Japanese Archives - Wander Wonder Wonton

Ramen Danbo Opens in Brisbane

April 21, 2019

I’m a little late to the party on this one… which is strange as I am a giant fan of Ramen Danbo. I’ve just had so much on lately I haven’t had a chance to get there in Brisbane. Anyway, finally made it, obviously!

The new venue on Merivale Street in South Brisbane is their classic design, same as the Gold Coast. There’s been giant lines (they move fast) out the front as all of Brisbane’s ramen lovers get in to give the new competition a go but it was clear the day that I went.

I ordered the classic Nitamago Ramen with firm noodles (you may remember from my Ramen Danbo Gold Coast post that there’s lots of customising available for your noodles), standard richness of broth and a little spicy. It was just as good as I remembered. I really liked the firm noodles and the pork char sui was full of flavour.

Make sure you try the bite-sized gyoza too – they’re delicious!

Sake, New Neil Perry Menu, Brisbane

October 18, 2017May 18, 2017

Holy wow!!! I am uber excited about this menu. I want to go back to Sake on Eagle Street ASAP.

Now if you follow my blog, you will already know that I am a massive fan of oysters. And Sake had some new oysters on the menu. Coffin Bay with wakame, ginger, finger lime & tobiko. They literally sparkle in your mouth! They tasted fresh and clean and there’s the ginger in there and oh my, just try them for yourselves. They almost sparkle in your mouth. We immediately ordered another half dozen.

Our waiter picked out some Sake to have with our meal. I have no idea what it was, I just went by his recommendation and he chose very well.

Next up, Neil’s hiramasa kingfish paired with soy dressing and lime & jalapeno kosho. The fresh sashimi quite literally melts in your mouth. No need for any additional dressings, it’s perfect just as it is.

We also had the popcorn shrimp (a staple there) and we tried the delicious Nori crisps tuna & kingfish – cubes of tuna and kingfish marinated in white soy and miri – give them a go.

Another 300mls of Sake from our awesome waiter and we were a very happy duo!

Did I mention I can’t wait to go back for more oysters!

Nobu Express Lunch – Crown Melbourne

March 30, 2017

Ahhh $50 bento box with all of the beautiful things in it AND a glass of shiraz? I think yes.

We tried the Nobu signature bento box which included…

Sashimi Salad with Matsuhisa Dressing
Chef’s Selection of Assorted Sushi
Seafood Ceviche
Black Cod Miso
Baby Tiger Prawns with Creamy Spicy
Sautéed Seasonal Vegetables with Spicy Garlic Sauce
Rice and Miso Soup

If I was to pick a favorite item… it would be the ceviche. Close tie with the spicy tuna sushi though. All the components were absolutely delicious.

We were seated quickly, order taken quickly, meals were delivered quickly… it’s a great option for a quick and beautiful Japanese seafood lunch in Melbourne. Particularly if you’re running in and out of a conference at Crown!

Koya Japanese Restaurant, New Farm, Brisbane

July 10, 2016

Honestly? Really average.

I wanted to like Koya, I really did. It has all the right elements to be great. Nice outdoor patio, it’s BYO, nice decor, Japanese pop music playing… But the food was a really big let down.

I ordered a green tea (which was great and green tea like) and the chirashi don – basically a sashimi bowl. It’s sashimi, usually served on a bed of warm (mine was cold rice) that has some seasoning it (mine had none) and comes together in a simple, fresh fashion. While a decent serving, the fish was all cut against the grain.

Again it could be really great. Cut the fish right, serve with warm rice with a soy varietal sauce scattered over the rice and ta daaa! Visually very pleasing though.

The pork gyoza and the takoyaki were a win but the beef dumplings were left behind after a bite.

They had agedashi halloumi on the menu, the boys didn’t know what agedashi was and were very surprised to find their tempura battered, deep fried cheese in a mushroom broth. It was cast aside pretty quickly.

The prawn rice paper rolls were good though, as was the beer! Can’t really go wrong with Asahi.

Koya is right by the New Farm cinema and holds lots of potential but has lots to improve on.

Maru Shih, South Yarra,

September 17, 2014

Lisa and I were looking for a quick bite to eat and came across this place on Toorak Road.

We ordered the mixed Gyoza to share & both had tempura udon noodle soups as our main. Beautiful, traditional Japanese food. Loved the gyoza especially as the wrapper was lovely and soft but crisp too.

The decor is traditional and the service is fantastic. I drink a lot of water but my glass was always full, the ever attentive waitresses just out of sight.

Great spot to people watch too from upstairs looking down on Toorak Road!

Yatai, best Japanese around

May 13, 2014

You can’t beat Yatai for Japanese in Palmerston North. In fact, it’s probably my favourite restaurant in the Manawatu regardless of cuisine type.

Fantastic, attentive service.
Great atmosphere.
Most incredible menu, food and presentation.

You just can’t beat it!

Barbara, the host, is always welcoming and very informative. Even though we only go for special occasions, she always remembers us and the plates we like.

Hands down, the beef tataki is my favourite. I can’t even start to begin how delicious it is. Imagine, mouth wateringly tender beef, seared then chilled, served with fried garlic and a citrus, soy dipping sauce and spring onions if you will. The combination of the flavours makes for a happy little party in your mouth. It literally melts.

Their sashimi is always high quality and fresh, the curry is hearty and flavoursome, the gyoza perfect and every plate I have tried I have adored. I have probably tried 80% of the menu there.

The desserts are succulent as the sake selection impressive. If you’re feeling like something sweet, try a glass of Ume wine – a sweet, chilled plum wine. You’ll love it.

Huge congrats to my Brother, Daniel, he graduated yesterday hence our celebration!

Enough from me, here’s the pics from our meal last night.

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