It’s the go-to snack for many of us…fresh sushi!
Not only is sushi delicious, it’s also very healthy containing high-quality protein and Omega-3 fatty acids from fish, plus a great combination of vitamins and minerals; traditional sushi is made with relatively few ingredients including vinegared rice, fresh seafood and nori sheets.
It’s about as Japanese as you can get, here are five of our faves to indulge the senses:
All Your Sushi Favourites
Discover the joys of Shyun, a cosy Melbourne gem serving all your favourite Japanese dishes, just minutes from Carnegie train station on Koornang Road. Traditional Japanese seating amidst a pleasantly modest setting creates an instantly familiar feel, settle in with a sparkling sake, creative cocktail or imported beer, before browsing an extensive menu of fresh seafood, meat and vegetables, carefully crafted into artfully presented dishes of fresh sushi, noodle soups and hot rice dishes.
Devour rolls such as salmon, crab meat, avocado and cucumber, or double crunch kingfish with a tempura crust; share an assorted sashimi platter or choose grilled eel with thick soy-based sauce and rice, washed down with Shyum Mojito cocktail with lime juice and lemonade.
Japanese Fusion Fare
Canberra foodies looking for a fun experience like no other head to Japanese fusion restaurant and bar, Chop Chop on Northbourne Avenue in the heart of the city. Expect a fresh take on traditional fare, alongside an expansive cocktail list, at this dark and moody venue, where the walls feature authentic artwork and banquette seating beckons those looking to linger over a bite with friends.
Pair a Lychee Mojito with starters of spider maki – soft-shell crab, tobiko, cucumber and wasabi mayo – or kingfish nigiri with yuzu aioli and chilli; those with larger appetites can share Wagyu striploin, sweet potato purée and yakiniku, or a luxe tempura platter with crab, King prawns,
vegetables and tempura broth.
Order from the Sushi Train
Capturing the ordered chaos of Tokyo, Tetsujin on Lonsdale Street in the heart of Melbourne's CBD is where to head for Japanese barbeque fare with flair. Located in the Emporium shopping centre, this sleek restaurant offers three distinct entertainment areas – the barbeque dining space is dark, moody and buzzing, the sushi train is light and bright with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city skyline, while the bar is alive with those looking to catch up over a cocktail.
Take a seat and conduct your order from the sushi train for the freshest temptations like lobster salad rolls, or salmon and tuna; perhaps take the BBQ option with a premium Wagyu set of salmon sashimi, wafu salad, oyster blade, inside skirt, rib finger and Scotch, edamame, three side dishes and two bowls of rice.
Classic Sushi Temptations
For classic Japanese dishes from sashimi to bento boxes, Kensington foodies head along Anzac Parade to find Sushi Tengoku. A minimalist vibe of polished concrete and blond wood is lightened by a full glass frontage letting in an abundance of natural light, while overhead geometric wire pendents emit a soft glow, ideal for grazing on plates sure to tempt all tastes.
From a menu of the freshest, tastiest sushi you can imagine, perhaps opt for a California roll with masago, lettuce, cucumber, avocado and crab sticks, or raw tuna with spicy mayo, shallots and masago; before larger plates such as chicken teriyaki with steamed rice and avocado salad.
Fantastic Sushi Flavours
Find the fantastic flavours and textures of fresh sushi on offer at Sushi Zento on Wynnum Road in Tingalpa. Nestled in Twin Parks Shopping Centre, this stylish restaurant boasts black stools to perch on at the counter, traditional red lanterns and artwork as diners contemplate all manner of temptations from nigiri, sashimi and ships to curry, noodle and rice dishes.
Say arigatou to classic rolls such as salmon and cream cheese along with aburi salmon and scallop, move onto chicken katsu with sides of edamame, wakame and chips; special sushi rolls such as Alaska – crab stick salad, cream cheese, cucumber, fresh salmon and onion – always entice, or wrap your hands around signature chicken wings and dipping sauce.
