Jiyugaoka: Street Kebab and Chic Cafe Heaven?

Jiyugaoka reminds me very much of Melbourne – with its quaint and cute cafes, small streets and random restaurants. I’m lucky that I get to go there quite often for work. One fine day, on the boring train ride there, I had a huge wouldn’t-go-away craving for a kebab. It happens. I’m sure some of you folks out there know what I’m talking about. There are few things quite as satisfying as well-marinated juicy tender meat all wrapped up in bread with some vegetables.

Umm… mmm… mmm…

Jiyugaoka Kebab

A quick Google Search later, I found Jiyugaoka Kebab. It’s an eatery right by the train tracks that’s easy to miss if you don’t know about it. The menu is simple and succinct – kebabs, rolls and kebab don (when in Japan…). There are also a couple of vegetarian options.

After buying my kebab, I took a seat on one of the few chairs and stools that are around the eatery. I used to be an expert at eating kebabs, but I’m losing my touch… I made a mess – dropping ingredients, getting sauce all over my face and catching meat as it tried to escape from my pita. I was a bit confused by all the cabbage that was in the pita – but overall it was good and satisfied that  wouldn’t-go-away craving. The noisy train would go by now and then forcing me to stop my conversation whilst the Tokyu line did what it did.

I loved loved loved the experience. Jiyugaoka Kebab is an unpretentious gem of a place in the otherwise savvy, fashion-conscious (and overpriced) Jiyugaoka.

 I approve. 

Latte Graphic 

After the early kebab dinner, I headed to Latte Graphic – an Australian-ish café that’s around a two minute walk away. The moment I walked in, I felt like I was right back in Melbourne. The crowd largely consisted of housewives, hipsters and foreigners – three very distinct (but similar?) groups. I never get a chance to relax in a café anymore and was grateful for the experience of just taking off my shoes and kicking back on one of their extremely comfortable couches. 

I wasn’t in the mood for a coffee – so I cynically ordered their chai, which was surprisingly delicious.

My mother wouldn’t have approved, but my palate is hipster-friendly so the chai tea hit all the right spots for me. YUMMY. I also had the yoghurt parfait which is a frozen yoghurt cake looking thingy with grapefruit and strawberry sauce. It was incredibly refreshing in this humid and hot weather. I like.

Till next time, Jiyugaoka. Till next time.