Restaurant • 515 Furutochō, Ota, Gunma 373-0826, Japan
Nestled quietly in Ota, Gunma Prefecture, is the small Chinese restaurant 'Washoku'. Despite its name, it is renowned for its authentic Chinese cuisine. Let's explore the unique charm of this hidden gem.
Upon arrival at 'Washoku', one is immediately overwhelmed by the lively atmosphere, filled with the chatter of Chinese staff. The spacious interior with booth seating may resemble a Japanese restaurant, but it is indeed an authentic Chinese restaurant.
The menu boasts a variety of Chinese dishes, from popular choices like dumplings and sweet and sour pork to rare delicacies like mapo tofu and oil-splashed chicken. Regardless of the choice, the generous portions stand out. Even the ramen set, priced at a remarkable 780 yen, offers substantial volume of noodles and fried rice. The large pieces of karaage are perfectly crispy.
Apart from the hearty portions, 'Washoku' captivates diners with its authentic Chinese flavors. The spicy mapo tofu, garlic-infused fried rice, and mayo-dressed oil-splashed chicken deliver a truly authentic taste. However, there are some issues reported with sloppy service and mild cleanliness concerns. Yet, the cost performance and authentic flavors continue to attract a steady stream of satisfied customers.
Nestled in the alleyways of Gunma, 'Washoku' is truly a remarkable gem of Chinese cuisine. We highly recommend paying a visit to experience its charm.