january-2011

Yamaneko Okinawan
Restaurant
This restaurant is Kazuyo’s favorite
place because they serve dishes from
her hometown. “I go to Yamaneko to
eat Okinawan food and drink Awamori,
Okinawa’s traditional sake. Yamaneko
is the most popular meeting spot.
If you are new to Saigon, this is the
must-go place to make new friends.
The atmosphere is so good and Tabo,
the owner, is always very friendly,”
explains Kazuyo.
The fl amboyant Tabo Ichikawa
grew up in the remote Iriomote Island
and this is perhaps why his restaurant
resembles a beach bungalow. A
member of the kitchen staff beats on a
drum to announce the arrival of each
new customer, and when the mood
suits, Tabo takes down his shamisen,
an ancient Japanese instrument that
hangs on the wall, and plays traditional
Japanese songs.
“People come here not only for the
food. It’s also for the mood,” says Tabo.
But it’s hard to say which. His menu
offers dishes that are truly unique like
the taco rice, for instance. Served in a
clay pot, the rice is left to brown to a
crisp under seasoned ground beef and
onion, shredded lettuce, tomato chunks
and shredded cheddar cheese. Add to
{ 60 }
Kazuyo raises a glass with owner
Tabo Ichikawa and friends.
Below: One of the restaurant’s
Okinawan specialties.
13/1 Le Thanh Ton
Street, District 1,
this a drizzle of tel: +84 (8) 3823
chili sauce and then
8433
you mix it all up. The
result is a creamier beef
taco that doesn’t fall apart!
No matter what page you end up
on the menu, you’re bound to taste
the unmistakable fl avor of Tabo and
Kazuyo’s home by the sea.