Midori Sushi at Shibuya

Midori is always packed to the brim, originally uploaded by Camemberu.

This is the last entry for the Japan food trail. Midori Sushi has gained a reputation for excellent value-for-money sushi, and it would have been a waste not to try it. We checked out the Shibuya branch at Mark City. There is a perpetual queue outside and we even detected Singaporean accents further down the line. Fortunately we didn't have to wait long. And the minute you walk into the shop, you are greeted by the fresh scent of seafood that just makes you smile in anticipation.

The aburi platter - toro, some white fish, shrimp, squid and salmon, originally uploaded by Camemberu.

The first thing I ordered was the five-piece aburi platter (only ¥819). I love the effects of the blowtorch on sushi, toasting and searing in fatty goodness on top but leaving the bottom half raw. This lends a multi-dimensional sensation for the tastebuds.

The aburi toro - seared on top; still raw at the bottom, originally uploaded by Camemberu.

Here, I have to show you how nicely the toro is done. Yums.

One of the many sushi sets, originally uploaded by Camemberu.

There are many sushi sets to choose from (see their online menu). I went for the ¥1,680 set which arrived beautifully presented and with the seafood in chunky portions.

Another look at the sushi set, originally uploaded by Camemberu.

Everything was reasonably fresh and delicious. The only taste I still haven't acquired is for uni, so I can't really tell whether it was good or not. The chutoro also was a bit sinewy but other than that, everything was fat and juicy. Just look at the beautiful slab of kazunoko (herring roe, bottom right piece).

Salmon nigiri, originally uploaded by Camemberu.

There is so much more salmon than rice that you have enough to wrap the fish all around the rice if you wanted.

California maki, originally uploaded by Camemberu.

They also do really good rolls. We went for an order of the California maki (since hubby doesn't take much raw stuff). Huge pieces with generous tobiko and avocado (some areas browning but it didn't affect the taste).

California maki close-up, originally uploaded by Camemberu.

This is the first time I've seen a rendition with a slab of raw tuna embedded though - it's sticking out like a cheeky tongue!

Midori Shibuya shopfront at Mark City, originally uploaded by Camemberu.

So there you have it. A most filling and fulfilling meal! Is it the best and most exquisite sushi you will ever have? Perhaps not, but it's certainly cheap and good. Check out other raves and photos about Midori at: Merry Man in Japan, Pig Out Diary, and Andrea Harner.

MIDORI SUSHI
Dogenzaka 1-12-3, Mark City East 4F
Open 11am-10pm daily.
Tel: 03-5458-0002