Meijiken/明治軒

—Shinsaibashi, Osaka. Amidst the bustling streets of this lively district stands a historic Western-style restaurant—Meiji-Ken. A long-established eatery with over a century of history.

—As I step inside, a nostalgic aroma of classic Western-style cuisine drifts through the air. This is good—this kind of atmosphere is irresistible. I take my seat and order their signature dish: Omurice with three beef skewers. Omurice and beef skewers? That’s an interesting combination. I like it.

—Before long, the plate arrives. A golden, glistening omurice sits alongside perfectly deep-fried, golden-brown beef skewers. I start with the omurice. As I slide my spoon in, the thin omelet gently gives way, revealing the ketchup-seasoned rice inside. I take a bite. Oh… this is it. The moist chicken rice blends beautifully with the mild sweetness of the ketchup. Nothing flashy, just a simple, comforting taste. This is the flavor of a true long-standing establishment.

—Next, the beef skewers. I dip them lightly in sauce and take a bite. Crisp… then juicy. The light crunch of the coating is followed by the rich umami of the beef. The sweetness of the fat and the deep flavor of the sauce blend perfectly. This… this is addictive.

—The gentle flavor of the omurice and the bold taste of the beef skewers—they balance each other perfectly. Eating them alternately creates an entirely new level of deliciousness.

—Before I knew it, my plate was empty.

"Gochisousama deshita."

—The essence of a time-honored taste, perfected in this one meal.

📍1-5-32 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 542-0085, Japan