Location: South Bank Harajuku Gyoza
Meal: Lunch/Dinner
Cost: $8- $14
Arigato (Thank you) Harajuku Gyoza for all the goodness that you provide us with! They like fun and yum and so do we; nothing like a food party with gyoza and some Kirin beers. Even though they are famous for their gyoza (dumplings) Harajuku has a range of small dishes which are perfect for sharing amongst friends over a relaxed dinner; oh, and if you really like to party, why not throw out all the stops and add some sake to the mix.
We were invited to a special blogger preview at the Tokyo inspired restaurant and left with full bellies and smiles all round (The sake and Kirin might have had something to do with the endless smiles, but that’s a different story for another day).
Here are some of the options we got to try out:
EDAMAME ($4.20)
You know it is time to commence a Japanese feast when they roll out the edamame. Gluten free, dairy free, vegan and effing healthy as, the soy beans are health freaks dream; for me personally, being the fatty that I am, edamame is not my fave but nonetheless it is quite interesting watching rookies trying to eat the bean (guilty); always remember, bite and then spit out ya edamame.
CHILLI & CHEESE HARUMAKI
Harumaki is definitely not a word that I will remember off the top of my head, but simplified it is a chilli filled with cheese, encased in a spring roll wrap and deep fried. Essentially the Japanese version of a Jalapeno Popper, and ya’ll know how much I love those right. Not going to lie, it was my daily dose of obeseness but seriously where the protein at? It’s probably not traditional, but i think harumaki would work alot better with a salty meat component to it. This option is a special on the Harajuku menu and will be served up once a month.
CRAB CREAM CROQUETTES (KANI CREAM CROQUETTES)
Once again, this option is a special item that is offered once a month, but damn, it is amazeballs! Crunchy croquettes with oozy goodness in the middle (mashed potato and cram cream). I think they should seriously consider adding this dish to the regular menu. 10/10 would recommend.
CHICKEN YUZUKOSHO GYOZA SOUP
Chicken Gyoza poached and served in a Chicken soup flavoured with Yuzukosho. “Yuzukosho” is a spice paste with yuzu zest, green chilli and salt. I would recommend adding extra chilli and soy sauce to the soup for extra taste, if you like some additional oomph (gimme all the extra spice). Leading up to Winter, this will be a great starter to choose.
PORK BELLY KAKUNI ($13)
We have reviewed this dish in a previous post (off the regular menu), and imma stick with my original story; this jiggly pork goodness is life. It’s the one fatty pork dish that I actually love; however I have noticed a change in the consistency of their sauce, previously a caramelized gaze, it was now almost a broth. I do prefer the stickyness. But seriously though, $13 for 4 little pieces of pork, hmmm I could probably feed a family in Africa for that price.
EGGPLANT TEMPURA ($7.20)
This dish knows how to speak my language and is to date one of the very few veg dishes I will order off a menu. That crispy outer tempura with buttery eggplant and that sauce, hot dang! Gimme more please!
YOYOGI LAGER
The name of this Japanese Lager reminds me of a kids drink, but hell it’s legit! With a pear aroma and a muted taste, it’s officially my second favourite Japanese beer (after Kirin of course). Oh yeah, and it’s brewed right here in our back yard (Nundah; well not my back yard, but it could be yours), and is exclusive to Harajuku Gyoza.
*No sake was consumed whilst writing this post, I swear!
Written by: Aliyah Ravat