Chugoku Ryori Ichiban

One review’s description of the sweet-and-sour pork stands out: despite the large pieces of meat, they were remarkably tender. It is an appealing first choice if you are unsure what to order at Chugoku Ryori Ichiban. A reviewer also notes that the stir-fried vegetables include celery, adding another point of interest to this classic dish.

For the liver and garlic-chive stir-fry, the liver is deep-fried before being stir-fried with the other ingredients. One reviewer says this helps the flavours cling to it, and notes that the dish also includes wood ear mushrooms. The set meal of liver and garlic-chive stir-fry and the gyoza are among the menu highlights, making this a good option for a filling lunch, with dumplings on the side if you like.

If you cannot decide, the daily set meal is another option. A review describing one day’s meal mentions a main dish served with several grilled gyoza, chilled tofu, zha cai, soup and rice. When the gyoza had sold out, boiled dumplings were sometimes served instead. The reviewer says the day’s main dish was listed on a whiteboard inside, so there is the pleasure of seeing what is on offer and choosing the set if it appeals.

Chugoku Ryori Ichiban in Hamadayama is open from Thursday to Sunday, from 11:30 to 15:00. For lunch, choose between the sweet-and-sour pork, liver and garlic-chive stir-fry, or the daily set, depending on what you fancy that day.