CAFE CHIITA

In traditional Japanese cuisine, there’s a concept called “Magowa Yasashii” — a simple guideline for achieving a nutritionally balanced diet. The name is a mnemonic using the first letters of seven key ingredients: Ma for Mame (Beans), Go for Goma (Sesame), Wa for Wakame (Seaweed), Ya for Yasai (Vegetables), Sa for Sakana (Fish), Shi for Shiitake (Mushrooms), and I for Imo (Potatoes). At CAFE CHIITA, which opened in 2017, they’ve expanded on this tradition by adding “Ni” for Niku (Meat), creating their own concept: “Nimagowa Yasashii”. Following this idea, their popular Omakase Chiita Set Meal includes all of these ingredients, providing a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience. Taki Maehata, the manager of CAFE CHIITA, has long been passionate about health and mindful eating. She opened the café after realizing that her own healthy habits, which seemed ordinary to her, were considered special by others. Her goal was to help more people enjoy a healthier lifestyle through nutritious and delicious food. To achieve this, CAFE CHIITA uses additive-free vegetables, supports organic foods, and even makes their own salt koji and amazake (sweet fermented rice drink) in-house. The menu offers more than just the Omakase Chiita Set Meal. Guests can also enjoy a rotating selection of dishes, including the Ichiju Sansai Set Meal (a traditional Japanese meal of one soup and three side dishes) and a Children’s Set Meal. With the menu changing daily and weekly, every visit promises a new and exciting fermented food experience. Since the café is often fully booked, even on weekdays, it’s best to make a reservation in advance by phone or Instagram.