Mitarashi dango

Three skewers of grilled rice dumplings, charred in spots and coated in a glossy amber glaze. Mitarashi dango is the one to try if you think you do not like bean paste: the sauce is sweet and syrupy, made with soy, and the grill marks add a toasty edge. Kyoto ties its birthplace to the festivals of Shimogamo Shrine, which has a pond called Mitarashi Pond.