Is Kominka menu Washoku, like one of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage?

I've been updating my Insta-Story recently with "What's New at Cafe an-an?" and the most new thing is the concept.

What's the Kominka (an old private house) cafe?

I am sure there are many people who wonder, “What is a Kominka café? There is a boom in Kominka cafes in Japan, and people are opening cafes in various old private houses in central or suburban places, I mean wherever people find any potential empty old houses.

To me, an “Kominka” is a place where guests can experience the good old days of Japanese life.

Not only the interior and exterior, but also the menu is prepared in the traditional way, using foods that have been eaten in Japan for a long time. We prepare and serve the food as if it were a feast at home.

The spirit of respect for nature, the style of Ichi ju san sai (one soup and three dishes), the seasonal ingredients and seasonal decorations, the expression of the seasons in the furnishings, utensils, and dishes, and the relationship with annual events, are some of the characteristics that have earned it a place on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

Although slightly different, England also has seasons, and food has its own season. At an-an, we value Japanese annual events, but we also hope that our customers will enjoy the local flavors of England, especially Brighton, with Japanese cuisine that incorporates the best of the season.

As in the past, we will continue to offer delicious confections, both Wagashi and cakes, that incorporate seasonal ingredients. What is made with delicious seasonal ingredients will still be delicious. 

Enjoy!

Kobachi 1: Jerusalem Artichork Kinpira

Kobachi 2: Spinach and Tofu salad

*contains Soy*

*contains soy, eggs, fish and crustaceans*

Girls' Festival Chirashizushi Lunch

(Shojin or seafood)

&

Cherry Blossom Mochi

(Available until March 1)

The first day of Spring in Japanese Calendar. It's new start of Cafe an-an!

 

I was busy for "colour by number" for adult.

Oh? Where did winter go?

I’ve been so busy it felt like I missed it entirely.

"Weren’t you closed for the entire month of January?”

Yes, I’m sorry. We were closed for various repairs to the café. We fixed the roof leaks, and also the wall leaks... For the leaks under the windows, we were told it couldn't be done until the weather improves, so we’ll wait a bit longer.

an-an will start a Kominka (traditional old Japanese home style) café.

Because of that, electric complanies and insurance agents keep calling, “Did you take over a new shop?” or “Are you starting a new business?”

Excuse me, don’t you dare close down an-an (# ﾟДﾟ)”  I cannot deny an-an don't have any problem... I kindly answer, “We’ve been here for five years now!” and gently hang up the phone.

Meanwhile, painting wall in the toilet is finally finished, and we will reopen the café from tomorrow.

We can tell that we haven't changed pricing proudly! 

Despite the rising costs of various things, we plan to keep the prices the same. We will still offer a 30p discount if you bring your own takeaway cup, and if you collect enough points on your card, you can still get a free drink of your choice. The weekly special lunch will also remain the same price.

I feel we need to improve communication so that customers can better understand what we’re focusing at. For example:

• More events and workshops! Announcing them well on SMS and issuing tickets two weeks in advance.

• Declaring that we are a dog-friendly café.

• Anyone can read the books on the bookshelf. It’s okay to take photos for reference, but please refrain from taking away from the cafe.

• We do not handle nuts or sesame seeds in the café. We do not use sesame oil in the dumplings either.

• To cater to people of different religions, we purchase meat from halal-certified butchers. However, as some Japanese dishes use mirin or soy sauce containing alcohol, please ask for non-alcoholic menu options when ordering. When it’s not busy, we can also prepare dishes without mirin or alcohol-based soy sauce freshly, so please ask.

• The building itself is a British historic house built in the Victorian era. We are trying to create a Japanese home style atmosphere within this traditional British house. There are still many areas we want to improve on both the interior and exterior, so we hope you watch us grow kindly.

We only a cafe, not a restaurant. It's not a restaurant quality cuisine, but we will do our best to provide everyone with home made cooking of Japanese mums, Okaasan. We hope you’ll enjoy the cozy atmosphere of a traditional Japanese house.