Nakau - Karasuma Kitaoji

Part of the appeal of oyakodon is choosing how the egg is prepared. At Nakau - Karasuma Kitaoji, the menu includes the classic version, made with carefully selected eggs and prepared in the restaurant, as well as variations with charcoal-grilled chicken, soft-cooked egg, cheese, spicy spring onion and beef. Diners who have tried the oyakodon have praised its silky egg and gentle dashi flavour. Choose the classic, or go for a twist such as charcoal-grilled chicken or cheese, depending on your mood.

If you fancy something other than oyakodon, the katsudon pairs a specially prepared pork loin cutlet with carefully selected egg. The menu describes it as a generous but tender cutlet topped with soft, fluffy egg. One visitor, torn between the two rice bowls, chose the katsudon and enjoyed a casual lunchtime drink with beer and fried chicken. Beer is available, and the fried chicken can be ordered on its own as well as in a rice bowl, making it an option whether you want a full meal or a light bite with a drink.

For a lighter choice than a rice bowl, try the Haikara udon, topped with fried batter pieces, or Japanese-style curry udon. Some diners say they stop in for dashi udon or a rice bowl while waiting to change trains. Nakau - Karasuma Kitaoji opens at 4:00 and stays open until 3:00 the following day. Breakfast is also served, making it convenient for an early meal or a late-night bite.