Reborn in Japan as a Chef God
Chapter 158: Tasting Session with Eriina (Part 1)

Chapter 158: Chapter 158: Tasting Session with Eriina (Part 1)

Pseudo-glow and the true glow of cuisine are worlds apart.

Xia Yu recalled the details to be noted about the "Dragon Roll Fish Fin Sausage" and found that it still had deficiencies "inside and out."

The so-called "inside" refers to the three strands braided into a twine, which is key to creating the texture of the dragon roll, and gourmet food isn’t just about texture, it must also be delicious enough to delight the taste buds.

"Outside" naturally refers to the sausage casing.

The inspiration given by Iwazaki Jun was just one direction.

"Sausage casing?"

After chewing on the top half of the fish fin sausage with his chopsticks, Xia Yu thought to himself, "A unique smoked flavor... This taste mixed with ham threads, bamboo shoots, and fish fin strips does indeed feel a bit jarring, how should I eliminate this sense of discord?"

Adding new ingredients would inevitably require blending them into the dish. Xia Yu was brainstorming this while others in the kitchen were thoroughly enjoying their food, with three fish fin sausages per person merely whetting their appetites.

Yoshino Yuuki was the first to finish eating, then stared at the two remaining fish fin sausages on Xia Yu’s plate, her lips visibly moist.

"Mr. Xia Yu, is the theme of the Food Duel fish fin?"

Ichise Hui smoothed her frizzled blond hair and then watched Xia Yu, who was deep in thought.

"Yes, it’s fish fin. I plan to use this dish for the challenge," Xia Yu replied, lifting his head to look at the seventh of the Ten Masters of Far Moon.

Hesitating slightly, Ichise Hui spoke, "Mr. Xia Yu, your dish is very creative and impactful, but please, do not overlook the essence of gourmet food. It’s a bit weak in flavor. If you want to ensure victory, you must improve this weaker element. A dish with flaws means it’s easier for the opponent to pinpoint the weakness and defeat you!"

Ichise Hui’s ideas coincided with those of Xia Yu.

No dish is invincible.

Flavor is the "Dragon Roll Fish Fin Sausage’s" weakness. If he could enhance its flavor, making it richer and giving the taster not just the frenzied sensation when biting through the "twine," but following it up with an explosive and strong taste, then Xia Yu would indeed be unbeatable in the Food Duel.

This critical battle was crucial for the survival of Xia’s shop and even the old shopping district. Xia Yu inwardly gathered his resolve, determined to execute perfectly and leave no stone unturned!

There was still time!

...

In the evening.

Xia Yu came out from the backstage of the examination hall, stretching leisurely.

The classroom test work was finally over, with just over two hundred qualifiers. Aoki Motota sent a text arranging the next class’s location and content. Xia Yu delegated the rest of the tasks to Si Yingshi and prepared to head home to open the shop as usual.

At the gate of Far Moon School, Xia Yu planned to call a taxi to the nearby tram station, but as he walked down the street, a black sedan slowly stopped beside him.

"Get in—"

In the back seat, as the window rolled down, the delicate face of "Divine Tongue" Tiqie Helinai appeared inside the car, her eyes conveying complex emotions.

Glad to receive a lift, Xia Yu immediately opened the door and sat down next to Eriina.

There was a faint scent of perfume in the car; it was unclear whether it came from Eriina or from Niho Fuyuka, who was seriously driving. Xia Yu greeted Fuyuka and then turned to Eriina, smiling teasingly, "Are you here to drop off the instructor? Such a polite student!"

"Instructor?"

Tiqie Eriina barely perceptibly pursed her lips, "I was just planning to try dishes at a Chinese restaurant near the shopping street and then happened upon a pathetic wanderer on the street, so I thought I’d give him a lift home. No need to thank me!"

Lost in thoughts about recipes, Xia Yu had no inclination to banter and play with her. Shaking his head, he leaned back against the soft seat cushion, closed his eyes, and immersed his mind in his culinary world.

The journey remained quiet. Half an hour later, when the car entered Taidong District, Tiqie Eriina couldn’t hold back any longer and abruptly asked, "Are you going to have a Food Duel with a Five-Star Chef?"

Hearing the words, Xia Yu opened his eyes. Niho Fuyuka, sitting in the driver’s seat, cast a shocked glance and the vehicle swayed violently before stabilizing.

"Sorry, so sorry!" Niho Fuyuka quickly apologized.

Ti Qie Helinai glanced over and then fixed her gaze on the now-awake Xia Yu.

"Yes, my opponent in the Food Duel is a Five-Star Chef," Xia Yu said calmly.

The calmer he appeared, the angrier Ti Qie Helinai felt, an unnamable rage rushing to her chest, making her coldly snap, "Do you realize how terrifying it is to face a Five-Star Chef with the skills of a Ten Masters of Far Moon graduate?!"

"Don’t assume that just because you defeated Si Yingshi, you can crush a Five-Star Chef in the Food Duel using the same tactics."

Undeniably, Xia Yu smiled lightly, "Was it Makki who told you about my Food Duel?"

"Yes!"

"She asked me to help you!"

Speaking of Makki, Ti Qie Helinai unexpectedly admitted candidly.

"Help me?" Xia Yu raised an eyebrow.

Without further explanation, Ti Qie Helinai instructed the driver, Niho Fuyuka, "According to the schedule, go directly to that Chinese restaurant!"

Thus, about ten minutes later, the car stopped in front of a large building at the entrance of Ueno Park.

As soon as the car parked, someone knocked on the window. Ti Qie Helinai got out first, greeted by a somewhat familiar, respectful, and humble male voice, "Miss Tiqie, welcome!"

"Manager Qi?"

Xia Yu got out of the car and saw the middle-aged restaurant manager he had met once before, taken aback.

Hearing the sound, Qi Nan looked over, equally astonished.

He saw Xia Yu get out of the car and stand behind Ti Qie Helinai, a fleeting sharp glint in his eyes.

Looking up at the neon sign on the building, the words "Danfei Building" were clearly reflected in Xia Yu’s eyes.

"So this is the place..." Xia Yu muttered.

"Please come in—"

Qi Nan and a group of chefs dressed in pristine white cooks’ uniforms ushered everyone into the elevator, heading to a top floor VIP room.

Although called a VIP room, it resembled an elegantly decorated small living room, with sofas, a dining table, a floor-standing TV cabinet, and a chandelier hanging overhead that emitted a soft glow, all showcasing the restaurant’s substantial capabilities.

"Why has she brought me here?" Xia Yu pondered, now facing Ti Qie Helinai across from him, casually fiddling with a delicate teacup on the table.

Feeling his stare, Ti Qie Helinai grew uncomfortable, initially sitting calmly and elegantly, but then changed her sitting position several times within a few minutes, eventually hissing in embarrassment and annoyance:

"Why do you keep staring at me?!"

"Your gaze makes me sick!"

Xia Yu smiled, glanced at the wall clock in the small living room – just past five PM. Danfei Building was very close to the old shopping street, so he was not in a hurry to leave, "I’m going to use the restroom."

With that, he left the table.

Ti Qie Helinai watched his departing figure, wrinkled her nose, and then suddenly stuck out her tongue, making a face under Niho Fuyuka’s odd look.

By the time Xia Yu returned from the restroom, he found the table he had just left already laden with a sumptuous spread of dishes.