Chiba Prefecture Charms: Kawama's International Flavours

At Kawama Station on the Tobu Urban Park Line, you notice many foreign faces. The station is in the "Noda Triangle," the wedge-shaped area of the city bordered by the Tone and Edo Rivers and the Tone Canal. The train station functions as a hub for various businesses, including import and export operations. These logistics centers employ foreign workers, and ethnic restaurants and shops thrive here. 

One place I don't dine in but order take-out food from frequently is Hana Pizza Joint. The name doesn't begin to describe what the South Asian chef can do. Her halal menu offers burgers, pizzas, and cakes made to order. My neighbour and I love her chicken shawarma dressed with secret sauce. 

On the north side of the station, you can stock up on South Asian spices at Kawama Spice & Halal Food. The small store is crammed with prepared foods, condiments, and spices at reasonable prices.

Within sight of Kawama Station's south exit is a tiny Vietnamese enclave centered around Vietnam Pho. The restaurant serves classic Vietnamese dishes. Next door is a shop stocked with Vietnamese groceries, and above is a karaoke shop. You may want to brush up on your Vietnamese language greetings, as not all staff members speak Japanese or English. Nevertheless, the staff warmly greet all customers.

Across from Hana Pizza Joint is a long-established Korean food restaurant, Kankoku Dining Kan. The owners are a big-hearted couple who offer Korean hospitality and beautifully presented yakiniku platters. Their chijimi is a hearty meal in itself. Part of the fun here is the K-pop soundtrack on the big display screen.

A little walk south is Baby's Breath. It's an Italian restaurant run by a Japanese chef trained in Italy. The trattoria offers antipasto, seafood specialties, and artisanal pizza. It's a great place for a celebratory meal.