Filling the Need with Tempura

You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes … Although it’s really a very simple concept, the word vegetarian can be confusing, and for some, downright scary. So if you choose not to eat meat, you may have to be a bit persistent and make yourself clear when inquiring if there are any meatless dishes on a restaurant’s menu.

For instance, when we contacted Hinone Mizunone, at first operations manager Eiki Tamaki proclaimed that the restaurant doesn’t have any vegetarian dishes on the menu. But when questioned a bit, he realized that they do make crisp, light Vegetable Tempura, which includes pumpkin, eggplant, shiitake mushrooms and string beans. Combined with miso soup, two side dishes, tsukemono and rice ($13 for lunch), it makes a completely delicious and satisfying meal. Or, just order it a la carte for $9.

If you’re really hungry, or just want to share a plate with a friend or partner, try the two-course combo meal. For just $16.95 you can order the vegetable tempura plus an additional entree with all the sides, including the rice, which Tamaki says the restaurant cooks the old-fashioned way.

“We cook it in an ogama, an old-fashioned pot, not a rice cooker,” he says. “We’re known for our rice.”

So next time you’re in the mood for Japanese food, don’t be shy — head on over to Hinone Mizunone and let your tastes be known. You just might find you’ll get what you need.

Hinone Mizunone