Hello. Tempura & Sake Ginkiten. I am in charge of PR at Kyoto Porta branch.

October is a month when the colors of the trees deepen and the autumnal spirit is clearly reflected in the attire of people walking through the city. Located in the convenient underground area of Kyoto Station, we offer a heartwarming dining experience through our signature dishes, all crafted by skilled chefs. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the “joy of freshly fried food”—a value we hold dear—and the dedication that lies behind it.

The Essence of Our Signature Dish, Fried by Our Chefs

Our “Great Value 7-Piece Tempura Assortment,” the pride of our restaurant, is a signature dish that continues to be loved by both first-time guests and regulars alike. Our chefs carefully assess the day’s freshest catches and hand-select only the most flavorful ingredients for this platter. Each plate features a perfect balance of the savory umami of seafood and the natural sweetness of vegetables, allowing you to enjoy a variety of textures and flavors with every bite. The aromatic crispness of the freshly fried batter is truly the culmination of our chefs’ craftsmanship. To bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients to the fullest, we meticulously adjust the thickness of the batter and the frying time, striving for a light, refreshing finish that never grows tiresome. Sharing this platter with friends during conversation adds a touch of elegance to the dining table and serves as a perfect supporting role that brings smiles to everyone’s faces. Each dish, carefully prepared by our chefs one by one, is imbued with respect for the ingredients and a sincere desire to delight our guests.

Carefully Crafted Cooking Methods That Bring Out the Unique Character of Each Ingredient

To preserve the freshness of our ingredients, our restaurant has introduced a special piece of equipment called a “water fryer.” This technology allows us to coat the ingredients in batter at high temperatures for a short period of time, resulting in a light, crispy exterior and a juicy interior that locks in the ingredients’ natural umami. This cooking method is particularly well-suited for flavorful ingredients such as the “Daikoku Maitake Mushrooms” from Minamiuonuma, Niigata Prefecture. The meaty texture of the maitake and the aroma that bursts forth with every bite offer a taste that truly encapsulates the bounty of autumn. Furthermore, this technique also brings out the natural sweetness of other luxurious ingredients, such as “giant shrimp” and “grilled eel.” Although these are fried dishes, their healthy finish—which leaves no greasy aftertaste—has drawn expressions of surprise and delight from many of our customers. Our commitment to bringing out the unique character of each ingredient while exploring new culinary possibilities is one of the challenges we cherish as a specialty tempura restaurant.

A blissful moment shared in a space directly connected to the station

Its location, directly connected to Kyoto Station, offers the peace of mind of being able to drop in on a whim while traveling or on your way home from work. The interior features a bright, clean atmosphere centered around natural wood, and the counter seating is designed with those who wish to enjoy a quiet moment alone in mind. The sounds and aromas of the chefs frying tempura right before your eyes stimulate all five senses, making it the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and refresh yourself. The open-concept layout and the vantage point from which you can watch the staff’s lively cooking in action allow you to treat this as your very own VIP seat—whether you’re taking a break from sightseeing, traveling on business, or wrapping up your day. The time spent forgetting the hustle and bustle around you and savoring freshly fried tempura is sure to become an important ritual for rejuvenating both body and mind. Furthermore, pairing your meal with the “Gin Ten-don” or “Daimyo-wan” (clam miso soup) as a finishing touch completes a satisfying dining experience. Discovering your own favorite combinations is the best way to make the most of our restaurant. We look forward to welcoming you anytime as a place that adds a touch of color to your daily life.