Interview with Eiraku
We spoke with Eiraku Minami about the background of starting her shop, her commitment to the menu, and her future aspirations.
I want to broaden my proposals. The journey to starting Tamashima Lunch Stand
Please tell us about the background of starting Tamashima Lunch Stand.
Eiraku
I have always enjoyed thinking about food and health, and before starting my shop, I worked as a clinical dietitian in a hospital.
As a clinical dietitian, my job was to consider the meals for patients and provide nutritional guidance. However, being in a hospital, there are inevitably limitations on the menu I can propose.
Regarding meals, I don't want to impose restrictions, but as a hospital, I have to, and I felt uncomfortable in that situation.
In that context, my brother started Tamashima Bar BRUNO (a bar that operates at night in the same location). During the day, the shop was empty, which felt wasteful, and if it were my own shop, I could broaden my proposals.
For those reasons, I started Tamashima Lunch Stand.
Recommended menu: Weekly supplement lunch
I would like to hear about your recommended menu.
Eiraku
It's the supplement lunch.
I create the menu weekly, serving seasonal items.
There are definitely seasons when fatigue is more likely to set in. When deciding on the menu, I listen to the recent health conditions of customers and staff, and create dishes that match the temperature.
I want to incorporate what I feel in my body into the meals, and I hope to prevent illness through food.
It's amazing that you come up with a new menu every week. What motivates you?
Eiraku
It's definitely the presence of the customers.
There are people who come every week, and I feel that I can't serve the same menu.
Also, when I get seasonal vegetables, the excitement of thinking about how to cook them is also a motivation.
Thank you. Please tell us about your commitment to ingredients.
Eiraku
I want to use fresh, high-quality ingredients rather than frozen ones. I communicate directly with farmers to have them deliver the ingredients.
Fresh vegetables last longer, so I believe that ultimately, the costs will go down.
Eiraku's future challenges
Finally, is there anything you want to pursue in the future?
Eiraku
I want to take on new challenges.
When I participated in a sweet bean paste dessert project in Kurashiki City, I learned how to cook sweet bean paste, which broadened my menu options.
In the summer of 2025, I plan to challenge myself with Kurashiki Afternoon Tea. Afternoon tea involves a large number of items, and I am currently pondering what dishes to serve.
However, I believe that I need to expand my activities on my own, so I will take on challenges with a spirit of trying.
Conclusion
Fresh vegetables and carefully prepared side dishes make you feel like you are doing something good for your body just by eating them. At Tamashima Lunch Stand, you can enjoy nutrient-rich lunches made by dietitian Eiraku.
In particular, the weekly "supplement lunch" is not only delicious but also a menu that revitalizes both the mind and body. Behind the deliciousness of the dishes lies Eiraku's desire to deliver health to customers through meals.
Especially when daily life gets busy and meals tend to be neglected, why not take care of your mind and body with a heartfelt lunch?
Data on Tamashima Lunch Stand
| Name | Tamashima Lunch Stand |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-91-1 Shin-Kurashiki Station, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-486-5089 |
| Parking | Available 8 spaces in front of the shop (not available when other shops are open for lunch) 5 spaces on the west side of the shop |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Last order at 2:00 PM) |
| Regular Holidays | Sundays, public holidays 1st and 3rd Mondays |
| Payment Methods |
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| Reservations | Accepted Reservations can be made by phone or via Instagram DM |
| Seating | [1st Floor] 1 table for 2, 1 table for 4, multiple counter seats [2nd Floor] 5 tables for 4 |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Restrooms | Western-style toilet, Japanese-style toilet |
| Childcare | Child seats available |
| Barrier-Free | No barrier-free access |
| Website | Tamashima Lunch Stand Instagram |
