Most locals will know that Marrickville is the hot spot for Vietnamese ...cuisine, rivalling those in Bankstown and Cabramatta. What many won’t know, is the latest offering in Japanese modern cuisine called Edamame Sushi. The Japanese name edamame (枝豆?) is commonly used to refer to the dish. The name literally means "twig bean" (eda = "twig" + mame = "bean") Edamame is a preparation of immature soybeans in the pod boiled in water together with condiments such as salt and served whole. Entrees such as the tried and tested traditional favourites like karaage chicken, prawn tempura, soft shell crab and grilled eel. Assorted sashimi (rare fish), nigiri (rare fish on bed of rice), uramaki (sushi rolls) freshly sliced from the steady hands of sushi chef Harry, a disciplined individual who lives and breathes the art of traditional Japanese techniques. All of these standards are on offer, on par with the other local Sydney eateries like JuJu’s in Kings Cross, Sushi Suma in Surry Hills and Mizuya on George St. What sets this place from the rest is the creative delights of head chef and owner, Cuong Nguyen, a local resident of Marrickville himself. Having worked the last 10 years in many of the citys’ fine establishments, such as Pendolino and trained in the discipline of Italian cookery. Having the vision of incorporating his highly skilled techniques and his personal love of Japanese cuisine, the birth of Edamame Sushi was eminent. With his focus on keeping things simple, and having flavour as the key to his creations, infusing Italian dishes like risotto, carpaccio and crudo with Japanese condiments, sauces and reductions. In saying that, the presentation is far from simple as the construction of his dishes showcases his design and art skills and is finely crafted to the detailed eye. (being a street artist and fashion designer in past life) Fun was also a factor in his cooking as it reflects his disciplined yet playful attitude towards food. The use of miso mustard, siraccha mayonnaise, coriander pesto and green tea gazpacho might question a lot of taste buds who are foreign to the concept. However, the combination is proving to be successful with signature dishes like miso cured duck breast, served on truffle infused couscous, coriander salsa and sake teriyaki dressing. (the tender duck breast literally melts in your mouth. The slight saltiness of the meat is reminiscent of the finest cured hams, cut through with the accompanied couscous and salsa) Seared scallops topped with umeboshi pickled nashi, coriander pesto on a bed of cauliflower puree, Israeli couscous and parsley oil. Beef strip loin accompanied by potato and edamame croquette, miso mustard and parsley oil. The produce is nothing short of outstanding and fresh. The portions are perfect while the flavours of the sides are balanced, and work extremely well. Desserts like coconut yoghurt panna cotta, teamed with kaffir lime jelly, with a hint of green tea gazpacho and finally, having the palette cleansed with raspberry sorbet (supplied by local icon, Serendipity Ice Cream) creates a journey of bewilderment and pleasure as the snap, crackle and pop begins, literally with every mouthful! Hennesy Green Tea, a newly created dessert consisting of green tea cheese cake backed by lemonade hennesy jelly. A potent blend of refined alcoholic smoothness and sweet North Asian indulgence. A relaxed, casual atmosphere offering 28 seatings indoors and 10 seatings outdoors and is very family friendly. With smooth sounds of Miles Davis playing in the background, this adds to the ambience and dining experience of Japanese cuisine. Patrons are guaranteed an experience along with a smile with every bite. Tucked in at the end of Alex Trevallion plaza in the middle of Marrickville Road, this local establishment welcomes the gastronomically curious to its’ natural, earthy theme of wood and bamboo tones. Walk too fast, one might miss it, so look out for the sign outside the restaurant. In time, and through word of mouth, Edamame Sushi along with their friendly team of immature soy beans, will make their mark as a local hero in the area.
- Category:
- Restaurant/cafe