ハラミ串
【Overall】Located about a 15-minute walk from Seijo Gakuenmae Station, this specialty shop for prosciutto and cheese is situated on the border between Setagaya Ward and Chofu City. With a cool, somewhat American casual atmosphere, the interior of the shop is pleasantly cluttered with a wide array of items carefully curated by the owner. From prosciutto, salami, and sausages to cheese and wine, there's an abundance of delicious offerings to choose from. The highlight, undoubtedly, is the prosciutto. I had a sample of thinly sliced prosciutto on-site, and I was blown away by its flavor and aroma! If you're a fan of prosciutto, this is a must-visit salumeria.
【Details】As someone who loves ham, charcuterie, and cheese, I often check out reputable butcher shops and delicatessens. This time, I visited an extremely famous salumeria specializing in ham and sausages, commonly known as a salumeria. The nearest station is Seijo Gakuenmae, but it's a bit of a walk from there. Taking a bus and getting off at Inamachi Sanchome bus stop is probably the most convenient option. The shop is located on the ground floor of a building, which appears to be an apartment complex, with a facade featuring American diner-style colors predominantly in blue. While I had the impression that delicatessens and salumerias typically have glass storefronts, this place stands out with its flashy appearance. The interior is filled with an appealing clutter of American casual-style decor. There are plenty of intriguing products and reasonably priced wines available. They stock everything from TESIO sausages to BONDABON Persucco, boasting an impressive selection that makes you want to buy everything! The owner, a man wearing a ten-gallon hat, exudes a relaxed and somewhat whimsical atmosphere reminiscent of a character from a Kudo Kankuro film. His knowledge of the products is incredible. He explains each product meticulously with passion but without any pushiness. It's a thoroughly professional service. I had the opportunity to sample freshly sliced prosciutto on the spot, and it was incredibly flavorful with a fantastic texture! Despite being paper-thin, it had a robust flavor and saltiness that melted in the mouth. However, I learned that it only lasts about an hour! While I was tempted by the thinly sliced prosciutto, this time I purchased two types of regular prosciutto that can be stored for later enjoyment at home.
- Prosciutto 24 Months Aged from Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, 100g for 2,700 yen (the weight may vary slightly as it is cut from a whole ham). Upon unwrapping, an intense aroma fills the air! The smell is so rich that it feels like it's sticking to your nostrils. Aging pork enhances its aroma remarkably. Despite being thinly sliced, it's incredibly moist, and the fat melts smoothly on the tongue. This ham is amazing!
- Ruliano Di Udenus, 100g for 2,500 yen. The meat fibers are firm, and even when thinly sliced, it has a springy texture that pushes back against the teeth. It's a chewy delight that intensifies in flavor as you savor it. While the melt-in-your-mouth texture of prosciutto is unbeatable, this one holds its own. It's hard to say which is better. If you prefer leaner cuts like steak or harami, you might lean towards this one.
【Conclusion】Although these high-end hams are priced significantly higher than regular ones, the difference in quality is staggering. They are incredibly delicious! Not only do they impress with their flavor and texture, but the aroma is also the most surprising element. Experiencing the taste through your nose is an extraordinary sensation. The fantastic prosciutto, totaling 5,266 yen, is worth every penny and more. Despite being a bit far from my home, I'm extremely fond of this place, so I'll definitely be a regular customer, eager to try out other products. Thank you for the wonderful meal!