Near the golden, swaying pampas grass fields of Sengokuhara in Hakone, there's a little-known but much-talked-about food truck.
That is a food truck specializing in freshly fried tempura.Tempura MinoriThe location is a liquor store.Tokiwa Shoten Sengokuhara BranchThey operate their business by parking in the paid parking lot located directly in front of the building.
Upon arrival, the fragrant aroma of sesame oil was already wafting through the air. Since they fry each item carefully after receiving the order, I was prepared for a wait. When traveling with my dog in winter, there are few restaurants that allow indoor or outdoor seating, so places like this that offer takeout are a real blessing.
This restaurant prides itself on its tempura, which is fried in sesame oil, resulting in a surprisingly light texture while still being fragrant.
Watching the owner quickly fry the tempura in the kitchen of the small food truck heightens the anticipation even while you wait, and the sizzling sound naturally brings a smile to your face.
The menu includes individual tempura items such as shrimp tempura, whiting, squid, goby, and baby conger eel, as well as tempura rice bowls that come with vegetable tempura, chicken tempura, and small shrimp fritters.
There was a large pile of tempura scraps in the corner of the counter.
This food truck is run by a chef who previously served as head chef at the Gora Asahi Hotel.Kazumi TsubonoThe company started with the desire to "deliver freshly fried tempura, cooked in sesame oil, more easily to customers" following the closure of the hotel. Their long-cultivated skills and expertise can now be enjoyed in the form of a food truck, making it a truly luxurious experience.
This time, we ordered two dishes: the "Tempura Rice Bowl" for 1,200 yen and the "Shrimp Tempura and Chicken Tempura Rice Bowl" for 1,200 yen. The moment we opened the lid, we were struck by the impressive appearance of the dishes, and we couldn't hide our surprise at the substantial weight when we lifted them.
"Tempura rice bowl" 1,200 yen
The Tendon (tempura rice bowl) features a well-balanced assortment of tempura, including shrimp, squid, sillago, burdock root, maitake mushroom, carrot, eggplant, and sweet potato. The freshly fried, piping hot shrimp tempura is cooked to perfection, resulting in a plump and substantial texture, while the vegetable tempura is colorful and varied. Contrary to its appearance, the tempura, fried in sesame oil, is light and easy on the stomach, and can be enjoyed even when cold.
"Shrimp tempura and chicken tempura rice bowl" 1,200 yen
I was craving shrimp tempura and chicken tempura, so I ordered those as well. The shrimp tempura was bursting with flavor, and the chicken tempura was moist and juicy. The best qualities of each ingredient shone through, and they paired perfectly with the white rice soaked in the sweet and savory sauce.
What's more, it even came with a piping hot bowl of miso soup, and at just 1,200 yen for all of this, the value for money was truly impressive. We both ate the freshly fried tempura in the car to ward off the cold, and the flavorful miso soup with tempura scraps warmed our chilled bodies. We were both completely satisfied, our stomachs and stomachs completely captured. When we removed the batter from Chocolat's tempura, her eyes widened as she gobbled it up, and it was a heartwarming moment to watch her.
Despite being a tourist destination, the simple and sincere way the owners conduct their business, and the warmth of Japanese food, and the importance of enjoying a meal, are evident.Tempura MinoriEnjoying freshly fried tempura in the crisp air of Sengokuhara is a memorable taste, perfect for a lunch stop during your travels. When you visit the Susuki grass fields, this is a food truck you should definitely stop by and try. It's a famous Sengokuhara food truck that perfectly embodies the phrase, "Even the waiting time becomes delicious."
Tempura Minori
Address: 1246-48 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0631
TEL: 090-4850-1589
Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on Tuesdays
