When you are looking for that eluding memory
There are moments when a memory hasn’t completely faded, but it’s no longer vivid either; just some scattered fragments lingering in your mind. Often, these elusive memories are about food. A familiar waft of tadka your dadi once added to a simmering dal, or the faint aftertaste of a unique dish prepared to mark a special celebration. These fragments may be small, but you hold on to them tightly, trying to savor them forever.
Sometimes, the craving to relive these memories through food becomes so strong, it drives you to great lengths. You might travel miles to revisit the place where you first tasted that dish, or reconnect with a long-lost friend or relative just for a familiar bite. But what if everything has changed? What if the people and places are no longer there?
This is the very question that Hisashi Kashiwai explores in Kamogawa Food Detectives.
When you are looking for that eluding memory,
you should wander down a quiet backstreet in Kyoto, Japan, and seek out Mr. Kamogawa and his daughter. A retired police officer, Mr. Kamogawa now uses his unique skills for a different kind of investigation; tracking down forgotten recipes that match the faint traces of your memory: a smell, a taste, something just out of reach.
This quest to recover lost flavors becomes a journey, not just through Japanese cuisine, but through the culture and landscapes of the country itself. Together with Mr. Kamogawa, you travel through various prefectures, uncovering stories hidden in local dishes and traditions.
And when he returns from his travels, it’s in the small, unassuming restaurant he runs with his daughter where the magic happens. There, in that humble space, you don’t just relive old memories, you create new ones.
From the blurb
What’s the one dish you’d do anything to taste just one more time?
Down a quiet backstreet in Kyoto exists a very special restaurant. Run by Koishi Kamogawa and her father Nagare, the Kamogawa Diner treats its customers to wonderfully extravagant meals. But that’s not the main reason to stop by . . .
The father-daughter duo have started advertising their services as ‘food detectives’. Through ingenious investigations, they are capable of recreating a dish from their customers’ pasts – dishes that may well hold the keys to forgotten memories and future happiness.
From the widower looking for a specific noodle dish that his wife used to cook, to a first love’s beef stew, the restaurant of lost recipes provides a link to the past – and a way to a more contented future.
About the book
- Name of Book: The Kamogawa Food Detectives
- Author: Hisashi Kashiwai
- Publisher: Mantle
- Publication date: 5 October 2023
- Pages: 209
- ISBN – 10: 0593717716
- Kindle e-book Price: ₹ 499
My ratings
Stories: 4/5
Writing Style: 3/5
Cover Design: 4/5
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Where to get your copy
- Books stores near you
- Amazon
- Kindle eBook
- Flipkart
Should you read it?
How strong is your craving for that old taste you once enjoyed? Worth a read for that memory, of food, people and places!
For more about my views on books, click here.
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Ratna Prabha.
This post is also a part of #BlogchatterFoodFest.
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The way you described the father-daughter duo recreating lost recipes really tugged at my heart—it’s such a unique and comforting premise. I could totally imagine that small Kyoto diner tucked away in a quiet alley, holding not just meals but memories. Your review made me feel like I was already sitting there, sipping something warm while watching stories unfold one dish at a time. I especially liked how you highlighted the emotional depth behind each customer’s search—it’s not just about food, it’s about healing. And I agree with you, the cozy pace and novella-like chapters sound like the perfect break from heavy reads. You painted such a vivid picture that now I’m craving a copy (and a bowl of something nostalgic). The warmth in your words matched the warmth in the story. Thanks for introducing me to a book that seems both gentle and soul-satisfying!
sounds like a tempting read. Since its about food, I will add it to my TBR
I like the sound of this book
Even though I am not a foodie, the plot looks intriguing.
Hisashi Kashiwai’s ‘The Kamogawa Food Detectives” has been on my radar for some time now but after reading ‘Before the Coffee gets cold” I felt ‘The Kamogawa Food Detectives ” held a similar premise and I was not ready for it . Now I think I can take a plunge and make sense of it.
Coming back to the question of food memories , there is one elusive dish which I had on a school picnic as a child at a restaurant – A thali of Soft pooris, Parwal ki sabzi and Shreekhand , I loved that combination and ever since have been trying to recreate it but I think t is tough to recreate that.Your first time will next time only be your second time, it will never bring the same pleasure or thrill.
I’ve never read anything by Hisashi Kashiwai, but now I’m curious. Stories tied to food and memory always hit home for me.
The book seems to be based on a unique and intriguing theme. As a food lover who enjoys consuming content and reading books centered on food, I find this especially exciting. Thanks for sharing!
What a treat reading about Kaneshichi Suisan’s access to auction-fresh seafood ; it’s so exciting that diners can savor sushi made from the day’s catch . I especially loved the shoutout to Ikesu Kago inside Kamogawa Grand Tower with its half–buffet breakfast and seafood dinners
I have read that book, and I must say how I craved food with every dish explored in that book.
I’ve have been thinking of whether to pick this book or not but after your review the themes sound promising so I’ll definitely pick it soon!
Thats quite an uncommon subject. The cover of the book makes me somewhat like the curious cat on it.
Thats quite an uncommon subject. The cover of the book makes me as curious as the cat on it.
What a beautiful concept, recovering lost memories through forgotten flavors. This book sounds so unique and comforting. I’m really curious to check it out, especially since food holds such emotional value for so many of us.
This is definately the book for me and I am going to read it for sure 100%. What a review Adi and jaha pa mujha Detective, mystery , suspense ya words ka smell a jata ha… I get to know the book is ment for me. Thanks for the recommendations.
What a beautifully nostalgic read! You’ve captured the emotional depth of food memories so tenderly. This post made me crave not just flavors, but the feelings and stories tucked within them
Thank you for sharing this book review with us. Such an interesting title! Mayuri / Sirimiri
I loved the blurb as it’s intriguing..I’m.gonna get this book..thank you for this feature
Always love books centered around food. I have a copy of the book but have not had the chance to pick it up yet. Enjoyed reading your review. Thanks for the nudge to pick it up.
thanks for the share. Will try to get my hands on it