Somchai, who has honed his skills in the U.S., Bahrain, and other parts of the world, came to Japan 16 years ago, gained experience in Osaka, and last January opened his own restaurant near Nijo Castle. He chose the name "Gapao," a well-known national dish of Thailand, as the name of his restaurant because he wants his customers to feel familiar with Thai food and feel free to use it. The menu offers a wide variety of about 50 dishes at reasonable prices. The menu is based on local recipes and arranged to suit Japanese palates, so it is recommended for beginners of Thai cuisine. The traditional Thai tableware that complements the dishes is also a must-see.

This Korean food and Korean snack café catches the curiosity and stomachs of girls who are interested in Korean culture. The lunch set menu, called "Goyuzuriwa Mihidok," includes not only home-style dishes such as pancakes, jjon, kimchi, and tenjang jjigae, but also side dishes derived from court cuisine such as tteokgalbi. Lunch items, including bibimbap and cold noodles, are limited in quantity, so be sure to make a reservation before visiting.

An Okinawan restaurant located in Sanjokai Shopping Street. The restaurant has a nostalgic atmosphere, like an old-fashioned Okinawan diner. The owner, Mr. Miwa, says, "We have a U-shaped counter, so people can feel free to use the restaurant even if they are alone. For lunch, the restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes that have been arranged in a unique way, such as Okinawan Soki Soba with pork cartilage sausage and Okinawan rouro rice. For lunch in the evening or on holidays, enjoy Awamori and other Okinawan alcoholic beverages with a la carte dishes such as Mimigar and Goya Chanpuru.

The owner-chef, who has studied at famous hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto as well as creative Chinese restaurants such as Ichinofunairi, aims to create an at-home restaurant where neighbors can casually drop by. We have chairs and tableware for children," he says, "so you can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine without hesitation, even with children. Lunch is reasonably priced at 1,600 yen and includes a choice of five main dishes, such as chili shrimp, sweet-and-sour pork, or fried chicken with condiment sauce, dim sum, and apricot bean curd. Reservations are recommended as the restaurant is often crowded. Reservations are accepted only at 11:30 and 12:00 on weekdays and 11:30 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.