become regular offerings.
Recently, konnyaku (konjac) has also become very popular.
There are people who come specifically to eat konnyaku, and it is very popular with children as well.
Also, because it is refreshing, there are people who keep eating the beans (laughs).
The Commitment to "Creating Space" as a Kominka Café
Please tell us about your commitment to creating space.
Miyake Sumiko
I am particular about using local materials.
For example, I sell handmade goods from woodcarvers and potters in Okayama.
The dishes are also served on Bizen ware and Kurashiki Glass.
The entrance's noren (traditional shop curtain) is custom-made by someone in Katsuyama (Katsuyama: Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture).
It was made using colors that represent Matsubara, cherry blossoms, and the river (pond).
Commitment and Thoughts on "Soy Sauce"
Finally, could you share your commitment to soy sauce and your future plans?
Miyake Rika
Even though we say "soy sauce," there are various types. Therefore, I make sure that various soy sauce flavors can be enjoyed with obanzai.
Processed soy sauce products are also popular, so I would like people to try the egg over rice with yellow chives soy sauce.
In the future, I would like to offer soy sauce-making experiences and allow customers to buy specialty soy sauce by weight.
As a housewife, I feel it’s a waste to throw away soy sauce bottles and plastic bottles.
In the past, we used to keep soy sauce bottles for reuse, but that has decreased now.
I would be happy if people could enjoy the taste of home cooking using specialty soy sauce.
Conclusion
In the nostalgic atmosphere of an old folk house, you can enjoy a buffet of obanzai at Kurashiki Café Ouka.
I felt a warm consideration for food in the commitment to soy sauce and the gentle taste of obanzai that is made with time.
After playing at Sakatsu Park, it might be nice to visit for a family meal.
When you actually try the obanzai, you can feel a gentle sensation that warms your heart.
Please do stop by.
- Photography: Yoshino Nako
Data on Kurashiki Café Ouka
| Name | Kurashiki Café Ouka |
|---|---|
| Address | 2429 Sakatsu, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-441-8713 |
| Parking | Available 4 cars |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM *Lunch time until 3:00 PM |
| Regular Holiday | Thursday |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation | Available |
| Seating | 24 seats total: ・4-person tatami seating × 4 ・2-person tatami seating × 4 |
| Smoking | Non-smoking (smoking allowed only in designated areas) |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Website | Kurashiki Café Ouka Instagram |
