I work as a writer and photographer in rural Japan, and recently I interviewed a newly opened takeout shop started by a couple who returned to Japan after many years in New York — a kind of return migration to a regional city.

The shop is called “Deliyatcha Kitchen”. The couple lived in New York for 26 years, experiencing both joyful and difficult moments that now shape their cooking.

One of their signature dishes is chicken over rice, a classic New York street food. But what really stole my heart was their tomato cream soup.

The bright acidity of tomatoes combined with a rich, cheesy depth creates a flavor you can only experience here — and it’s just 300 yen.

The first time I tried the soup, I regretted not buying bread to go with it. This time I chose a coupe and graham bread, and the pairing was perfect.

This shop’s soup is now officially one of my favorites.