Being in the lookout for new spots in Athens, most of them food related, means that my cuisine preferences are not limited. I am a person willing to try everything, especially good quality food. Japanese food has recently become my favorite and apparently, Athens has some very interesting Japanese restaurants for me to try.
Tanpopo is a new addition in Athens food restaurant’s list. I have been meaning to make a visit there for quite some time, but my never-ending list of restaurants – most of them in totally different locations- made it a bit difficult for me to do so. A random week day, though, that changed because how long can I last without some noodles? Answer: Not long.
The Place
The social media pages offered a glimpse of the place; thus, I already knew what to expect to an extent. Still, when I got to the actual place it really made me think “Wow, this is different”. A large square shaped kitchen with equally large wooden table tops surrounding it, allowing clients to watch their food being prepared by the expert hands of the chefs’.
The place was full, which is the reason why we had a reservation made a few days earlier to find space inside and not outside on the surrounding tables. Not that it was bad outside, but I am not a fan of eating when the temperature is below normal standards for me.
The highlight of the interior was the large metal walls surrounding the kitchen, above the table tops, where multiple drawings and stickers decorated the wall. The option to draw on a piece of paper, provided by the restaurant, to capture your own presence there it’s very inspiring. The place is pretty much decorated by its clients and that is not something you see often. Unfortunately, I am not a very artsy person, thus I did not leave my mark at Tanpopo. I did eat all my food though, if that even counts.
The Dining Experience
Food was excellent. Scratch that, food was more than fantastic and I can say I am obsessed.
I loved the fact the people there were so willing to help you decide what to order and to introduce you to the flavors served. There is a dictionary of the menu, so you’ll know what to expect of the ingredients in the food. That was very helpful for someone who might not be as prone to Japanese kitchen as myself. I mean, I did need some explanations and a bit of help to choose from the vast ramen choices.
If you are not as skilled with chopsticks, I believe that they might have some utensils available, but me being me I chose to practice with chopsticks again and again and again. I did manage to finish my bowl and the rice we ordered, which was so very tasteful. For steamed rice, I didn’t think it could be this tasty. Am I overreacting? Maybe, but I always get excited over good food.
If you ask me what I would recommend from Tanpopo’s menu, I couldn’t exactly tell you. I believe our dishes were merely a glimpse of the menu or the kitchen’s skills, but I would very much like to go back for more. Which I will, soon.
Evaluating the Experience
Japanese cuisine has a lot of good nutrients for your mind and body, maybe that’s the reason I find myself orbiting towards it so much. Tanpopo just proved another good spot in Athens for good quality food and excellent service. Maybe I often forget to talk about the service, but I would tell you if I had something negative to say. Tanpopo’s service was excellent, young people with the cool vibe going on, eager to help you choose from their menu.
The space was a huge plus, it kind of allowed you to experience your food from the hands of the chef to your bowl. I would definitely recommend you visiting. Note that the vibe is very chill, not pretentious, not high class in need of some pumps for the ladies. Just put on your comfortable clothes, throw your sneakers on and let’s enjoy good food. After all, this is all that matters in life.
VIVACIOUS 