Toriyasa

At Toriyasa, the pleasure of chicken hot pot lies not only in the ingredients but also in the concentrated chicken flavour of the broth. Some diners say they tried it first on its own, then found that a pinch of salt brought out a different kind of flavour. One account of a set meal describes crispy chicken-skin crackers followed by the hot pot, with rice porridge to finish. Savour the broth as you go, leaving room to appreciate the final bowl, too.

For dinner, the menu also lists rice porridge made with a rich chicken-bone broth. You could enjoy the hot pot through to its rice-porridge finish, or make the porridge the centrepiece of the meal. At lunch, one diner who shared the chicken soba and chicken porridge courses with a companion recalled a broth that was rich yet refreshing, and tender meat. The lunch menu offers its own choices, making it an option for a different kind of meal from an evening gathered around the hot pot.

Other dishes include rolled omelette, salted grilled chicken thigh and fried chicken. One diner who ordered both the hot pot and fried chicken singled out the latter’s seasoning, making it a tempting addition to a meal centred on the pot. The menu also lists blanched pike conger as a summer-only special; one visitor’s account describes enjoying it alongside the hot pot. Japanese sake is also listed, offering another pairing to consider with the hot pot or seasonal dishes.

There are terrace seats and private rooms, and one diner enjoyed a leisurely dinner in a private room overlooking the Kamo River. Reservations are recommended for both lunch and dinner, so consider booking once your plans are set.