Kotohogi

For a leisurely meal centred on vegetables and steamed dishes, consider Kotohogi fit & eat in Hakozaki, formerly Yōjō Café Kotohogi. Diners’ accounts and the menu point to two main choices: the varied Kotohogi set and the Iwattari set, which comes with chicken rice served with chicken broth. They offer different ways to suit your appetite.

The Kotohogi set brings together starters and small dishes, steamed vegetables cooked in a bamboo basket, a choice of main, rice and miso soup. One lunch began with a chilled purple-cabbage soup and three starters, followed by a colourful assortment of steamed vegetables served with three sauces and salt. The menu describes the same approach: enjoying the natural flavours of steamed ingredients with a sauce of your choice. One diner who chose salmon remembered the sweetness of the vegetables and the satisfying main; another account mentions chicken breast. The main varies with diners’ choices, making this an option both for a vegetable-forward meal and for a more substantial plate with fish or meat.

For something lighter, the Iwattari set includes keihan, an Amami-style chicken-broth rice dish. It pairs a small serving of keihan with low-temperature-steamed vegetables, the restaurant’s special shira-ae (vegetables dressed with tofu) and miso soup. One diner said the meal was filling despite its modest size, with vegetables to enjoy alongside the rice. The seasoning is generally gentle, letting the ingredients come through. Some diners have found the salt level just right, while others have found it mild, so it may suit those who like to bring the vegetables and dishes together with sauce rather than look for bold seasoning. The menu also lists a shōjin meal centred on vegetables; its miso soup can be changed to clear soup made with shiitake stock instead of bonito stock.

For a change from steamed dishes, the menu also offers Kotohogi curry, with a light, runny texture, and a non-fried katsu curry. The curry is described as brightly spiced, with onion and tomato; one diner also praised the katsu’s savoury aroma. Afterwards, there are classic pancakes served with homemade butter and honey from Yame citrus blossoms, or pancakes combining matcha and azuki beans.

Drinks include organic tea with a subtle sweetness and organic matcha served with a small traditional sweet made with wasanbon sugar. There are counter seats as well as terrace seating, making Kotohogi a comfortable choice for a solo lunch or a cup of tea.