Mar 14, 2014 - 1 min read

Ohya's Zou-no-ie Restaurant

Great Southeast Asian food in a charming environment

By Sandra Isaka

Community writer

The main dish on a recent visit with a large group - everyone was incredibly impressed with the quality and taste of everything we ate

The restaurant is housed in a lovely building made of Ohya-ishi, the famous stone mined in this town

Every time I have visited Zou-no-ie, my meal has been accompanied by lovely carved vegetables

A tasty main dish of rolled cabbage, vegetables, and rice in a delicious curry sauce

The interior shows the beauty of Ohya-ishi and is decorated with lovely Southeast Asian art and artifacts

Zou-no-ie translates into the 'Elephant's House'.  Take a close look at the decorations around the restaurant, they are really charming!

On one occasion, our dessert was this uniquely textured ice cream (yummy!) and an even more impressive pumpkin pudding

Mr. Saito, his wife, and the others who work at Zou-no-ie are wonderful hosts!  English is spoken and special requests can be accommodated if you contact them in advance

I highly recommend that you have the set menu.  On one of my visits, for two or more people, the cost was 1550 per person and included a spring roll, soup, choice of side dish, curry, rice, the dessert of the day, and hot tea

The Tom Yum Kung soup. Although some of the dishes have a little 'kick' to them, they are milder than you would find in Thailand, for example. However, the flavors really stand out. And, if you want something really spicy, just ask the chef!

The town of Ohya, just outside of Utsunomiya in Tochigi Prefecture, does not offer many food options. However, it does have one truly outstanding restaurant, 'Zou-no-ie'. Run by Mr. Saito and his wife, it is a 'must' for anyone visiting Ohyaji Temple and the Shiryokan, a historical museum located in an impressive quarry. The restaurant is open from 11:30 - 14:00 and 17:30 - 21:30 (last order 20:45). It is closed on Mondays. There is parking available for 10 cars. To contact them in Japanese or English, call 028-652-1422.

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Sandra Isaka

By Sandra Isaka

Community writer

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Justin Velgus

Justin Velgus 10 years ago

Looks yummy!

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Sandra Isaka

Sandra Isaka Photographer 10 years ago

Took a tour group there last week and had a completely original set lunch, including a 'first' - a delicious fruit curry. Fantastic!

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James Forest

James Forest 10 years ago

Nice food!

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