Did you know sushi rice was once considered trash? It was wrapped around 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. In fact, sushi didn’t even originate in Japan - it was actually created in Southeast Asia, where a dish called nare-zushi originated somewhere along the Mekong River in Vietnam.
If you add wasabi to your fave roll, then be aware you are probably not getting the real stuff. Real wasabi is expensive and what you get in most restaurants is actually horseradish and mustard powder, which has been coloured green.
As we celebrate International Sushi Day on Sunday, June 18, here are five restaurants to enjoy all things sushi:
Contemporary sushi fusion steeped in Japanese tradition and infused with Brazilian inspiration is on the plate at Oshan Contemporary Sushi on Toorak Road in South Yarra. Slow down; it’s Oshan time at this unpretentious fine diner where connection and conversation abound in a stunning setting of distressed timber tables, a tiled bar and statement pendent lighting.
Expect artisan sushi created from seasonal and sustainable ingredients, such as delicious crispy rice nigiri with bluefin tuna toro, uni and ikura, or salmon and kingfish kyuri maki and tempura hot rolls.
Chefs are storytellers and each dish has its own nostalgic tale to tell at Monster Sushi and Bar on Sussex Street in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. Expect dynamic and innovative modern Japanese cuisine inspired by an affinity with nature at this creative sushi dining destination, where a stylish ambience of marble, black and white tiles, neon lighting and sleek table settings awaits.
Sip a cheeky New York Sour cocktail and devour a deluxe sashimi platter of salmon, tuna, kingfish, scallop, amaebi, tako, hokkigai and ikura; or an extra-long combo platter of unagi, salmon, saltwater eel and engawa.
Those seeking an elevated dining experience in Melbourne head to Kuma Japanese on Elizabeth Street in the heart of the city. Indulge your senses with the freshest cuisine while overlooking city views of the bustling street below, in stunningly elegant surrounds of a dominant wall mural of a Japanese woman, stylish table settings and a lively buzz of conversation.
From signature platters to sushi, sashimi and hearty mains, there is something on the menu to tempt all tastes – think sushi rolls such as prawn, salmon, avocado and torched XO mayo, or lobster salad, with avocado and cucumber, topped with flamed salmon and Japanese mayo.
Those seeking the freshest sushi and Japanese fare with flair head down Enmore Road to find Kazuki Enmore. Step into a colourful vibe of flags, lanterns and Japanese artwork to sit at wooden table settings and peruse an extensive menu of all your favourites, from salmon and avocado sushi rolls to chicken karaage and everything in between.
Say Arigatou to sushi choices like grilled salmon, crunchy prawn, avo, mayo and teriyaki sauce, or soft-shell crab, with lettuce, cucumber, mayonnaise, tobiko and avocado.
Expect the unexpected at Brisbane’s hot dining and drinking venue, Soko Rooftop on Pauls Terrace in Fortitude Valley. Descending from Amazonian influence, Soko delivers a decadent rooftop experience, bringing a sophisticated and exotic vibe filled with drama and elevated style – welcome to the jungle, where a lush land of culinary wonders awaits you.
A mix of Peruvian and Japanese techniques and flavours create offerings such as blow-torched Wagyu nigiri with caviar, or smoked unagi maki, with avocado, carrots, cucumber, teriyaki sauce and chives.
For a sushi fix near you, click here.
