Experience Kyoto’s Unique Oden Culture
Oden is a popular Japanese dish, especially in the colder months. In Kyoto, oden is known for its light and delicate Kansai-style broth, which enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients. Many restaurants serve oden with local sake, making it a must-try for food lovers.
If you want to experience Kyoto’s oden culture, here are the 6 best oden restaurants in Kyoto that are popular among travelers.
1. Uri
Located in a small alley near Shijo Kawaramachi, Uri is a cozy and intimate oden restaurant. Their most famous dishes are the soft-boiled egg and beef tendon oden, both rich in flavor and perfectly paired with sake.
- Light Kansai-style broth enhances the flavors
- Famous for soft-boiled egg and beef tendon oden
- A hidden gem with a warm and relaxing atmosphere
▶ Visit Official Site: Osake to Shokuji Uri
2. Tamano Hikari
This unique restaurant is operated by Tamano Hikari, a famous sake brewery in Fushimi, Kyoto. Their oden is special because it is infused with sake lees (sakekasu), giving it a rich and slightly sweet taste.
- Special oden made with sake lees for a unique flavor
- Owned by a traditional sake brewery in Fushimi
- Perfect place for sake lovers to enjoy food pairings
▶ Visit Official Site: Tamano Hikari
3. Gokomachi ONO
If you’re looking for a casual and relaxed atmosphere, Gokomachi ONO is a great place to enjoy authentic oden. Their menu includes healthy vegetable-based oden, making it a popular choice for travelers.
- A variety of healthy vegetable oden options
- Casual and welcoming atmosphere for tourists
- Affordable and delicious Kyoto-style oden
▶ Visit Official Site: Gokomachi ONO
4. Musubi Kyoto
Musubi Kyoto offers a modern take on traditional oden, combining classic flavors with creative new ingredients. The stylish interior and excellent selection of local Kyoto sake make it a favorite among visitors.
- Fusion-style oden with creative ingredients
- Excellent selection of Kyoto’s local sake
- Modern and stylish atmosphere
▶ Visit Official Site: Musubi Kyoto
5. MURO
Located near Shijo Omiya Station, Oden to Kamameshi MURO is a popular restaurant serving Kyoto-style oden alongside flavorful kamameshi (rice pot dishes). Their oden is made with a light, umami-rich broth, carefully simmered to bring out the best flavors. Guests can also enjoy a wide selection of Kyoto sake, making it a great place to experience local flavors.
- Delicious Kyoto-style oden with a light, umami-rich broth
- Specialty kamameshi (rice pot dishes) available
- Cozy and welcoming atmosphere near Shijo Omiya Station
▶ Visit Official Site: Oden to Kamameshi MURO
6. Tsujii
Established in 1929, Tsujii is a long-standing oden specialty restaurant located in Kitaoji, Kyoto. With over 90 years of history, this shop continues to serve classic Kyoto-style oden, simmered to perfection in a rich, flavorful broth. The sight of the steaming oden pot filled with carefully cooked ingredients creates a nostalgic, heartwarming atmosphere.
- Founded in 1929, serving oden for over 90 years
- Traditional Kyoto-style oden simmered in a flavorful broth
- A cozy, retro atmosphere perfect for enjoying sake
▶ Visit Official Site: Tsujii
Final Thoughts
Oden is a warm and comforting dish that perfectly represents Kyoto’s delicate and refined cuisine. Whether you prefer traditional flavors or creative new styles, these five oden restaurants offer a great way to experience Kyoto’s food culture. Don’t forget to pair your meal with Kyoto’s famous sake for the ultimate dining experience!
FAQ
Kyoto oden is made with a light and delicate Kansai-style broth, which brings out the natural taste of the ingredients.
There are many great oden restaurants in Kyoto, especially in Shijo Kawaramachi and Fushimi, where you can also enjoy local sake.
Japanese sake is the best choice! Kyoto’s Fushimi sake is particularly famous and pairs well with oden.
Some popular restaurants may require a reservation, especially during peak seasons. It’s best to check in advance.
