Craving a taste of the orient but don't want to have to travel on the other side of the world to feed your curiosity? Stress no further, here in Toronto holds an abundance of choices to choose from when it comes to Japanese cuisine. From high end catered sit down cooking shows, to cozy traditional settings, to quick sushi bars are scattered across the city. When it comes to sushi its advised that you choose wisely when it comes to quality. Some places can get pricey, some can be priced comfortably, and a bunch can be too good to be true. Your playing with raw uncooked fish for most parts. As the saying goes "you get what you pay for."
To start, there are different forms of Japanese cuisine dishes. You have maki rolls which are rolls with a thing seaweed external layer filled with rice, and finished with a filling. That could vary from vegetables such as avocado, cucumber, or sweet potato. Or you have a choice of spicy salmon, tuna, scallop, soft crab shell, and so on. Presented neatly on a plate with a side of pink or pale ginger and wasabi. Wasabi, known as "Japanese horseradish", its root is used as a condiment and has an extremely strong flavor. Its hotness is more parallel to that of a hot mustard rather than the capsaicin in a chili pepper, producing vapors that stimulate the nasal passages more than the tongue. The intensity fades away faster opposed to a hot sauce that will linger in your mouth.
Traditional eating habits usually start with the pouring of soy sauce in your dipping dish provided, followed by the addition of a pinch of wasabi in the sauce to add a bite. Another item offered on the menu that will dare you to try is sashimi. Raw fish usually served cold for the exception of Unagi, (BBQ eel is served warm with a glazed sauce on top). Popular items by demand include Sake (salmon), Hamachi (yellow tail), butter fish, tuna, unagi, shrimp, Hokkigai (surf clam), poached egg, sea bass and more. Each item offers its own distinct taste offering variety and always keeping you on your toes for the next kick.
Next popular item is nigiri which is sashimi on top of a bed of rice with wasabi wiped under the sashimi, surprising you with a bite.
Lastly are all the fillers and odd end items that fall under your appetizers. Miso soup consisting of a stock called "dashi" which is mixed softened miso paste. A notorious starter usually included in meal combos. Another healthy started you will encounter is "Edimimi" which are pea sprouts tossed in a mixed seasoning served warm. Then you have tempura; these dishes can range from vegetables or shrimp deep fried in a light sweet batter. The traditional concept of Japanese cuisine is that there are many simple yet complex composed options to try with different flavors, looks, presentations, scents, and textures that will keep you curious for the next item.
Can't forget the alcohol! In Japan, there are beers such as Asahi, Sapporo, Kirin-Ichi, and a wine served cold and/or warm called Sake. Also referred as a form of rice wine. However, unlike true wine, in which alcohol is produced by fermenting the sugar naturally present in fruit, sake is made through a brewing process more like that of beer. A must try to add to your Japanese experience.
To start, there are different forms of Japanese cuisine dishes. You have maki rolls which are rolls with a thing seaweed external layer filled with rice, and finished with a filling. That could vary from vegetables such as avocado, cucumber, or sweet potato. Or you have a choice of spicy salmon, tuna, scallop, soft crab shell, and so on. Presented neatly on a plate with a side of pink or pale ginger and wasabi. Wasabi, known as "Japanese horseradish", its root is used as a condiment and has an extremely strong flavor. Its hotness is more parallel to that of a hot mustard rather than the capsaicin in a chili pepper, producing vapors that stimulate the nasal passages more than the tongue. The intensity fades away faster opposed to a hot sauce that will linger in your mouth.
Traditional eating habits usually start with the pouring of soy sauce in your dipping dish provided, followed by the addition of a pinch of wasabi in the sauce to add a bite. Another item offered on the menu that will dare you to try is sashimi. Raw fish usually served cold for the exception of Unagi, (BBQ eel is served warm with a glazed sauce on top). Popular items by demand include Sake (salmon), Hamachi (yellow tail), butter fish, tuna, unagi, shrimp, Hokkigai (surf clam), poached egg, sea bass and more. Each item offers its own distinct taste offering variety and always keeping you on your toes for the next kick.
Next popular item is nigiri which is sashimi on top of a bed of rice with wasabi wiped under the sashimi, surprising you with a bite.
Lastly are all the fillers and odd end items that fall under your appetizers. Miso soup consisting of a stock called "dashi" which is mixed softened miso paste. A notorious starter usually included in meal combos. Another healthy started you will encounter is "Edimimi" which are pea sprouts tossed in a mixed seasoning served warm. Then you have tempura; these dishes can range from vegetables or shrimp deep fried in a light sweet batter. The traditional concept of Japanese cuisine is that there are many simple yet complex composed options to try with different flavors, looks, presentations, scents, and textures that will keep you curious for the next item.
Can't forget the alcohol! In Japan, there are beers such as Asahi, Sapporo, Kirin-Ichi, and a wine served cold and/or warm called Sake. Also referred as a form of rice wine. However, unlike true wine, in which alcohol is produced by fermenting the sugar naturally present in fruit, sake is made through a brewing process more like that of beer. A must try to add to your Japanese experience.
Now the question... where do I go? For a high end classy establishment with an elegant atmosphere comes Ki: Japanese Modern Restaurant located at Wellington and Bay St. in the heart of the financial district in downtown Toronto. Price ranges from $15-35 a dish. yes, its pricey but if you want a pampered experience with great service, clean, fresh dishes then you will pay that extra dollar here. Staged with a lounge area, private booths for couples, lavish chairs at the sushi bar, a heated patio, to private rooms offers an unforgettable experience. More modernized then the traditional expected feel but Ki delivers this experience in way that makes you feel away from home trapped in that moment of time enjoying the ancient recipes of ancient Japan.
Next is Yamato located in the posh area of Toronto, York-ville. A smaller venue with a sophisticated surrounding. You have a choice to eat on the patio, or in another room with 4 U shaped tables with seats surrounding two flat iron grills. Depending on what dish you order, chefs come and display a show cooking your food with tricks and style. Definitely a must for first timers. Price ranges from $10-35 a dish.
For more cozy environments with reasonable priced dishes and the traditional Japanese layout such as paper doors, private booths where you sit on the floor on a pillow, the sound of a Sanshin (Okinawan musical instrument) in the background, and traditionally dressed servers with kimonos and Geta (wooden footwear) makes your visit so real, you feel on vacation then try these places.
Nami located on Adelaide St E and Toronto St, and Asuka located in York-ville on York-ville St and Avenue will definitely spark your senses and expectations when it comes to an original Japanese traditional experience.
(動) 楽しむ (Enjoy!)
Love Japanese food but many people are afraid to try it. Then when they try it, they love it! Sushi is great but again many people are reluctant to try it. Once I started trying different foods from different cultures I never regretted a bite! Hopefully more people will do the same.
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