With South Africans mostly still unable to travel internationally (and with Tokyo being an expensive destination), we’ve had to make our peace with not being there in person to support our Olympians. But just because you can’t visit the Land of the Rising Sun, it doesn’t mean you still can’t be part of the adventure! Get a taste of Japanese culture at one of these restaurants in South Africa.

Tomo (Cape Town City Bowl)

Start your meal with complimentary jasmine tea to whet the appetite, then choose from any one of the exciting dishes on offer. A highlight is the harami from the robata (braai) menu, which is salmon in a delicious chilli sauce, and you can never go wrong with the sushi. If you can’t decide, though, opt for the bento box – a delightful mix of sushi, dumplings, soup and more that will give you a true taste of Tomo.

 

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Daruma (Umhlanga)

This family-owned restaurant has been around for more than 30 years, and locals and travellers alike still love it – so you know it’s good! Whether you go for sushi, tempura or soba noodles, you will be guaranteed fresh, flavourful fish. A definite highlight is the teppanyaki table – select your food and watch them grill it in front of you. The latter is a popular option, so be sure to book ahead.

Hashi Fusion Sushi & Seafood (Randburg)

Tuck into a variety of fresh, interesting sushi combinations at this gem. The Temptation rolls from the Fusion menu are particularly delicious; salmon and cream cheese are given a burst of fresh flavour by a selection of tropical fruit. Or you can choose one of their tasty seafood dishes. If you want to add even more variety to the mix, you’re also allowed to order from El Jalapeno, the Mexican restaurant right next door.

 

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Izakaya Matsuri (Green Point)

The sushi here is consistently mindblowing, but before you tuck into sashimi, nigiri and the variety of sushi rolls on offer, be sure to start with a few tapas for the table. The tataki, yakitori and mixed tempura platter are sure to get your mouth watering. If you want something heartier on a cool winter’s day, try the curry, ramen or chicken teriyaki.

TANG (Sandton)

This concept is based on the Japanese izakaya (bar), so you can expect exotic cocktails and a comprehensive wine list to compliment the delicious variety of dishes on offer. Start with sushi and dumplings but be sure to leave space for their signature black miso cod, which packs an unbelievable range of flavour in a single piece of fish.

 

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