Tag Archives: udon

Urban Sushi

Urban Grill & Urban Sushi on UrbanspoonI used to come for lunch all the time when I worked right next door. I really liked their Negitoro roll, but that was over 8 years ago.
I decided to gather my friends for lunch at Urban Sushi to see how it was now. It had been renovated and had a modern, clean look. They had integrated the other – Urban Grill restaurant together with Urban Sushi.

The tables and seating were a bit crammed, and with coats and bags especially during winter times, we didn’t have any place to put them. I kept my coat on, while another bunched it up on her lap.
Service was very friendly, and the menu was quite extensive for such a small restaurant.

idearabbit-urbansushi idearabbit-urbansushi2I, of course ordered the Negitoro Roll $2.95 and Pork Gyoza $5.25. The Negitoro had changed since 8 years ago. Before it used to be a ‘roll’, as in the rice was on the outside. Now it was a ‘maki’, with the rice wrapped inside the seaweed. I didn’t mind either one, though I find rolls are bigger. The big question was – how was the taste? The flavour was really good. I’m not sure what they add in that gives it a wonderful flavour. However, I was a bit disgusted that the rice and fish was warm…eek…

The gyoza was ok. Nothing fancy. The bento boxes that two of my friends ordered looked good, and the Beef Udon one other friend ordered looked ok – not authentic Japanese bowl, but she said it’s really good.

For a quick bite or take out, I wouldn’t mind returning again…though not sure about the Negitoro.

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Hi Sushi Japanese Restaurant

Hi Sushi Japanese Restaurant on Urbanspoon
On a rare occasion that we were in New Westminster, we were told of a good sushi place conveniently located near the New Westminster train station. We were a bit skeptical at first since there were only 2 tables occupied in a nicely open and modern restaurant. I really liked the 3D blocks of letters and explanations on the walls (which unfortunately do not have the photos of…)

The cuisine were all served on porcelain plates, including the tea cups which is a nice alternative to everything being plastic and cheap looking.

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idearabbit-hisushi4idearabbit-hisush54Takoyaki – nice large balls, served hot and with flavourful sauces

idearabbit-hisushi5Pork Gyoza (5 pieces) $4.50. Nicely made and good flavour

idearabbit-hisush64The salad was fresh, sushi rolls were satisfactory, and the crispy tempura and light broth udon was delicious. Presentation was well prepared. Friendly and attentive service. Fair prices.
I wish this was in my neighbourhood! Plan to go back again when I’m in the area in the future!

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Takumi Japanese Restaurant

Takumi Japanese Restaurant on UrbanspoonWe happen to walk by this place and thought we’d try it out the next evening. It’s a quiet, higher-end Japanese restaurant with only half of the restaurant occupied. All the staff seemed to be Japanese, and the green tea was really good ($1.50 for 2 people). It had a really nice atmosphere, somewhere you can really sit down and have a good chat.

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The service was great and the restaurant is kept very clean. The china that the cuisine is served on seem to be all authentic, expensive china.

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The dinner started off with complimentary Kinpira Gobo (braised burdock root). It was light in flavour and reminded me of my mom’s cooking.
I ordered the Unaniwa Udon $12 which reminded me of when I would go and eat Unaniwa Udon with my grandmother when I lived in Japan for 10 months. It tasted authentic. It’s not your typical fat, white cheap udon. These are almost see-through, and the broth is very light. Just the kind I love. I think it’s catered more towards older people…lol. Or with mature taste :P . Also good for those who are more health conscious and wanting to avoid heavily salted and oily ramen.

idearabbit-takumi4Gyoza $5.95 idearabbit-takumi7Chopped Scallop roll $4.95 and BC roll $4.95 idearabbit-takumi6Unaniwa Udon $12 idearabbit-takumi5Negitoro $4.95

The Negitoro $4.95 was satisfactory, though I didn’t get the hint of crispy nori (dried seaweed) flavour and smell you would get when you use good nori.
The Gyoza $5.95 had a strong nira (aka garlic chives or Chinese leek) taste which I liked. This tasted like real authentic Japanese gyoza.

Sheepie ordered the Chopped Scallop roll $4.95 and BC roll $4.95. They were nicely presented on a beautiful teal-coloured plate. Rolls aren’t really part of Japanese sushi. These don’t exist in Japan. So although these rolls were ok, I would recommend ordering Japanese dishes instead to get an authentic taste of Japanese cuisine.

The AC was a bit strong, but otherwise, I very much enjoyed the dining experience. I highly recommend Takumi. The prices aren’t outrageously high, and you get great quality and service. I’ll definitely like to return again.

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