Regular customers include three generations! The Secret of Imabari's Long-established "Kaneto Shokudo" Continues to be Loved by Customers

Kaneto Shokudo is a nostalgic diner located in the center of Imabari City. Founded in the Meiji era (1868-1912), it is a long-established restaurant that has been loved by local people for more than 130 years.

The current owner, the sixth generation Kuwabara Daiki, just took over the restaurant two years ago, and he and his wife are now running the restaurant.

When he took over the restaurant, many people were happy that Kaneto Shokudo would stay open. Kuwabara says, "There are many long-established restaurants that have closed due to lack of successors, but it was really encouraging to hear people say they were glad I was able to continue the business.

A nostalgic space with a Showa-era atmosphere

Stepping into the restaurant, the high ceilings and old-fashioned structure are eye-catching. The current building was reconstructed around 1953 and retains the atmosphere of those days.

The current building was reconstructed around 1953 and retains the atmosphere of those days. But it is not just old. We tried to keep the interior clean. The original tasteful atmosphere is maintained, and the seasonal accessories also play a role in creating the atmosphere of the store.

The secret of the unchanged taste and the menu that continues to be loved by customers

The restaurant offers a wide variety of menu items, including udon, soba, donburi, curry, etc. "Customers say they only eat this or that, so we can't reduce the menu to meet their needs," says Mulberry. There are customers who only eat this or like this, so we can't reduce the menu to meet their needs," says Kuwabara, showing his desire to meet the expectations of each and every one of his customers.

Among the most frequently ordered dishes are "omelette rice" and "Chinese soba noodles. Both of these dishes are made according to the recipe handed down from the previous generation.

The omu-rice is characterized by the traditional way of rolling up a single egg. Kuwabara says, "Simple omu-rice is becoming rare, so I think many people like our omu-rice. When scooped with a spoon, the rice is filled with ketchup, which is made by frying stewed onions and chicken, and one bite will make you feel nostalgic and happy.

The Chinese soba noodles are popular for their unique flavor of chicken broth and udon soup. Kuwabara says, "I think it has a sweet taste that you won't find anywhere else. The soup is clear and the chicken flavor is strong, while the udon broth flavor lingers in the mouth. The noodles, which are purchased from a nearby noodle mill, are thin and blend well with the soup, giving it a simple yet deep flavor.

Secret Specialties "Katsu Rice" and "Ham and Eggs

Among the menu items at Kaneto Shokudo, "Katsu Rice" is secretly popular as an original menu item. It looks like curry with pork cutlets, but the cutlets are topped with a demi-glace sauce. The sauce is sweet and spicy, and has an exquisite taste that enhances the flavor of the pork cutlet. It goes perfectly with the rice, and once you try it, you will be addicted to it.

The "ham and eggs" are also popular for breakfast and lunch. The ham has just the right amount of saltiness, and the eggs are half-boiled with a thick yolk. It's especially popular with our old-time regulars," says Mulholland. It's simple, but it has a nostalgic flavor," Kuwabara says. The store opens at 8:00 a.m., so many customers visiting for sightseeing come here for breakfast.

Three Generations of Regular Customers, Charm of a Diner Rooted in the Community

Kaneto Shokudo" has been in this area for more than 120 years. There are many regular customers who have been coming to the restaurant for many years," says Kuwabara. Some families have three generations coming to the restaurant.

There are people who come with their grandmothers, mothers, and daughters," Kuwabara said.

I hope we can serve delicious food. I would be happy if I could make each and every one of them happy and say, "That was delicious. Kuwabara-san says. His words reflect his desire to create a restaurant that will be loved by a new generation, while preserving the flavors inherited from his predecessors.

Kaneto Shokudo will continue to be close to the community and offer tastes that will remain in people's memories. Come visit us for a taste of the same old atmosphere and the same old flavors.