There’s a Michelin-starred yakitori restaurant in Kinshicho. It’s on the small side, but the interior and service are neat and tidy, and the prices are reasonable, so it’s a very satisfying place. A member of my foodie club came over from Seoul, and we went together.

Beer first, of course

Perfect.

Tsukemono (pickles)

Tomato salad

I think we ordered this separately.

This was my second visit, and it felt much like the first. It’s high-level, refined yakitori; I personally lean toward the rougher, more rustic style, but this is good too. And when someone else is picking up the tab, there’s really nothing more to say.

Sasami (chicken tenderloin)

Onion, and I can’t quite remember what the other one was…

Liver

Eggplant and tsukune

Kinchaku (stuffed tofu pouch)

Quail eggs and nankotsu (cartilage)

Matsutake

Kawa (skin)

Tomato

Tebasaki (wing)

Ginnan (ginkgo nuts)

Soup

Excellent value for money, and a remarkably high proportion of the customers were foreigners. That’s Michelin for you. Michelin has arrived in Korea too and stirred up plenty of debate, but I expect it will end up playing a role similar to the one it plays in Japan. Of course, the guide isn’t gospel, so it’s best used in moderation.

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