夜でも : Naka U Gokiso Ten

This is Naka U, located right at the northeast corner of the Gokiso intersection, just outside of Gokiso Station. I'm truly grateful that they're open late at night. I ordered the "Gyusuki Rice Bowl and Haikara Udon Set" for JPY 810. It's a beef rice bowl with a sukiyaki-style flavor. The strong taste really makes the rice go down well. Since it was a cold day, I opted for the hot Haikara Udon. Having this made a significant difference in my satisfaction. It's a prepayment system through the ticket vending machine. I was able to use PayPay.

Although it has come under the umbrella of Matsuya, I really like this chain. The Gokiso branch is located in the northeast corner of the Gokiso intersection, on the first floor of a condominium. I used to come here a few times for breakfast. They offer a morning menu starting at 5 AM, and you can quickly get a hearty meal to kick off your day, which I appreciate. I often order the "Morning Mixed Rice Beef Mini Bowl Set." This is a commonly enjoyed breakfast set that comes with okra, katsuobushi, a raw egg, rice, miso soup, and a beef bowl—it's a wonderful combination! (The fried chicken in the photo is an a la carte item.) I mix okra and raw egg with katsuobushi, then drizzle some soy sauce over it and pour it over the rice. It’s simply irresistible! I hear there’s a similar menu item at Matsuya as well. The beef bowl consists of beef and onions, but the shiitake mushrooms that used to be included are no longer there. The seasoning is quite rich and tasty. You can also swap the miso soup for "Haikara Udon" (small) for an additional charge, which is convenient for those who want a little more volume. The flavor is quite good. As for the "Karaage (5 pieces)," it can be ordered as an a la carte item. Sometimes you can get them with coupons. They are crispy and focus on texture, though they might lack juiciness, but I personally enjoy them. (One acquaintance really dislikes them, however.) Beyond the morning set, you can also order from the regular menu. The "Katsu Don" is available in small, medium, and large portions. Surprisingly, Naka U’s katsu don is delicious—I'd say it’s better than what you get at most standard lunch shops. The eggs are wonderfully creamy. In the morning, it may take a bit longer than some other menu items. (The udon in the photo is a limited-time an-kake style udon, which surprisingly has a thicker sauce.) I highly recommend Naka U for breakfast!ヾ(・∀・)