Tabelog ratingTaiho (大鵬) is a long-standing local favorite in Kyoto, earning national recognition for a menu that balances a one-of-a-kind signature dish with authentic, fiery Sichuan cooking. The main draw for many is the teridon kinshi, a bowl of rice topped with high-heat stir-fried sweet and savory pork, all covered by a delicate blanket of shredded egg crepe (kinshi tamago) and pickled ginger. Reviewers consistently describe it as addictive and unlike anything else.
Alongside the famous rice bowl, guests praise the kitchen's commitment to genuine Sichuan flavors. The mapo tofu is frequently singled out for its peppery, numbing 'mala' spice, a rarity in many neighborhood Chinese spots in Japan. Well-executed fried rice and gyoza dumplings also receive regular compliments. The atmosphere is often described as lively, with a visible kitchen and friendly staff. While most experiences are positive, a minority of diners have found certain dishes too salty or the spice levels inconsistent. A few also felt the portions were small for the price.
Expect to spend around ¥1,000–¥1,999 for lunch and ¥6,000–¥7,999 for dinner. Reviewers recently paid around ¥1,155–¥1,210 for a regular teridon kinshi (a mini version was about ¥880), ¥1,320–¥1,540 for a mapo tofu set, and ¥550 for yaki gyoza. The restaurant offers good value for its unique, high-quality cooking, though it's priced above a standard casual eatery.
- Reservations: Walk-ins are welcome, but the restaurant is popular and queues are common. Limited phone reservations are available and recommended, especially for groups.
- Getting There: The restaurant is a 3-minute walk from JR Nijo Station or a 1-minute walk from Exit 3 of Nijo Station on the Tozai Subway Line.
- Payment: Bring cash. Credit cards are only accepted for bills of ¥12,000 or more. Electronic money and QR code payments are not accepted.
- Seating: There are 30 seats. During busy periods, seating may be limited to 90 minutes.
- Language: An English menu is available, and the restaurant is considered welcoming to international visitors.
- Children: Children are welcome.
- Smoking & Parking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking. No parking is available.
