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Rice. It’s what’s for dinner … and breakfast … and lunch.
In the Land of the Rising Sun, rice is now as it was in the beginning and shall ever be – the most important food.
Although more and more Japanese eat bread or noodles, most still cannot live without rice. Warm jewelry-like grains of quality Japanese rice go well with just about any dish.
Being stationed in Japan, there is no way for you to avoid some of the best rice in the world.
If you happen to be on Misawa AB, popular rice café, KOMEKUUTO, offers you a chance to sample all the best rice Japan has to offer.
“KOMEKUUTO is a place where you can enjoy tasty Japanese rice to your heart’s content,” says the owner, Atsuko Kawamura.
With anywhere from 12 to 15 different rice brands from all over the nation in stock at any time, visitors can literally get a taste of Japan.
Think all rice is rice? No! Each type of rice has a particular taste and texture. Koshihikari, from Niigata Prefecture, has a chewy texture and sweet aroma, while Tsuyahime, from Yamagata Prefecture, is shiny and fragrant, and Yumepirika, from Hokkaido Prefecture, is blessed with tender and sticky texture.
KOMEKUUTO offers the rice as well as daily set options and various other food items, including a chicken plate, risotto or pork bowl, along with coffee, tea, beer and other drinks.
The daily rice comes in three different forms – white, brown and white cooked in stock with various ingredients. The white rice comes with free refills.
Interested in comparing and contrasting the different brands of rice? The shop hosts a rice tasting event once a month. You can check out the date of event on the café’s website and facebook page.
The 36-seat café often has Americans frequent it, and has even held a farewell party for a servicemember who was PCSing.
After enjoying your rice, there is a shop conveniently right next door that sells the bagged rice as well as other food items.
Rice in pet bottle, or “pebora,” is the most popular item. 33 brands of rice are available in bottles with colorful labels, perfect for a gift or daily use, according to Kawamura.
Kawamura founded KOMEKUUTO to offer a chance for locals to enjoy the various types of rice throughout Japan. Now, she is hoping to spread the joy of Japan’s most precious food to more and more American servicemembers.
KOMEKUUTO Hours: Food Yard (café): 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.(Last order 9 p.m.) / Rice & Select Yard (shop): 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (closed 1st and 3rd Wed)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/komekuuto/ (Japanese)
