Tag: japanese food

Discover Sydney’s chicest Sushi Train in the heart of Barangaroo

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If you think you’ve seen one sushi train you’ve seen them all, think again, because Kokumai’s newest branch in Barangaroo is classy, chic and most importantly scrumptious. Like their Circular Quay restaurant, Kokumai brings their token freshness and flair to their Barangaroo joint. Dishes are prepared for the train by the skilled in house team, as well as menu options that are made fresh, often right in front of you. There’s something very calming about watching a sushi master go about his craft while you wind down with a saké (or two) in the monochrome interior. Stand out hot dishes include their most-popular and unexpected best seller corn ribs, and the potato mochi from their izakaya menu. Yes, we did say potato mochi, and it brings the exact texture you know and love from the desert variety to the savoury kind! We did also say izakaya menu, because Kokumai is catering for the after work crowd just like they would in Japan and has special snack menu that all pair perfectly with a cold beer so you can let the worries of the day go. If you’re looking for sushi that’s a little more up market, Kokumai cannot be missed. We tried the Otoro nigiri, which is tuna belly, and it simply melted in our mouths. You can’t fault the presentation on any dishes, including the surprising amount of vegetarian options. You can also do the Omakase experience at their bar and let the chefs select the best sashimis and flavours of the day, while… Read More

The ultimate Japanese culinary and KI NO BI gin experience at Sake Melbourne

KINOBIGIN SakeLaunch StevenWoodburn 25

World Gin Day is just around the corner. And what better way to celebrate than treating yourself to an intimate tasting experience at Sake that includes a spectacular six-course dinner accompanied by KI NO BI gin cocktails and tastings! The ‘6 Elements’ dinners will take place in Sydney and Melbourne and will deliver the ultimate culinary experience for lovers of gin and Japanese cuisine alike. The ‘6 Elements’ dinners are inspired by KI NO BI’s intricate production process, where botanicals are divided into six different categories, known as the 6 Elements, steeped in rice spirit, and then distilled individually. Produced in Kyoto, KI NO BI gin is distilled with Japanese botanicals, grouped by flavour to create the six elements which are macerated and distilled separately, before being blended with Fushimi water.   The 6 Elements that make up the dry style of gin KI NO BI is renowned for are Base, Citrus, Tea, Herbal, Spice and Fruity & Floral, which are then blended to create the distinctive KI NO BI flavours. As most gin lovers would appreciate, water is a vital ingredient of this popular spirit, as it makes up more than 50% of the liquid inside every bottle. The KI NO BI distillery is located close to the famous sake-producing area of Fushimi, south of Kyoto city. The name “Fushimi” comes from the Japanese words for “hidden” or “underground” and “water”, and Fushimi water is renowned for its purity, softness and flavour. In addition to the pureness provided by the Fushimi water, quality ingredients… Read More

There’s a new Japanese pop-up in Melbourne this winter serving the best hot pots

Japanese hot pot shabyu shabu

Melbourne is known for its food – just ask the chefs at this year’s Melbourne Good Food Month – so it seemed like the right place for Master Den to temporarily set-up shop on the site of the old Kappo restaurant for all things ‘Japanese hot pots’. The pop-up – or ‘poppu uppu’ in Japanese – has been open since 20 June and with the likes of the renowned Izakaya Den and Hihou in the mix, is offering a unique take on ‘nabemono’ dining experiences of Japan, where a pot is filled with broth and allowed to simmer, before vegetables and protein are gradually added to cook. The poppu-uppu offers dozens of varieties of hot pots, each with a distinguished flavour and style, and Master Den has created his own special versions of shabu shabu, a Hokkaido-style seafood nabe, and an elegant Japanese mushroom hot pot, that guests make themselves at the table guided by the friendly staff. What’s on the menu? The Shabu Shabu features a konbu flavoured broth, with a plate of wagyu rump, topside and sirloin 6+, with the option to add speciality cuts like rump cap, scotch fillet and Japanese favourite, Cube roll. The Hokkaido style Seafood Nabe has a light miso flavoured broth, and is filled with Tasmanian Salmon fillet, local mussels and Mackeral, or add local flathead fillets, New Zealand pippies, Coffin Bay Oysters, Crystal Bay prawns and Harvey Bay scallops. The Special Mushroom Hot Potcomes with a konbu, sake and soy flavoured broth, silken tofu, and a selection of Japanese mushrooms including shiitake, enoki, shimeji,… Read More