We all love eating sushi but most of us don’t know much about this healthy fast food’s background.
Did you know sushi didn’t originate in Japan? It was actually created in South-east Asia…a dish called nare-zushi originated somewhere along the Mekong River in Vietnam.
As we celebrate International Sushi Day on Saturday, June 18 here are four fun facts about these tasty morsels and four restaurants to enjoy all things sushi:
•The word sushi actually refers to the rice that is used – as long as there is vinegared rice in the roll, it doesn’t have to contain fish for it to be considered authentic.
•Seaweed isn’t the only wrapper used for maki; egg, thinly-sliced cucumber, semi-firm avocado and soy paper are all alternatives.
•Sushi rice was once considered trash – the rice was wrapped around the fish to give it a unique flavour, extend its life and protect it from insects. Once it was time to eat the fish, the rice was discarded.
•An earthquake is responsible for making sushi even more popular! Traditionally seen as a street food, many vendors couldn’t afford to open brick and mortar locations; an earthquake in Japan in 1923 changed all that as the price of property dipped so low it was possible to buy a restaurant and serve sushi there.
Find a generous all-you-can-eat menu incorporating traditional dishes at Okami Japanese Restaurant on Sturt Street in Ballarat. Combining a cosy atmosphere with freshly made Japanese fare, Okami is the ideal place to satisfy all cravings for sushi, gyoza, Udon noodles, curry and so much more. With more than 30 choices on the menu including sashimi, beef carpaccio, agedashi tofu, tempura prawns, chicken teriyaki and green tea ice cream; be prepared to bring a healthy appetite to the table.
With 44 restaurants all over the country, click here to find an Okami near you.
With 44 restaurants around Australia, there’s an Okami sushi joint near you.
Open the barn door at Etsu Izakaya on Gold Coast Highway in Mermaid Beach to discover a magical mystery tour of Japanese share plate dining. Moody surrounds of neon signage, walls plastered with photographs and a long, low-lit dining space make this izakaya-style restaurant an ideal place for a romantic encounter, or chilling out with friends for after-work drinks.
The menu embraces all aspects of Japanese fare from sushi and sashimi to tempura, salads and teriyaki; think sushi like inside out salmon and avocado rolls, topped with seared salmon, spicy aioli and soy glaze.
Find a magical mystery tour of Japanese dining at Etsu Izakaya.
Situated in the heart of Melbourne City, Chef Hat-awarded Kenzan Japanese Restaurant is a destination for authentic Japanese dining. Since opening its doors in 1981, this oriental restaurant takes you away from the rush of Collins Street into a relaxed setting of mood lighting, wooden fixtures and warm neutral colours.
Encompassing a selection of fresh sushi, sashimi and traditional mains, Kenzan’s extensive menu highlights a diverse array of large and small options; perhaps sample California tobiko maki rolls, with avocado, prawn and flying fish roe.
Fresh sushi, sashimi and traditional mains await at Kenzan Japanese Restaurant.
For more than 17 years, OSushi Byron Bay on Jonson Street has offered an extensive, ever-changing selection of Japanese contemporary dishes that place an emphasis on a fun shared dining experience. Visually stunning, the space is designed for the traditional to meet contemporary, much like the menu; owned by the same local family, OSushi gives a comprehensively unique experience, focusing on delicious food, warm friendly service and an atmosphere that makes you feel at home.
Drop in on Saturday and say arigatou to plates of rainbow rolls, wasabi salted seared kingfish nigiri and tuna tataki with shiso chilli and ginger dressing.
Say arigatou to a fun shared dining experience at OSushi Byron Bay.
To find a sushi joint near you, click here.
