【Osaka/Kita-Shinchi】Gourmet Chu-nai Labo. Choyo

I had lunch at Chu-nai Labo. Choyo and tried the "Ultimate Mapo Tofu Set" (1,000 yen)!

This famous restaurant quietly located in the basement of a building in Kita-Shinchi is run by a former head chef of Chinese cuisine at the Dojima Hotel, offering authentic dishes. For lunch, the basic choices are either "Mapo Tofu" or "Steamed Fish," and I chose the Mapo without hesitation!

The Mapo Tofu served was a vivid crimson bowl with spicy chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns that hinted at heat and numbness just by looking at it. When I scooped it with a spoon, the aroma spread with the steam, and with one bite, a complex flavor experience of "spicy and delicious!" filled my mouth! It was packed with coarsely ground meat, and the layered depth from fermented black beans and Sichuan pepper oil was impressive!

The set comes with rice, pickled mustard greens, salad, and dessert (almond tofu), and rice refills are free. If you’re not good with numbness, they can adjust the amount of Sichuan pepper to "less," so you can customize it to your liking!

The interior has a calm, modern Chinese atmosphere, and the service is polite. The quality at 1,000 yen is outstanding value. This is the essence of Kita-Shinchi lunch where you can enjoy the depth of spiciness and aroma! Next time I come to Osaka, I will definitely repeat, and I also want to try the steamed fish. It was a very satisfying moment!

📍 1-3-8 Dojima, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, Dojima Linden Building Basement 1F
🕰️ 11:30–13:40, 18:00–22:00 (Closed on Sundays)
💰 Budget: Lunch 1,000 yen, Dinner 4,000 yen

Post by じぇえめー | Jun 30, 2025