So growing up in the Hawaii and California, authentic Asia food was never a problem. You’d have authentic Japanese food all over town, from Tenpayaki and Sushil restaurants are a go-to for weekend dinners. However, the first time I tried Nanamen restaurant here, which cost about 26 Francs for a bowl of ramen soup — probably more expensive than the most expensive bowl of ramen in Japan,  I realize, uh oh.. I’d have a difficult time feeding my authentic Asian food cravings. Since I moved to Basel, Switzerland (the very North East tip of Switzerland), I’ve pretty much dined in as many Asia restaurants in and around Basel as I could and most of the time walked out feeling disappointed, frustrated and unsatisfied. This post isn’t to bash or offend Asian restaurant in Switzerland, after all, there isn’t much demand, supplies are limited and manpower is very expensive and I know what authentic Asia food taste like. This itself is a topic itself.

Without straying away, thanks to my Japanese students, she recommended the most authentic Japanese food I’ve had here in Switzerland/France/Germany. This restaurant is located in Freiburg, about 50 minutes drive from Basel, called Basho-An. Just right in the city center of Freiburg. From outside you can already peak in from the window to see all the wooden decorations. As we entered the restaurant, we were greeted by all Japanese staffs and served the traditional Japanese way (a warm hand towel to start off). My first impression was: Yes, we came to the right place! I’ve never seen so many Japanese people here in Europe and they are all here! I felt I was back in the States or Asia. Many customers were there on their own, enjoying a set dish all to themselves. I was drooling already!

So Marc ordered the set menu for 40 euros, which I thought was very reasonable with all the little delicacies one after another. I, on the other hand, picked one out of two sets of selection so I had two plates. I order the Salmon with Teriyaki sauce and a sushi platter. This is what it looked like.

It came with a light salad with Japanese dressing. But because I LOVE to eat anything teriyaki with rice, I ordered a bowl of rice for the side. My sushi platter looked like this:

The sushi was really smooth and warm. You can actually taste the freshness of the fish. Unlike fast food sushi outside where the sushi rice is served cold and a bit hard, this melts in your mouth.

Marc’s order, on the other hand, served slowly one after another. He first had three appetizer assortments, with sliced beef and some ginger dressing, stewed daikon that was so soft, I guess they let it sit for many hours, and tofu, all served in these delicate small dishes.

Then a light soup which tempura potatoes, mushroom and some greens. The soup was absolutely delicious. It reminds me of home, so much flavor and fragrance in a clear soup. Light and healthy.

Then a salad with bacon (I love how they do that boiled cauliflower in the salad, gave me inspirations!)

And for some reason I forgot to take a photo of the main dish, but it was chicked cooked in miso sauce with chopped garlic.  sorry guys!

Last but not least… the homemade dessert with coffee jelly and crispy chocolate flakes:

I have to say, this was really enjoyable and satisfying. It was light and flavorful with different variations. I once heard a saying that a really good meal which touch all of your six senses can you make you feel alive and worth living. This was it — really worth the trip and the price. I thought it was very reasonable. We paid total of 75 euros including drinks. I thought it was very reasonable with the quality of food and dishes (keep in mind manpower is expensive in Europe) compared to the service you get and what you would pay in Switzerland. I would highly recommend it to you. Next time I return, I’ll get the Karaage (if you are IN for friend chicken, order that). I saw many other customers getting those dishes and it must be one of their best specialties.

Here’s the restaurant information:

Basho-An (Bashoan Tsubaki)

http://www.bashoan.com/

Opening Hours:

Tuesday to Saturday:
12:00 clock – 14:00 clock
18:00 clock – 22:00 clock

Sundays and holidays: 18:00 clock – 22:00 clock

Happy eating! Will be back with more 

with love,

Paye Tina