How much do you know about Okinawan cuisine? Call myself a big Japanese food fan, my knowledge to this culinary branch of the southern Japan is very much limited to its bittergourds, and the influence of Chinese cuisine in its dishes.
Curious have I been to learn more, Mimigar, one of the fine Japanese restaurants at the Gallery Hotel, has been high on my list. After several failed walk-in attempts to get a seat, I finally gave in and made my reversation one month in advance. (As I later leanred that 'mimi gar', behinds being the name of the establishment, actually means pig's ear, which is a signature dish here.)
Just like Satsuma next door, Mimigar is very tastefully furnished and wooden interiors in a softly warm hue lend this place a cosy vibe. There are bar top seatings for patrons (mostly Japanese) to get up close and intimate with the chefs while watching their dishes being prepared.
スク ワタがラス ($10)
The strong taste of pickled baby fish and fermented guts complimented the tofu very well. The fermented guts, as much as I can still remember, had an acquired taste akin to that of foie gras. The tofu cubes were not too soft to be picked up with my clumsy chopstick skill.
ゴーヤ・チャンプル ($7)
A simple dish served the least pretentious way possible, yet it was the one I enjoyed the most.
The bittergourd was not bitter at all. Stir-fried with minced pork and tofu, you got a dish that was amazingly hearty and flavoursome.
厚焼たまご ($14)
Omelette roll with cheese. The complimentary mentaiko dip lent some savouriness to the rich tasting melted cheese.
Along with the evergreen offerings like daikon and konnyaku, the menu also carries some interesting options such as tako-ashi (octopus), gyuusuji (beef tendon) and even ashitebichi (pig's foot!). The broth was distintively more intense than the regular ones, with a beefy flavour.
イカ墨焼そば ($17)
On the seasonal menu was this squid ink soba. The soba though was cooked al dente, tasted quite bland, as compared the other dishes on the table.
Overall, our dinner last week was a pleasant one. Although there were some misses on the menu, we are all too willing to overlook those faux pas and return to try some other dishes.
Mimigar
#01-08 Gallery Hotel
Dinner: 6pm - 12am
Closed on Saturdays
6235 1511