As June rolled in, it felt like summer was just around the corner, ready to wrap its arms around us with a playful "I’m here! " But, what about the rainy season?
With the rising temperatures, we tend to reach for cold drinks and food, and the increased use of air conditioning only chills us further—both inside and out. It’s important to keep our internal organs in good shape to prevent summer fatigue.
That’s why I headed to FabuDine, a bar where you can enjoy tasty porridge, great drinks, and unique dishes that warm you from the inside out.
In this second installment, I’ll introduce the star of the show—the porridge—and a refreshing plum wine perfect for summer.
Pineapple Porridge That Exceeds Expectations!
FabuDine offers eight types of porridge, including seasonal varieties. Wanting to try something different, I opted for the "Fruity Pineapple Broth Porridge."
This porridge is made with fresh pineapple, dried mango, and dried figs. It sounds sweet, right? And naturally so!
To enhance the flavor, they even provide a side of maple syrup. It’s a great touch if you want to bring out a dessert-like sweetness.
Surprisingly, the spicy peanut sauce on the table also pairs well with the porridge, giving it an unexpected Asian twist—like a gust of wind from the East! It’s so flavorful and delicious.
The blend of six vinegars also adds a delightful tang that I really enjoyed.
Adding the maple syrup transforms the porridge into a true dessert! At first, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about sweet rice, but the porridge blends the flavors beautifully, unlike firmer white rice.
I was contemplating dessert, but this porridge was the perfect way to end the meal.
Seasonal Porridge Spotlight: "Hydrangea Porridge" for the Rainy Season
I visited in mid-June, just before the rainy season officially started. On a rainy day like this, they were serving "Hydrangea Porridge," available until the rainy season ends.
The color might surprise you, but the flavor is pure comfort—a gentle chicken broth that feels like a warm embrace for the soul. It’s made with daikon radish and Daisen chicken, creating a soothing, delicious porridge. So heartwarming!
The blue color comes from butterfly pea flowers, which change color when exposed to acid.
They serve it with vinegar, allowing you to transform the color to a soft pink with just a few drops. It’s so cute! Though I was hesitant about adding vinegar to this comforting porridge, it actually worked well when used sparingly, adding a refreshing touch.
Refreshing and Delightful Rum Plum Wine!
As I was browsing the menu, the "Rum Plum Wine" caught my eye—and it was an absolute delight!
If you want to fully enjoy the crispness of the rum, I recommend having it with soda water. It’s incredibly refreshing and delicious!
It’s the perfect drink to cool down in the summer, but be warned—it goes down easily, so keep your wits about you!
The plums are steeped without added sweetness, allowing the fresh aroma of plums to infuse directly into the dry, crisp rum. It’s incredibly tasty, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good drink.
If you prefer something sweeter, they can add a touch of maple syrup or oligosaccharide.
They also offer gin plum wine, so you can have fun finding your favorite combination.
A Cozy Spot Just 6 Minutes from Hiroo Station
Located about a 6-minute walk from Hiroo Station, Exit 2, FabuDine is situated at the edge of a shopping district on a wide, quiet street.
It’s a bit of a walk from the station, but even as a self-proclaimed "professional at getting lost," I made it there just fine with the help of a map.
The interior is vibrant yet serene, creating a cohesive and calming atmosphere where you can truly relax.
The bar usually sees a steady flow of locals, with a peaceful ambiance during both lunch and dinner.
Although they’ll be pausing lunch service starting in July, you can still enjoy their delicious drinks, dishes, and of course, porridge during dinner hours.
FabuDine is the perfect spot for a solo meal or a quick drink. To stay healthy and energized through the summer, warm yourself from the inside out with a comforting bowl of porridge—you’ll leave feeling more satisfied than you imagined.
