With its beautiful temples, breathtaking scenery, slower pace of life, delicious halal ramen and kaiseki, it's no wonder that Kyoto is one of our favourite cities in Japan (as well as many of our readers' favourite)! On our recent trip to Kyoto during Autumn, we discovered one more reason to love the city - the BEST wagyu we've ever tasted!
We have to admit that our meal was pretty pricey but to try halal Wagyu and authentic yakiniku? Trust us, Nanzan is worth every yen.
Take your pick from the two Muslim-friendly set meals available - each comes with salad, rice, soup and dessert. We were first served salad with sesame seed house dressing and it was so good that our non-veggie-lover writer finished it!
Next, we had a bowl of piping hot bowl of Wakame Seaweed soup which was perfect for the cold weather!
Both sets include Kyotankuro Wagyu - the highest quality of beef produced in Kyoto Prefecture! The Kyoto Wagyu BBQ set (¥5000) includes 5 different cuts and assorted vegetables. The mushroom was really juicy and perfect on the grill, yum!
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The star of our meal was the Kyoto Wagyu Steak set (¥8000). No explanation needed because... JUST LOOK AT THE MARBLING.
No other steak can compare now that we've tried this! Although the meat wasn't marinated, it was very flavorful and perfect with just a dash of salt. It was super juicy and tender too! We're salivating just thinking of the wonderful meal we had...
If you're still craving for more after your set meal, there are a number of items on the ala-carte menu: additional cuts, scallops, squid, wagyu sushi. Find out more here!
We ended our meal with Nanzan's homemade Wild Grape jelly which was really refreshing with a tinge of sourness, nothing like the overly sweet grape flavour we were expecting. If grape's not your thing, the almond milk jelly and mango/yuzu sorbet is available on the menu too.
#HHWT Tip: Do remember to make your reservation at least 3 days in advance by calling the restaurant at +81-(0)75-722-4131. It will be easier to ask your hotel concierge for help if you're not able to speak Japanese.
Just in case you're wondering when's the best time to visit Kyoto, the city is especially gorgeous during the cherry blossom season! You will need to start making your reservations now as prices are climbing higher as we speak. Time to start your travel planning for 2016, perhaps? :P
Address: Kitayama Notre Dame Mae, 31 Shimogamo Kitanononogami-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto city 606-0846
Directions: A 5 minute walk from Matsugasaki Station (Karasuma Line) (Approximately 20 minute train ride from Kyoto Station)
Opening Hours: 11am - 10.30pm (Last order at 10pm)
Price: From ¥5000 (excluding tax)
Credit: Nanzan
Contact: +81-(0)75-722-4131
Info:Nanzan Grill Website
P.S. If you're travelling to Tokyo as well, don't forget to visit Gyumon for halal yakiniku! It's located in Shibuya so it's the perfect place to rest your weary feet after a crazy day of shopping!