Even though Agano City is a relatively small place, there are plenty of places to eat: countless izakayas, and a fair share of ramen shops. If you’re in the mood for a little more than just ramen however, then there is a fantastic Chinese restaurant that’s right on Aizuwakamatsu 49 in Yasuda. Kōrōen is another one of those places that serves comfort food at a good price and I try and visit at least once a month. If you don’t manage to make it 10 minutes early, you may find yourself waiting in a queue at opening time, since it’s very popular and is in a good spot for locals and those passing through.
There are about four regular tables, five counter seats and two low tables in the back for families where you sit on the floor on cushions. Complimentary water is provided as you sit down, and staff are attentive and service is swift, owing to the fact that the menu is quite small. They serve alcohol here (Japanese sake, draft and bottled beer) as well as non-alcoholic beer and soft drinks.
Besides the ramen, Kōrōen offers a selection of stir-fried dishes as well as spring rolls. I’m personally a big fan of the mabo doufu and the broth that comes with it. Usually Japanese mabo doufu is a little sweet and lacks the Sichuan peppercorn taste that you’ll find in the authentic Chinese version, but at this restaurant it’s more true to the original, and since I like spicy food, this is why I keep coming back here.
The best thing on the menu here for me though is the homemade jumbo gyouza: each roughly about the size of a small banana and stuffed with seasoned pork, chives and garlic, these are probably the best I’ve tasted in my time in Japan: crispy on the outside and soft and juicy on the inside these are super popular and can at times sell out quickly.
This place is family friendly and can quickly seat solo or dual diners at the counter, open for lunch and dinner.
Opening Times:
Tuesday to Sunday: Lunch 11AM to 2PM, Dinner 6 to 9PM
Closed Mondays
Address:
Japan, 〒959-2205 Niigata-ken, Agano-shi, Jisha, 新潟県阿賀野市寺社2212−1
