“The sushi train at Taiwa Sushi slowly moves dish after dish after dish along a super-long conveyor belt that winds through the restaurant, directly in front of most seats,” writes dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON.
New on Kingston Foreshore is a Japanese restaurant with an extensive menu featuring classic sashimi, sushi, small rolls, larger hand rolls, dumplings and other hot dishes, salads and Udon noodle soups.
The sushi train at Taiwa Sushi slowly moves dish after dish after dish along a super-long conveyor belt that winds through the restaurant, directly in front of most seats.
Dishes start at $4 and top off at $10.80 (these are served on glossy black plates decorated with gold and brilliant red leaves). The challenge is deciding what you want from the dozens of options available thanks to the skilled sushi chefs working their magic in the large open-concept kitchen.
Taiwa Sushi’s interior is cool, contemporary and calming. We popped by for lunch not too long after it opened, and the place was enjoying a steady stream of customers.
The mini mix of sashimi (three pieces of raw salmon and two of raw tuna, for $10.80) was excellent, with the fresh fish being mild and delicate, with a soft and tender texture.
Vibrant in colour and taste was the seaweed salad $8.80. The lobster salad was a gorgeous coral colour with the meat mixed in a seasoned creamy dressing ($10.80).
Our selection of rolls included the simple and popular chicken and avocado (four pieces in a square). Wagyu beef rolls were generous with quality meat and the rice was sprinkled on top with a dry spice mix that hit the spot (three pieces for $6).
We were in the mood for some hot items and the pork dumplings were soul-satisfying ($6.50 for four). They were piping hot, and the dumplings were fried so slightly crispy on the outside, but not chewy. The filling was generous and flavoursome.
Prawns were dipped in a light tempura batter and deep-fried until golden. My favourite dish was the Karaage chicken ($6.50). This famous Japanese fried chicken was crunchy on the outside and the meat on the inside deliciously tender. The secret seasoning in the batter was perfect.
Taiwa Sushi has a selection of soft drinks and, of course, miso soup and green tea are on the menu.
Choose a seat along the area facing the kitchen to watch the chefs and staff quietly working away, or a seat at the long wooden bar area facing the lake. Other seating options include rectangle tables for four.
Taiwa Sushi staff are polite and attentive. This new establishment is about quick and inexpensive lunches and dinners. It’s no wonder the sushi train style of restaurant is so popular in Japan.
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