Dig into tasty oyakodon, other Japanese washoku dishes at Sansui in Mito City

Sansui (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)

From late February to early March, visitors head to Mito City’s Kairakuen traditional Japanese garden to marvel at the bright pink plum blossoms. The 183-year-old garden is home to over 3,000 trees spanning a wide range of plum blossom varieties.

(Photo courtesy of Kairakuen garden)

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)

After a visit to enjoy the stunning scenery, make a stop at nearby Sansui for a delicious washoku meal. The restaurant serves many Ibaraki Prefecture delicacies like anglerfish and Shamo chicken.

Sansui has a beautiful two-floor Japanese-style dining area and can accommodate about 150 people. During our visit, my family and I were seated on the second floor.

Although Sansui is famous for its anglerfish hot pot, I chose to order the oyakodon set for 1,800 yen. I wanted to try the local Ibaraki brand Okukuji Shamo the restaurant uses for their chicken dishes. Okukuji Shamo chickens are known for being raised in large mountainous pastures, creating high-quality poultry.

Oyakodon, which translates to “parent-and-child bowl,” is a Japanese rice bowl dish in which chicken, egg, sliced scallions or sometimes regular onions and other ingredients, are all simmered together in a soy-sauce based broth and served on rice. The name of the dish is a poetic reflection of both chicken and egg being used in the bowl dish. I believe oyakodon is one of the best ways of enjoying quality, tasty chicken.

It was a risk to not choose Sansui’s signature dish, but I knew I had made the right decision when my meal arrived at the table. The chicken was exceptional. The tenderness of the meat with the delicate flavors of the broth and scallions were a perfect way to wrap up a busy day of garden strolling. I was content with my meal and decided that if Sansui could go above and beyond for oyakodon, then I would definitely need to return for the anglerfish next time.

If you’re enjoying plum blossoms in Kairakuen garden, Sansui is a great option for a cheap and delicious lunch or dinner. Give it a try for its tasty local chicken or anglerfish dishes!

Sansui

Hours: Mon. 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., 5 – 8:30 p.m., Wed. – Sun. 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., 5 -9 p.m.
Location: 2-2-40 Izumicho, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture
URL: https://sansui-mito.owst.jp/en/
Tel: 029-221-3617