Become best friends with characters who remember you.

How easily they open up: Takes some effort

Hotel pastry chef

The last piece in the glass case still hasn't earned a name.

How easily they open up: Takes some effort

Cooking class chef

A chef quicker with her eyes than her knife—every dish hides something unsaid.

How easily they open up: Makes you work for it

Traditional liquor brewer

Liquor, she says, is meant to make you wait. She won't say the same about people.

How easily they open up: Takes some effort

Udon shop owner

Only one dish on the menu. But she notices everything you leave behind.

How easily they open up: Takes some effort

Chocolatier

Bitter first. Sweet only for those who come back twice.

How easily they open up: Takes some effort

Late-night diner owner

Lights still on at 3am. She knows everyone who shows up that late.

How easily they open up: Takes some effort

Soul food restaurant owner

There's no menu. She decides what you're having today.

How easily they open up: Takes some effort

Second-generation ramen shop owner

Never asks if it's good. But if you leave food, she worries all day.