If your image of Chinese food is that of the famous Chinese restaurants in Yokohama Chinatown, then Chinese food in Kyoto is very different from your image.

Certainly, if you trace the beginnings of Chinese cuisine in Kyoto, you will find its roots in Yokohama Chinatown. However, the skilled cooks brought in from the Yokohama Chinatown, after much trial and error to suit the palates of Kyoto customers, developed a unique style of Chinese cuisine that is completely different from that of Yokohama and could be called “Kyoto’s Chinese…

Kyoto Chinese Hamamura｜Unique logo, synonymous spring rolls…95 years old and still a leader in Chinese cuisine in Kyoto

The restaurant introduced here is the origin of Chinese cuisine in Kyoto. Founded in 1924 and now run by the third generation, “Kyoto Chinese Hamamura” has been operating in the heart of Kyoto, faithfully preserving the taste of the first cook, Ko Huakichi. For locals, the restaurant is also famous for its unique logo in the shape of a human face.

The dish that is synonymous with Kyoto Chinese Hamamura is this shrimp spring roll for 1,000 yen.

The difference between ordinary Chinese food and Kyoto Chinese food can be clearly seen in this dish. First, the spring roll skin is different. Unlike ordinary skins, the skin of this spring roll contains an egg. However, it is not that hamamela skin is rare, but rather that this type of skin is originally found in China.

Ordinary spring rolls have a thin skin that turns golden brown and leaves a crispy texture when chewed. However, Hamamura’s spring rolls go beyond that, with a firm chewy texture and just the right amount of golden brown savory flavor spreading in the mouth.

And as you can see from the cross-section, it is packed with shredded bamboo shoots. Shrimps are also included, but the main ingredient is bamboo shoots. The flavor is modest and elegant, but the crispy bamboo shoot slices and the golden brown skin make the spring rolls a delight to the palate.

Kyoto Chinese Hamamura’s nightly menu, which is not available at lunchtime｜Ma-po oysters: large oysters that fill the bowl

Next, I would like to introduce you to this dish…

The Mapo Oyster, which is only served to customers when they have a good supply, is 1,050 yen. This is a night-only menu item and not available at lunch time.

A slice of cheese covers a bowl full of hot chili paste.

As you can see, the oysters are large and milky even when cooked. Not only large but also hot, I would like to throw them into my mouth at once, but that seems to be difficult… The bean paste is oily but still light, and the rich flavor of the oysters can be enjoyed in this dish.

Naturally, I also put it on top of rice…

Mapo, which seems to use very little spiciness, such as bean-paste, may be enough for even those who do not like spicy food and children.

Chinese cuisine in Kyoto started here… To get to Kyoto Chinese Hamamura, transfer to the subway from JR Kyoto Station and walk 6 minutes from exit 4 of Marutamachi Station.

Now, here are the details of the restaurant.

P.S. If you are looking for delicious Chinese food in Kyoto, please stop by this article…

P.P.S. Kyoto Chinese Hamamura operates 2 branches in Kyoto…