LOCATION Near the intersection of King William Road and Mitchell Street.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA Japanese food to some new players means sushi outlets that provide quick but cultured meals while breaking from the office or partaking in retail therapy. It’s good to see the younger generation chowing down on California rolls instead of sausage rolls. While the health benefits of sushi are undeniable, its tasteful appeal is just an introduction into the flavours, textures and landscape of Japanese cuisine. Shinjuku is an eatery ideally situated on the posh and paved King William Road. Its Hyde Park address caters to those who are well versed in all things high quality and good for you, whether they be of the food or clothing variety. A display cabinet brimming with uber-fresh variations of the aforementioned sushi rolls will lure aficionados in, but go beyond it and dedicate some time to dining in. It’s only a small space, in fact 20 of your nearest and dearest will fill the joint. This is a positive – you will be able to study the wonders of a true Japanese menu in surrounds that don’t have the noise levels of Shinjuku’s namesake district in Tokyo.
Begin with okonomiyaki pancake with prawn, octopus and cabbage, or takoyaki (lightly battered octopus balls). Sliced squid in soy with pickled vegetables is a suitable salad partner to a bowl of tempura prawn don. While becoming familiar with teppanyaki, teriyaki, takoyaki and tempura dishes, make your gastronomic journey a pleasant one with a pot of genmaicha – green tea taken infused with roasted brown rice and grains. The aroma gently nuzzles your nose as you bring the brew to your lips. The taste is equally unobtrusive – mellow, nutty and peaceful.
Roz Taylor, May 2009