Let me share with you the most exceptional food experience I recently encountered. It happened when I found myself with some time to spare near Waterloo station while awaiting my train. Hunger pangs struck, and I decided to make the most of my surroundings by indulging in a little sightseeing as well.
To my delight, I stumbled upon a cluster of food stands near St. John's Church, and one, in particular, caught my attention immediately—Otsumami stand. As I approached, the man running the stand kindly apologized for his tardiness and explained that he could only offer Katsu Curry at that moment. His sincerity and politeness won me over instantly.
Although I had initially intended to order a larger portion, the man recommended the smaller size, priced at £7.5, advising that it would suffice. I trusted his judgment and placed my order, eager for a quick bite before my departure. Little did I know that I was about to embark on a culinary adventure beyond words.
The dish he handed me was nothing short of extraordinary. Every bite was a symphony of flavors, and before I knew it, I was pleasantly full, reluctantly leaving some rice behind. I had opted for spring onions and pickled purple ginger as toppings, which added an extra layer of delectable zest to the dish.
Two days later, I couldn't resist returning to the stand and decided to indulge in the larger portion. The man had been right; it was indeed a generous serving. Finding a spot near the church, I settled down at a table, relishing every mouthful while leisurely sipping on my Coca-Cola and attending to some work on my laptop.
The entire meal came to a mere £10, and to my delight, it surpassed the previous experience. This time, I sprinkled a bit of chili powder for an extra kick, a choice I wholeheartedly recommend. In my opinion, this was an unbelievably affordable and incredibly nourishing meal (except, of course, for the indulgence of cola).
What made this experience truly special was the opportunity to engage with the man working at the stand. I took the time to chat with him, discovering what a remarkable individual he was. When I ordered my cola, he kindly warned me that it wasn't particularly cold, even offering to swap it with a neighboring stand. However, I found the temperature of the cola just right and declined the offer.
In summary, this entire encounter was a gastronomic delight coupled with genuine human connection. The Otsumami stand near St. John's Church not only provided me with an exceptional meal but also left me with a profound sense of gratitude for the kindness and dedication exhibited by its proprietor. If you find yourself in the area, I wholeheartedly encourage you to visit this stand and embark on your own unforgettable culinary journey.
I've been to Japan and so I can say confidently the taste of this food is very authentic, also the prices are incredibly reasonable and the portions are generous, it's great value for money. And the service is fantastic! If you want to know what Japan really tastes like, or if you otherwise just want a good meal, I can heartily recommend this place. Truly a hidden gem
10/10!
The best Katsu-Don I ever had! Super delicious!
And the best part is that the staff is super friendly :)
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