Japanese

52 Waterloo Street is quickly becoming one of the hottest eating and drinking destinations in Sydney. In the same complex as Orto Trading Co and El Capo, Kenji Maeneka (ex-Bodega) has created Izakaya Fujiyama, a fabulous spot for any night... Continue reading Izakaya Fujiyama, Surry Hills »

It's the eternal question for any Asian. Rice or noodles? Well, now you have to make that decision even before you reach for a menu because Menya Oiden (which specialises in rice bowls and kushiage) recently opened up next to... Continue reading Menya Mappen & Menya Oiden »

Flying Fish Restaurant has always been a place for special occasions. I've celebrated many fabulous milestones here including my five year anniversary with Zen, my first year as an entrepreneur, and the birth of a dear friend's daughter. A few weeks... Continue reading Sushi and Sashimi Masterclass, Flying Fish Restaurant »

I have long been a fan of Uchi Lounge's modern Japanese cuisine and knew a re-visit was a must after learning that chef and owner Takashi Ohuchi had strengthened his team; appointing his brother Wataru Ohuchi (who has trained at... Continue reading Uchi Lounge tasting menu »

My last visit to Kobe Jones in 2006 didn't leave that great of an impression, but seeing it was four years ago, I decided to give it another go after spotting a 50% off deal on Spreets to enjoy the... Continue reading Kobe Jones' Luxury Menu »

I've blabbed on about matcha this and matcha that in my recent Japan blog posts but how many of you really know what matcha is? Matcha (抹茶) is basically finely-milled Japanese green tea. Traditionally used in the Japanese tea ceremony,... Continue reading Matcha (Japanese Green Tea) Pound Cake Muffins »

Earlier on in the trip, the boys and I had a serious craving for beef and luckily stumbled across this glamorous yakiniku (grill) restaurant called Kotatsu. The girls went back to the awesome tempura place from the first night, but... Continue reading Yakiniku Kotatsu (焼肉 虎龍) »

I was traveling with first-time-visitors-to-Japan and although it would've been super fun to just keep eating and shopping in Osaka, I wanted to ensure that they experienced the historical beauty of Japan. So I booked us into a 2 night... Continue reading Nishiyama Ryokan, Kyoto »

Remember my shopping frenzy at Sydney's 100 yen store, Maruyu City Super? Well, I am now thrilled to be able to take you to the real deal in Japan! What are theyThese are popular bargain/variety stores in Japan where items... Continue reading Guide to 100 Yen shopping in Japan »

One of the greatest successes of fusion cuisine would have to be tantan-men (担担麺), the Japanese version of dan dan noodles, a Szechuan specialty. Sisen Ramen is a chain of about eight ramen stores in Osaka which serves nothing but... Continue reading Sisen Ramen (四川辣麺) »

Taste Rakuza is more of a gastropub than an izakaya or restaurant, and we only managed to stumble across it because we were lost in the basement level of Kyoto Tower Building. The heat was really smashing us on this... Continue reading Taste Rakuza (味楽座), Japan »

My posts from Japan are starting to drag on now so i'm going to post at least once a day until they're all done! Now, on to waffles... mmmm... waffles. Waffle Waffle is a chain of dessert cafes in Japan... Continue reading Waffle Waffle Le Fruitier, Japan »

In some rather upsetting news, I've just read that Rise Restaurant is closing its doors in Darlinghurst, after more than 10 years of operation. I've had many memorable meals at Rise and have always adored the creativity behind the restaurant's... Continue reading Shock! Horror! Rise Restaurant is closing! »

Most of my meals in Japan were the cheap and cheerful and a highlight for me was this dinner at CoCo Curry House - a chain of restaurants that specialise in the popular yōshoku dish, Japanese curry rice. Options are... Continue reading CoCo Curry House »

As mentioned in one of my previous posts, you can expect to find something delicious anywhere you go in Osaka. However, for a truly memorable experience, I'd recommend visiting a restaurant like Chibo Okonomiyaki. Okonomiyaki is basically a "pancake" consisting... Continue reading Chibo Okonomiyaki, Osaka, Japan »

A holiday just isn't a holiday without a hotel breakfast buffet. This is what I got to wake up to during my stay at ANA Crowne Plaza in Osaka: There were plentiful juices including orange, apple, grapefruit and tomato, plus... Continue reading ANA Crowne Plaza, Osaka, Japan »

The transition from Sydney's cold and rainy 17°C to Osaka's hot and sticky 38°C was not easy. Our plane landed at about 6pm and by the time we arrived at our hotel, it was already past 9pm. The plan was... Continue reading Chilling out with a chilled udon and tempura on my first night in Osaka »

One of the first things I looked for as soon as we landed in Osaka was takoyaki. Takoyaki are one of Osaka's most favourite street foods. These dumplings consist of a batter with chopped octopus, pickled ginger and spring onion,... Continue reading Takoyaki in Osaka, Japan »

As an introduction to my upcoming posts on all that I ate in Japan, I thought It'd start with a list of 10 things I loved about Japan. This was my second visit and I am certain there will be... Continue reading Ten things I loved about Japan »

By the time you read this, I will be in the land of sushi and all things cute and quirky. Yes, that is Japan. I am only spending a short time here and will be staying around the Osaka and... Continue reading Sushi Bar Rashai »

Since being introduced to Tokonoma by Mark Communications, I have strangely been finding myself at Toko (Tokonoma's sister restaurant) for birthdays, date nights, and other outings. The trendy decor, delectable drinks and top-notch menu makes it the perfect place for... Continue reading Toko Restaurant & Bar »

There is lots to like about Monkey Magic - it's nostalgic theme, their chillax vibe, the sophisticated decor and the well-crafted menu. There isn't one thing on the menu I don't want to try. It is clearly date night, with... Continue reading Monkey Magic »

Izakaya Den is probably the best definition I could give, for what I look for in a restaurant. It is a hidden gem in the basement of a busy city corner and unless you knew what you were looking for,... Continue reading Izakaya Den, Melbourne »

I think by now, all Sydneysiders have at some stage either heard of, or been to four month old Japanese restaurant and karaoke, Mizuya. Thanks to this month's sponsors, Silver Chef, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the... Continue reading Mizuya & the entrepreneur behind it »

Dining at a specialty restaurant that comes with a warning is a lure for foodies like me. There are places like Stra Pocha in Strathfield NSW which warn you their Korean chilli chicken dish is very hot and others like... Continue reading Tempura Hajime »

While on my maid of honour duties (bridal dress shopping for my sister), the bridesmaids, my Mum and I had an hour to kill in between appointments so I decided to introduce everyone to the $2.50 shop on Clarence Street.... Continue reading My shopping frenzy at the $2.50 (100 yen) Shop »

In celebration of the new year, I thought it would be suitable to look back at all of my best eats in 2009. Here, I've included some of my most frequently visited restaurants as well as a few memorable favourites.... Continue reading Top 10 list of the best I've eaten in 2009 »

I'm always chuffed when invited to exclusive PR events or launch parties, but when I realised that my name was on the door-list under my newly founded book publishing company I Ate My Way Through, I was more than stoked... Continue reading Ocean Room re-launch »

Once upon a time, we discovered 'what's hot' at the office water cooler... Then there was email followed by SMS messages and calls from those on unlimited mobile plans, forums, blogs and instant messenger. Today's obsession with realtime micro-blogging... Continue reading Gumshara Ramen »

(Note: the photos are a little crappy this time 'coz they were taken with my iPhone. I didn't have my camera with me and lunch here was too good not to share!) We all love hidden gems. I'm sure many... Continue reading Taruhachi »

I think Uchi Lounge is the perfect place for a first date. Now, I've been with Zen for almost 7 years and can't quite remember what first dates are like, but how can an equation which includes awesome sake cocktails,... Continue reading Uchi Lounge »

A little mishap led me to be finally endowed with a chance to eat at Ryo's Noodles. Random location, tiny restaurant, queues which stretch onto the street and signature postings by Japanese celebrities! There were more than enough signals to... Continue reading Ryo's Noodles »

When I heard that Waqu was introducing their Summer menu (available 02/12/08 - 01/03/09), I made an immediate reservation. While being one of the first people to experience this new five course degustation was cool, I must confess my failure... Continue reading Waqu »

Zen knew that there was no better way into my heart than a night out fine dining. Last week, on Melbourne Cup day, he took me out to one of my most favourite restaurants. (Psst, I'm feeling rather spoilt now... Continue reading Yoshii »

It has been well over 4 weeks since I was released from hospital with severe gastroenteritis and placed on a strict diet of bland foods. Boring, it was. But now that I'm skipping around as though I've never been sick,... Continue reading Ginza, Japanese at Burwood »

I took my family out to Rise this week for another celebration of my birthday! Once upon a time, I filled out a membership form which was hidden beneath the bill. And earlier this month, I received an email from... Continue reading 24th birthday at Rise »

Oh, the food was fabulous, I'll definitely be back. How often have you said those words after having a satisfying meal? Well, I've committed that crime too many times. Sometimes I'd go back for that one specific thing they left... Continue reading Rise - 3 year anniversary special Omakase degustation »

I celebrated Valentines Day a day early this year because the man had a work thing on the next night. That makes this post exactly 41 days late. Nonetheless, the 'Yoshii Course' degustation was truly memorable and simply marvelous. Even just reading through the menu, I can recall the taste of the black cod marinated with blue cheese flavoured miso. Ah, and the milk fed sashimi served with forest mushroom dressing was divine also... as was the blue swimmer crab and goats curd avocado roll. Continue reading Valentines Day at Yoshii Restaurant »

This post was due a few weeks back when I was craving Yakiniku. Nagoya doesn't compete against Iwa in terms of class, style and presentation... but hey! It's a buffet. That's right -all you can eat for 1.5 hours. Continue reading Nagoya Yakiniku »

I've heard many positive rants about Iwa. So, during last week's APEC chaos in the city, I decided to head north with my family to celebrate some new opportunities. Oh... and let me just say, I absolutely love Wagyu. Continue reading Iwa, Japanese Yakiniku Dining Room »

I've been waiting for the perfect excuse to spend $185 a head (plus drinks) on Tetsuya's 10 course degustation. And here it was... the first birthday of jenius.com.au, which also coincided with my very own birthday! As the countdown begun, I eagerly read up and drooled over every review online. The week before, I started fantasizing about Tetsuya's signature dish. How it intrigued me... the texture and taste of what lay beneath the crusty konbu (kelp). Continue reading Tetsuya's »

It's been a while since I've last food blogged. To be precise, it's been over 3 weeks of the flu, fever, cold, cough and aching joints. But seeing that my taste buds had started to come back to life, Zen and I decided to Rise again! Hooray to yummy sashimi! Continue reading Let's Rise again! »

Winnie was back in Sydney. Here we are at Ichi ban boshi. Nothing much has changed since my last visits. Continue reading everybody loves ramen »

The menu was really impressive and forced a battle in my mind between the degustation or the a la carte. There's actually 30% off the Omakase menu on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays, but we decided go for the whole experience anyway. The degustation it was. Continue reading Omakase (degustation) @ Rise Restaurant »

The first time I heard about stone-grilling, I was rather turned off... I had pictured a succulent piece of steak on an ordinary slab of rock. How primitive and unhygienic! Stone-grilling is actually an ancient method of cooking, adopted from the Egyptians and Vikings. The stone is heated at 400 degrees celsius, and allows you to quickly seal in all flavours. It provides a standard cooking time of up to 1 hour... Continue reading Ishiya Japanese StoneGrill »

It's been almost a year since I've last seen Tracey. We were 'bum chums' a couple years back... and then we grew apart. So, graduated and working - we decided it was finally time for a girly catch up. Who could believe -she's entered the working life as a primary school teacher! Anyways, craving some infused Japanese food; we headed towards King Street Wharf's Kobe Jones, and were led outdoors to a romantic candle-lit table for two. We sat facing the wharf and soaked in the glorious sunshine (I love daylight saving!). Continue reading Kobe Jones »

Yay! I've been counting down since last week to dine at the sensational Yoshii Restaurant. This was literally a life changing experience... I learnt anger management; and then I did some self-exploring... and ofcourse I tasted some fine food, which has set new standards. Continue reading Hats Off @ Yoshii Restaurant »

Woohoo! After 3 attempts, we finally prepared ourselves mentally to wait in queue. It's amazing how quick 50 minutes could fly while you're salivating over the menu. Giant bowls of ramen were constantly being brought out from the kitchen as time kept ticking away... It was only 12.30pm, and already, the first waiting list was full. Inside was such a contrast. It was airy with plastic furnishings...and like all the others whom were quietly slurping up their ramen, we managed to finish ours in a record 10 minutes. There goes the 1 hour lunch break. Continue reading Ichiban Boshi @ Galleries Victoria, Town Hall »

Lunch at Ichi-Ban-Boshi failed because of the large crowds lining up outside. Plan B was Wagamama. A little pricier, but seats were guaranteed. Inside were long wooden benches, funky lights and a sleek open kitchen. I ordered the vegetarian Moyashi Soba which featured courgettes, snow peas, mushrooms, beansprouts, garlic, leeks and fried tofu... the wholemeal noodles were stuck together in clumps and the broth was a litttle too peppery... Continue reading Wagamama »

So after a late night at uni, Zen and I decided to stop by this small neon-lit restaurant, which we'd always driven past. Sushi Tengoku was packed with local "honkie" families. As soon as you enter, you're exposed to a fresh but fishy scent. I sat on the only available table, and waited for it to be cleaned whilst listening to everyone's conversations about food. Every table seemed to prize what they had ordered... fresh sashimi, and sushi of every sort... mMm... Continue reading Sushi Tengoku, Kensington »

Miyabi Sushi Bar is conveniently located next to Crown Karaoke and only 1 minute walk from Central Station. At only $2.50 per plate every night, there's no need to carefully calculate the number and colour of plates you end up with! However, the variety was limited and the quality was only average. A relatively peaceful and cheap experience with one of the most affordable soft-shelled crab handmade rolls ever! Continue reading Miyabi Sushi Bar »

Another day gone, means another day for Jap! Further to my consistent cravings for true Japanese food, my sister took us to Ramen Kan. These noodle houses are plentiful in Japan and are found almost as often as McDonalds. As soon as you enter from the shabby elevator (where I'm informed of its tendency to break down), you're immediately exposed to a tight well-decorated space. The decor consists of pebbles, bamboo shoots and wooden furnishings... an absolute contrast to the fugly entrance. Continue reading Ramen Kan, Haymarket »

Eyeblaster has finally made the move. That's right... we are in the city! This means more shopping, more food and more importantly, better food. So for our first Friday Lunch, we strolled down to Masuya. The restaurant was full-to-capacity. Note to self: must make booking next time! The waitress politely handed us a menu each, and informed us of a 5 minute wait. I salivated at all the nicely presented food that was being brought out. Continue reading Masuya - Japanese Seafood Restaurant »

I've heard lots about Ichi-Ban Boshi. Some friends would rave on about the value for money and others loved the quality of the soup base. Then there's the talk of collagen in the Tonkotsu... I had to try it for myself! Continue reading Ichi Ban Boshi, Bondi Junction »

Tonight, we stayed at the Royal Hotel Kawaguchiko, which had its own hot spa and was only 10 steps from Kawaguchi-ko Lake. Continue reading Day Five - Japan / Hong Kong »

For more information, refer to Universal Studios Japan and Shin-Osaka Esaka Tokyu Inn Continue reading Day Three - Japan / Hong Kong »

Tomodachi to me, means a quick Japanese/Korean lunch or dinner after work. It is often our adventure on a Friday lunch (we all crave the tempura and love the satisfying serving sizes). Situated in the Broadway Shopping Centre means plentiful parking, and quick food. I love it -what's better than a bare 5 - 10 minute waiting time? Continue reading Tomodachi, Broadway »