01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
On a street in Saginomiya, Kame-no-O is a Chinese restaurant known for adding subtle aromas and thoughtful touches to classic neighbourhood-style dishes. The range of mapo tofu stands out: there is a classic version with a pronounced Sichuan-pepper tingle and heat, as well as white mapo tofu, whose clear, savoury sauce brings the fresh heat of green chilli and green Sichuan pepper. The choices suit different preferences for spice and flavour. Small plates include meat, garlic and shiso dumplings served with vinegar and chilli oil, and boiled dumplings topped with coriander. Their fragrant aromas make an inviting start to the meal.
For a more substantial meal, there is fragrant fried rice served in a deep bowl, alongside set meals. Fried rice ranges from simple egg and mixed versions to a combination of prawn and coriander, as well as a livelier option seasoned with green chilli, garlic and roast pork. Twice-cooked pork, sweet-and-sour pork and stir-fried water jellyfish with egg are among the set-meal options, with richly flavoured sauces that go well with rice. They make a satisfying choice at lunch or in the evening.
A few tables make for a compact, unpretentious dining room. It suits a casual meal alone as well as an evening drink with small plates, in a setting with a relaxed feel. Casual starters include dried tofu tossed with coriander, green zha cai and spring rolls, rounding out a meal of freshly made Chinese food without any fuss. Seating is limited, so the restaurant can get busy at peak times. Bear in mind that payment is cash only.
