When traveling, few people think that not only a castle or a monument can be old. There are restaurants that have been delighting visitors with delicious cuisine for hundreds of years. They have endured all wars and crises, and continue to maintain culinary traditions and a special atmosphere. And they themselves have already become a historical landmark.
Honke Owaria, Kyoto
It opened as a pastry shop in 1465. The impetus for development was the Chinese noodles. Its recipe was brought from monasteries of Zen Buddhism, and at first it was also produced in monasteries, only Japanese ones. When it was decided to entrust the orders to artisans, Owaria was in the forefront. Since I already had equipment for rolling and cutting the dough. The first order was executed so well that the establishment became a supplier of buckwheat noodles for the emperor. This is how his story began.
The oldest restaurant in the world has been keeping the bar for over 550 years. At the same time, it continues to be the most popular in Kyoto. Along with new dishes, traditional ones remain on the restaurant menu:
- Buckwheat noodles (soba).
- Wheat flour noodles (udon).
- Rice dishes.
- Yuba is a specially made film made from soy milk.
- Seaweed, fried and pickled.
- Buckwheat and rice cakes.
This gastronomic basis of the establishment is prepared in a wide variety of variations with a consistently high quality. In addition to first-class cuisine and rich history, the restaurant attracts with a relaxing atmosphere, Japanese-style minimalist interior and emphasized respect for each client.
At the Franciscans, Stockholm
In 1421, German monks founded this tavern to eat familiar food without restaurant pathos. Traditions have survived to this day. Beer and fried sausages are still the main course. Moreover, the latter are served in German in large portions.
The restaurant is small and very cozy. Good food and low prices attract locals and those who work nearby. And also tourists, because the status of the oldest catering establishment remains with it. Therefore, despite the fact that there are many luxurious restaurants near the Royal Palace, it is worth visiting this not pretentious, but ancient place - out of respect for its 600-year history, and just out of curiosity.
Stiftskeller of St. Peter's Monastery, Salzburg
Founded earlier in 803, it is considered the oldest European restaurant. The exact date of its foundation is unknown, the starting point was the mention of it in the documents. For the second millennium, the restaurant has been feeding all its guests, from the royal family to ordinary travelers. Legends say that the composers Mozart and Haydn were among the regulars of the institution.
And today, dinners dedicated to Mozart are hosted here, with live performances of his music and menus from the 18th century. By the way, dishes from the old menu can be ordered on any other day. But it is better to taste lemon cream soup with rosemary dumplings, fried capon breast, dumplings and strudels with Mozart symphonies. For completeness of impressions.
Located in the Old Town, the historic center of Salzburg, at the foot of the Monastery Mountain Mönchsberg.
Sobrino de Botin, Madrid
In the Guinness Book of Records, it is listed as the oldest continuously operating. The key word here is "continuous". And the trademark of the institution is an authentic oven, in which the fire is allegedly maintained continuously since the day of its foundation.
Opened in 1725 by the French Botin family, and still belongs to the descendants of this family. And in the famous oven, which is already a tourist attraction in itself, a pig is baked. This is also a signature dish from the day it was founded.
The image of the institution was also influenced by its mention in the novels of E. Hemingway, G. Green, F. S. Fitzgerald and other famous fiction writers. And Francisco Goya worked here as a waiter, awaiting admission to the Academy of Arts. Literature lovers still gather in the restaurant.
Located in the historic quarters of Madrid. In addition to the pig, lamb is baked in the wood-fired oven and traditional Spanish dishes are served.
Bianifang, Beijing
Opened in 1426 during the Ming dynasty. In a small tavern, roast duck was cooked in a special way. Since then, Peking duck in a special closed oven has become the restaurant's brand. Today, its branches are open in major Chinese cities, the network has become famous. But connoisseurs tend to visit the Beijing Bianifang.
The name translates as "good service and pleasure." That still remains the basis of the service of this establishment.
Silver Tower, Paris
He is also one of the patriarchs of the catering industry. In 1582 it was a small tavern near a Benedictine monastery. Henry III contributed to the prosperity, having dined here after another hunt. He appreciated the food and the view of the cathedral and the Seine out loud. After that, there was no end to the Parisian nobility in the institution.
Subsequent French rulers kept the tradition of visiting a restaurant after hunting. This is where forks came into being as cutlery. For over 400 years, the restaurant has been considered a trendsetter in culinary fashion, and on a global scale.
Rula Restaurant, London
Since 1798, the restaurant has remained true to its founder's principles of serving the finest English food at affordable prices. In the beginning it was a small oyster bar in Covent Garden. There is reason to believe that these principles helped the restaurant stay on the market and become one of the best.
For more than 200 years, many celebrities have visited it, from Charles Dickens and HG Wells to Clark Gable and Charlie Chaplin. Today, tourists are equally attracted by the exquisite interiors of the Victorian era and the opportunity to sample historical English cuisine.
