01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
A good place to start at Kenchan is the beef tendon tomato stew, which reviewers have singled out as a signature dish. The menu lists Omi beef tendon simmered with tomato, making it a natural centrepiece for a meal with wine by the glass and a few small plates. There are also Omi beef tendon tomato gratin soup and beef tendon gratin on the menu. It can be fun to choose between the stew and a gratin-style dish made with the same cut.
For chicken, diners’ specific comments on the chicken tataki and fried chicken offer a useful guide. One customer described the chicken tataki, seared on the outside and sliced after ordering, as having fragrant skin and a moist interior; they also enjoyed the sautéed chives served alongside. Another diner ordered the fried chicken, noting its light coating and chilli-led flavour, and paired it with white wine. The menu also includes house-made roast ham, liver pâté and oyster pâté with baguette. There are options for grazing over a drink or adding more variety to a meal.
Several diners mention the wide selection of wines by the glass, and one says they were able to ask the owner for help choosing despite not knowing much about wine. The menu also offers sparkling wine on tap, draft beer and shochu, so there are alternatives for a first drink or a change of pace. This casual izakaya is in Shichiku Nishitakanawacho, Kita Ward. Dine-in and reservations are available.
