I found this lovely spot from my parents in 2019. I was so looking forward to revisiting Kamameshi Hana when we return to Japan. Finally after a long wait due to pandemic, we got to go back to Japan and to Kamameshi Hana! Japan is still very careful with the virus, so most people are still wearing masks, and many places still have those plastic dividers between each tables. At Kamameshi Hana, they added something very considerate… a small plastic bag to put your mask in to keep it clean while you dine! And you get a wet towel to clean your hands also. We received a nice hot tea once we were settled.
The couple who runs this restaurant is still going strong, and their menu is as adorable as ever. I was excited to taste their Kamameshi once again!
Wed had Irodori Kamameshi, with Chicken, Shrimp, Scallop, and Crab (1,600 yen), Oyster Kamameshi (1,600 yen), and Scallop Kamameshi (1,600 yen). I love the iron pot (“kama”) that they cook the rice and toppings in, it looks so awesome. The rice has such amazing depth of flavor from the seasonings and dashi, soaking up every bit of the flavor each ingredient.
As the iron pot is served right off the oven, so be sure to use the cute little bowl and scoop them up into the bowl. And if you keep the lid on while you eat, the iron pot keep them nice and hot! The each ingredient was super fresh, large, plump, and oh so delicious!
The side dishes are also very fresh, with earthy flavors, very comforting to your body and soul.
My adorable niece decided to go rogue and order something that is not kamameshi. She went with Zosui with Plum (950 yen). Zosui is a Japanese rice soup, which is rice cooked in a savory dashi broth with vegetables, eggs, mushrooms, and other ingredients. It looked very comforting! It is good that they offer dishes other than kamameshi.
As this was a weekday lunch set, it comes with a dessert! This time, we got something that looks so pretty! It is a Botamochi (or Ohagi), that made to look like a white tree peony, which is called Botan in Japanese. Botan Botamochi, I see what they did there… Botamochi is a sweet rice formed into a ball, filled with sweet bean paste. There are so many different kinds out there today, but this is very traditional. It was simple, comforting, and delicious!
Since I didn’t talk about their bathroom in the first post from 2019, here it is. They have one small gender neutral bathroom, through the curtain that says “Thank you” which I think is another nice touch. The sink is right outside the bathroom door, in case someone just want to wash their hands before/after eating.
My second visit to Kamameshi Hana was as great as I wished it would be, and this was my hubby’s first visit, and he absolutely loved it. It was even better with my family! I hope to return again the next time we go to Japan for more of their delicious Kamameshi!
Kamameshi Hana (87) – 2 Chome-11-13 Matsubacho, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
釜めしはな (87) – 千葉県柏市松葉町 2-11-13