Food in Japan: Going out

While Marcus was in Kyoto (He went to Kyoto for 5 days, he had 3 days Norie(me)-free days I joined him for last 2 days), I contacted a few friends of mine to meet up. I managed to meet up with 4 of them, we went out for food. We had really good chat and laugh, always lovely to see friends.

On Monday night, I met up with Ino-chan and went to Shinjuku for food. He took me to a restaurant pub which served Oden (veggies, fish, meat cooked in kombu stock soup) on the one of back streets. I hadn't had that for more than 15 years, I honestly didn't remember last time I ate, it was that long... It was delish, everytime we ordered for more and ate straight away, forgot to take photos. Only remains..... After that, we went out for karaoke, but quickly left. It was fun night.

Iced oolong tea, spinach ohitashi with sesame sauce

Last remains of Ino-chan's oden

Wednesday, I met up with Naomi for lunch, went to a chain restaurant called Royal Host in my neighbourhood. Food wasn't too bad. I had french fries and salad. I really fancied chips. And I was happy. There, if you buy a cup of filter coffee and tea (hot or iced), you can have as many as you like, so, after finished our lunch, we had probably 5 glasses, and stayed there for more chat. 

In the evening, I met up Taeco at Yurakucho station (有楽町/ 銀座), and went out for snack and chat. She was late due to the train accident. I didn't mind, I was watching people walking past, and fun to watch them anyway.

When she arrived, she was hungry after work, so she took me to Muji cafe near the station. Cor, blimey, it was a huge Muji store and really nice! They had a huge cafe upstairs, and food looked gorgeous! Price wise, it wasn't too bad. Quantity wasn't big, they were small portions, so, we could get to choose a few different foods from the deli counter. When I looked round, lots of women on their own eating their dinners. She told me it was easily accessible and women felt comfortable being there.
I'd love to go there and eat again, foods I had were also vegan, and they were yummy.

I felt vegan/vegetarian foods and restaurants were increasing in Japan, still, lots of people thought bonito dashi /katsuo dashi (fish stock) was vegetarian.....