TOUKA 東家 Japanese Yakiniku Restaurant & Bar - Parramatta, NSW

The Mrs and I have been to Touka once before and during that first dinner, we were so impressed with the decor, the food and the concept that I named it one of the top 10 Japanese restaurants in Parramatta. Today, the Mrs and I were lucky enough to have been invited back to try their new lunch menu and boy, were we even more impressed! 

Before we jump straight into it, the Mrs and I were discussing this earlier today and it occurred to us that westies might not have an idea about what Yakiniku is and what's differentiates it from other table-top barbecue experiences (i.e. the more commonly found Korean BBQ and Chinese style skewer barbecue). Since more yakiniku restaurants are now open in the west, it should be about time that we spread awareness about why people should know about yakiniku and why it's so amazing.

What is yakiniku?

Yakiniku (焼肉) quite literally translates into "grilled meat" and is the Japanese form of table top barbecue. If my facts are correct, this method of eating was introduced to Japan as "Korean cuisine" and became wide-spread in Japan after the second world war. This will be why a number of cuts found in yakiniku have Japanese translated names of cuts you would regularly find in KBBQ (i.e Karubi). In Sydney, the practice was popularised by the chain of restaurants opened by I's Group (Rengaya, Suminoya and Koh-ya) and is quite common place in the city's CBD and northern suburbs. It's only within the last few years that I've seen yakiniku restaurants open up west-way (with the most recent addition being Yakiniku Kosu in Castle Towers).

How is it different from Korean BBQ?

You might say "isn't it exactly the same as Korean BBQ? You still grill meat on a table don't you?"...well, if this is your response I urge you to try Yakiniku once and tell me it's the same. Though the roots of yakiniku might well be Korean, the methodology and execution behind it is so, SO different. Like with everything the Japanese take in, they really put the effort into honing it, perfecting it and elevating something simple into something spectacular. Whereas with Korean BBQ, you have some decently good quality meat that's grilled tabletop, no different from how you would grill a steak at home...yakiniku serves the various cuts of meat in thin, bite size slices and from the moment you bite into any piece of yakiniku meat, you can already tell that the quality is so much higher.

I'm not saying Korean BBQ is low quality or that it's in any way, not good enough but do give yakiniku a try. Literally, the moment you do give it a try, you'll immediately be able to see the difference in the quality of the meat.

So now that we've established what yakiniku is and why you should try it, the next question might be "why isn't it as common or as well known as the Korean counterpart?"...well, the most obvious answer to that would be population spread and the relative price-point to entry. See, to my understanding, Sydney's Japanese population is largely in the CBD and the North, whereas the west is where the Korean community chose to settle (Strathfield, Burwood, Blacktown). Obviously, restaurants will first pop up to serve the local community who has a demand for it and then, people of other cultures will eventually venture out and try stuff if they're told it's good (I imagine, that's how most people learnt to appreciate Korean BBQ). 

In terms of price-point, most yakiniku restaurants operate an All-You-Can-Eat/Order for 90 minutes model for anywhere ranging from $35 - $85 p.p (bit expensive to ask everyone in your party to pay that much when in KBBQ, you can order a number of plates and split) and if they don't operate in that model (like Rengaya which has that option but focuses more on providing higher quality meats on an ala-carte basis) the number of pieces of meat you get for each dish you order might turn people away (like I said earlier, it's generally thinner, smaller slices and based on first glance alone, KBBQ might seem like a better value proposition)

If either of the above points has ever stopped you from trying yakiniku, this will be why you should try their special lunch! The Mrs and I left lunch today singing Touka's praises because we had such a great time and we truly, truly believe that what we got today was FANTASTIC value-for-money! So, for myself, I ordered the 4 choice BBQ Set where I chose the Ox Tongue, Beef Rib, Beef Inside Skirt and the Pork Belly. On the menu, this is costs $22.50 whereby you also get a bowl of rice, miso soup and a salad. On arrival, the each portion of meat had five slices available totalling a variety of 20 slices of decadent, delicious meat for one person. To help you put that into perspective about just how good that is, my parents went to Musou Yakiniku in the CBD (on Pitt Street) where they also had a similar special lunch menu....except they charge $29.90 per person, you only get to choose 3 meats and according to my parents, you get 3 slices of meat per selection. That's a difference of $7.40 and 11 pieces of meat...you can't that value. Not saying don't visit Musou Yakiniku (we've also been there and we loved it) but maybe, splurge and treat yourself to their BBQ buffet.

And it's not just value, the meat was genuinely, supremely delicious! I ate it in the order of Ox Tongue first (cause it cooks the quickest), Inside Skirt second (my favourite cut at Suminoya), Pork Belly Third (so fatty and savoury) and I saved the best for last and cooked the Beef Rib to finish. My GOD that Beef Rib was delicious...barely any chew at all and so much marbling that it coated the back of my throat in delicious sweet beef fat. Honestly, I whole-heartedly intend to eat at Touka a lot more now that I know that kind of deal is available and next time, I'm going to just treat myself and quadruple down on the beef rib. It's actually amazing that they've set up the menu where they don't explicitly restrict it to one order per meat type...at Suminoya, you can only order as many plates of Ox Tongue as you want IF you order the higher-end buffet...the standard buffer limits it to one order per diner!

*EDIT*: I've recently been informed that the menu didn't state it but there is a limit of one order of each type of meat for the special menu. Mental note: always get the Beef Rib.

Unfortunately, this is not that Beef Rib (just harami)...the Beef Rib was so delicious I ate it before I realised I hadn't taken a photo....

The Mrs opted to try their other lunch menu items and ordered a Karaage bento. This is another point where Touka shines in that for groups containing people who don't want to eat barbecue, you have a variety of other items (Bento Sets, Lunch Bowls etc) people can choose from. The Mrs and I have this one friend who is a notoriously picky eater (she refuses to eat anything with sauce and is very hard to convince to try anything new) and even then, we'd still take her there and be confident she'd find something to eat. The karaage was crispy and juicy with ample pieces to fill your belly as well as four slices of salmon and tuna sashimi to satiate any cravings for sashimi lovers. The Mrs was very, very satisfied after finishing that bento.

Just for kicks, the Mrs and I also ordered the Yukke which is a raw beef tartare that I always get at any yakiniku restaurant if it's on offer. For $13.90, it was a pretty decently sized portion with a very nice sweet soy tare (marinade) that made the dish heavenly. Even amongst all the Yukke I've had previously (I've been to a LOT of yakiniku), this actually stood out to me as one of the better ones as the flavour was very pronounced.

Overall, the Mrs and I can confidently say that we had an amazing time dining at Touka. I whole-heartednly wish that everyone goes to try out Touka's special lunch to make their own assessments but in my heart, they take the cake for best value. The restaurant is only a short walk from Parramatta station and did I mention it's situated in a historic house? Literally, the fit-out is beautiful, clean and elegant which makes the entire experience so much more enjoyable! The Mrs said she's gonna hit them up more during her school holidays but I intend to be back (by myself) much, much sooner. Thank you again to Lila and TOUKA 東家 Japanese Yakiniku Restaurant & Bar for inviting us to lunch!

The Meat & Wine Co Parramatta x FCBA - Parramatta, NSW

I distinctly remember the very first time I ever came to Parramatta. I remember skipping university (back then, I was still attending my first year at ACU Strathfield) and accompanying a friend as he drove out to go buy some musical equipment. I'd never before ventured that far out west but the place filled me with wonder and excitement as I got to see a whole new side of Sydney I never knew existed. I think I had a little spark of an idea back then that "oh, it'd be nice to one day settle down here...." and then flash forward a decade and I've literally become a Parramatta local in purchasing our first home within the area. 

I absolutely LOVE my new home (new, despite the fact that I've been living here for the past two years)...it fills me with so much pride and joy to see this humble suburb (CBD actually) grow and see so many businesses open up shop and flourish. And, in a small part, I'd like to think that my hobby of food-blogging does help contribute to the growth and popularity of the area by highlighting exactly what's great about this place. This is why when sophichuuu from the Food Bloggers and Critics Association (FCBA) sent us a DM on instagram, asking if we'd like to join them in celebrating the opening of The Meat & Wine Co Parramatta, we absolutely jumped at the honour of attending!

The Mrs and I had once had a spectacular dinner at their now-defunct Darling Harbour venue (IMAX got torn down ☹️) and so, we went in with very high expectations. Needless to say, our expectations were certainly met when we were guided into the dining room which was set up specifically for the FCBA members in attendance. The decor and the ambience is such that you wouldn't be amiss to imagine that you were actually in the middle of the city in Circular Quay or Barangaroo...the riverside venue certainly adds an undeniable elegance to the location.

As soon as we were comfortably seated and acquainted with our neighbours for the night (nice meeting you all: tasingthecloud, onceuponacraving, parramattafoodie, e_deliciou_s), our host from the Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group, Mona told us a little about M&WCO...for example, did you know that they were farm-to-table (or "gate-to-plate" as she put it)? Or that they use a secret basting recipe that's 45 years old? I didn't know any of that going in but it certainly did put a smile on my face knowing so much care and dedication was going into the food I was about to ingest. 

The night started off with some appetisers which included some raw plates to share. Firstly, a Wagyu Tartare w/ Smoked Yolk, Green Dressing and Lavash bread followed by a Shaved Octopus w/ chive, peri and lemon as well as a Whisky Cured Salmon w/ Roe and Cauliflower Custard Cream. I can never go past a good tartare but I was really pleasantly surprised when the Whisky Cured Salmon stole the spotlight for me. The deep and satisfying spice of the whisky really came through as you had the soft, melty flavour of the salmon as an initial note followed by a tinge of peat coming from the curing process. This is all then rounded out by the salinity offered by the roe and the creaminess from the cauliflower custard cream which helps blanket each bite with a moreish savouriness.

As there were two entrees on offer, the Mrs and I both opted to have one each of the Szechuan Calamari and the Pork Belly. My god, you should try that pork belly...literal melt-in-your-mouth tenderness with this rich buttery pork fat that seeps into every corner of your mouth. Don't trust me? watch my reaction and try to tell me you don't want a piece.

Finally, for the mains, guests had a selection of the Monte 200g grain-fed fillet, 300g Shorthorn Rib Eye and the Chicken Breast. I tried my absolute best to try and convince the Mrs that the sensible move, would have been to order both steaks since you know, beef. But alas, the Mrs chose to have the Chicken Breast which actually, was surprisingly flavoursome. The outside was crusted in this thin, delicate crust and it was served with a healthy dollop of garlic sauce (toum). But you know, where there's a rib-eye, you just cannot beat that satisfaction of cutting into that tender meat and feasting on a perfect, medium-rare chunk of beef. The beef was perfectly cooked and aside from the rich flavour of the meat, you really did get that final note of sweetness from the basting which helped refresh your palate allowing you to go back for more and more beef!

Finally, the dinner ended on a high note with the arrival of the desserts: Creme Brulee and Apple Pie. Between the two, my favourite had to be the Apple Pie....it tasted just like Maccas which is in no way a detriment. What I mean is that the crunchy exterior and the intense impact of the cinnamon instantly brought me back to my most treasured memories of my first time enjoying a hot Maccas apple pie.

Overall, the experience that we had on Wednesday night was a fantastic one and knowing that we can now replicate that spectacular first dinner we had at Darling Harbour at a venue much closer to home is such a comfort. The Mrs left the venue that night a happy diner and has said that The Meat & Wine Co would be a great venue to bring your most treasured friends and family for an intimate dinner. No doubt the Mrs and I will be looking forward to future dinners here with our friends and fellow foodies.

The 10 Best Japanese Restaurants in Parramatta

My last post was September of last year and since then, nothing, zilch, nada...can I really call myself a blogger anymore? I mean, truth be told, there were underlying reasons as to why I went radio silence for months. Amongst all the stuff the Mrs and I had on, I just had no motivation to physically write anything, not when Instagram posts got me almost instant gratification and validation in much less time and effort. So what happened and what prompted me to come back? Well, for starters, I spent the last 6 or so months fully focused on completing another one of my aspirations: becoming a home-owner and happy to say that after much effort in house-hunting, mortgage shopping, liaising with lawyers, signing contracts and general difficult adult-ing...the Mrs and I have finally completed a big step in our lives and purchased a home for us and our eventual children.

So that's what's been happening and I hope it's understandable why I hadn't blogged at all (I just didn't have the energy) but what made me come back? Well, last week, @parramattafoodie posted a picture of her udon from Umaya Parramatta and feeling excitement for a fellow foodie liking one of our most loved local Japanese joints, I felt an excitement I hadn't felt in a while and commented on a list of all the local Japanese restaurants that I've had the pleasure of dining at. That then spurred an idea in my head....I've eaten at (daresay) all Japanese restaurants in Parramatta...which one is the best? No, that's not the right question. Which restaurants would I personally recommend and why?

So, with that thought brewing in my head for a week or so, I took the time to think about my responses and finally managed to find the motivation to sit back down and type up a post about something I am passionate about.

The following is my personal list of the top 10 Japanese restaurants in Parramatta. Note: personal meaning this is entirely of my own opinion and where I have an opinion, I will generally try to back it up with fact but you're also entitled to your own opinion so if you feel strongly about the ordering or if I missed out on your favourite, please leave a comment!

Disclaimer: the following list is in no particular order and isn't ranked at all. Each restaurant has a place in my heart as one of the top 10 and each has it's own speciality.

1. Umaya Parramatta (Shop 5/134-140 Marsden St, Parramatta NSW 2150)

Taste: 9/10
Authenticity: 9/10
Value: 6/10
Ambience: 8/10

Arguably, one of the most authentic Japanese experiences available in Parramatta. They started off in the Teishoku (bento and set meal) area before deviating from that path and expanding their menu to include more Izakaya-like items whilst maintaining the availability of their Teishoku. I definitely reckon that they did the right move in doing so as their sushi is top-notch with meaty neta (sliced fish) and a balanced shari (sushi rice). Can be on the pricier side but make no mistake that you're buying quality when you dine at Umaya. Only downside is that parking can be a hassle in that it's on Marsden Street meaning your only parking options are Hunter Street or Macquarie Street and they fill up fast. Better to park at Westfield and walk over to be honest.

A post shared by Frankie Au (@mrandmrschopsticks) on Sep 9, 2017 at 8:26pm PDT

2. Mikazuki (169 Macquarie St, Parramatta NSW 2150)

Taste: 8/10
Authenticity: 7/10
Value: 6/10
Ambience: 7/10

I was immensely excited when I first learned that this place had opened because it is the first restaurant to offer authentic Japanese ramen (which, many of you know, is my obsession). Which makes it funny because you'd think if that were the case, I'd be here every second day but I'm not because I work in the CBD and if I were to provide you with an honest ramen-head's opinion: it's great for those who want a taste of what real ramen is like and don't want to travel or can't travel out of the west but if you really care for a good bowl of ramen, make the effort and go out to the CBD. They're other selection is also pretty good and their sushi is also fresh, delicious and authentic but is pricier and daintier than the other places on this list.

A post shared by Frankie Au (@mrandmrschopsticks) on May 4, 2017 at 7:00pm PDT

3. Kanzo (6/55 George St, Parramatta NSW 2150 *original store*, new store closer to 111 George St, Parramatta NSW 2150)

Taste: 8/10
Authenticity: 6/10
Value: 10/10
Ambience: 7/10

I really don't need to introduce this place because if you live anywhere near Parramatta and want sushi, you would have at least heard of or gone to this place once. Kanzo has a real cult following in that they're unmatched, unrivalled value-for-money. Where else can you get a MASSIVE Avocado and Fresh Salmon Sushi Roll that's more salmon than rice for $10? Ten dollars! That's insane! To give you an idea of how popular they are, 2 years ago when I moved in and first learned of Kanzo, they had a small shop on George St at the almost derelict Parra-mall and they'd be the only reason there'd be people lining up till the late night. Within my 2 years here, they've now expanded to a much larger shop down the road and have kept they're smaller shop for "take-away only". Trust me: 1 x Large Salmon Avocado Roll and their Grilled Salmon Roll (Aburi Salmon on top of a roll made of Avocado and Tempura Prawn with heaps of sauce) will set you back $26 and make you unbelievably full.

A post shared by Frankie Au (@mrandmrschopsticks) on Jan 3, 2018 at 12:12am PST

4. Alpha Sushi (Shop 6/27 Phillip St, Parramatta NSW 2150)

Taste: 8/10
Authenticity: 7/10
Value: 9/10
Ambience: 8/10

One of the newer kids on the block but have quickly established themselves as a local favourite for fresh sushi. The menu is quite similar to Kanzo but where you'll receive a massive roll, you might get a thinner, daintier roll for the same price. But this is not where Alpha Sushi shines....if you compare the nigiri between Kanzo and Alpha, Kanzo's will be a thin, finger sized piece of nigiri...you won't be satisfied having the large nigiri. This is not true for Alpha Sushi in that their nigiri is way more substantial with meatier fish and more rice. If I wanted nigiri, I'd most definitely go to Alpha Sushi instead of Kanzo.

A post shared by Frankie Au (@mrandmrschopsticks) on Jul 4, 2017 at 4:28am PDT

5. Asadal (Shop 1/76 Phillip St, Parramatta NSW 2150)

Taste: 7/10
Authenticity: 7/10
Value: 5/10
Ambience: 7/10

Another one of the O.G places in Parramatta...they've been around since before I moved into the suburb but I rarely if ever travel in that direction. I had a friend come over and visit and he brough a platter from Asadal. He really vouched for Asadal as the master there actually ages the maguro to give it a deeper and more robust taste. Last year, I finally managed to have a sit down meal there and whilst I did most definitely enjoy my meal, where I feel they dropped was their value in that it's not cheap...and it shouldn't be, but where I can get a massive roll for $10 down the road, it's harder to justify spending an equal amount for sushi that won't get you as full. If they had kept their $60 all-you-can-eat option, I would have most definitely eaten there more...the prospect of endlessly plugging my mouth with sushi is well worth the $60 I would have paid.

☹️ *Soz, no photo...forgot to take one*

6. Touka Yakiniku (Shop 2 Horwood Pl, Parramatta NSW 2150)

Taste: 9/10
Authenticity: 8/10
Value: 6/10
Ambience: 9/10

Definitely the newest kid on the block and currently, the most unique in that they offer something that no other restaurant in Parramatta offers...yakiniku. Yakiniku would be the Japanese variant of table-top barbecue where everything is more delicate and refined. For every bit of meat that you purchase, you can taste all the care and dedication that's gone into cutting the meat, marinading it and plating it before bringing it to your table. They also have a very wide selection of Japanese food items however, everything is priced on the higher-end side. Once you sit down at the table though, the cost sorta makes sense in that the restaurant is elegantly outfitted in a historic building and the entrance feels almost like you're going to a small Japanese cottage somewhere in the Japanese suburbs of Tokyo or Osaka.

I really, really enjoyed my recent meal there thoroughly and I definitely hope that they gain more popularity as it is a very unique offering in Parra but I am fearful that their normal (they're currently holding a grand-opening promotion) price-point will drive a lot of potential diners away, especially when you can get all-you-can-eat yakiniku a little further out west in Canley Heights. I personally think that their road to success would be to limit their menu a little more and focus more on their unique point which is their high quality meat and barbecue offering. Potentially, if they manage to source cheaper ingredients, they may even think about following the 'Suminoya' path and offering a 90 minute all-you-can-eat with touchpad ordering. I would most definitely justify returning for a full-priced meal for that.

7. Sushi Ichi Bar (5e/8 Cowper St, Parramatta NSW 2150)

Taste: 7/10
Authenticity: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Ambience: 6/10

Technically a part of Harris Park but they're so close to Parramatta station that I'mma include them anyway. I visited them within our first year of living in Parra and that was mostly because I saw this massive $40 boat of sushi when @sweetandyummie ate there and their sushi was surprisingly good. I still haven't had the opportunity to have that $40 boat (it might not even be on offer anymore) but I did recently have their sushi via Ubereats when we were packing to move and it was still as impressive as ever. The only down point (I thought) was that it was in a street hidden away from the bustle of Parramatta prime and the shop was pretty bare (how I remembered it, it might look different now)

8. Ginza Izakaya (330 Church St, Parramatta NSW 2150)

Taste: 7.5/10
Authenticity: 7/10
Value: 5/10
Ambience: 6/10

This is a bit of a lesser known option as it's tucked away in the back of the new Meriton tower's dining district. A bit of a smaller store with some generic Japanese offerings which is done well, but nothing extraordinary stands out (though, their Miso Eggplant was delectable). Prime position with an overview of the beautiful Parramatta riverside but the ambience of the restaurant can be a bit dark. Hopefully though, with the opening of their neighbours (Meat & Wine Co, Holy Basil and Alex & Co), it's introduced a higher foot traffic and made them bustle.

A post shared by Frankie Au (@mrandmrschopsticks) on Aug 19, 2017 at 2:22am PDT

A post shared by Frankie Au (@mrandmrschopsticks) on Aug 19, 2017 at 2:46am PDT

A post shared by Frankie Au (@mrandmrschopsticks) on Aug 19, 2017 at 3:57am PDT

9. Sushi Bay (Westfield Parramatta, 2183 Church St, Parramatta NSW 2150)

Taste: 5/10
Authenticity: 5/10
Value: 5/10
Ambience: 5/10

Fives all around not to mean that they're bad or anything but they're currently (Sushi Hotaru of The Galeries Victoria fame is *rumoured* to be opening soon on Macquarie Street) the only conveyor belt sushi option available and they do have a cult following with their Cheeto roll (6 piece small inside-out roll with avocado(?), chicken katsu and three different coloured sauces drizzled on top). Easy option if you don't want food-court sushi but also don't want to walk away from Westfield Parramatta.

A post shared by Frankie Au (@mrandmrschopsticks) on Dec 11, 2016 at 11:40pm PST

10. Fresh Run (67/55 George St, Parramatta NSW 2150)

Taste: 7/10
Authenticity: 5/10
Value: 6.5/10
Ambience: 6/10

A post shared by Frankie Au (@mrandmrschopsticks) on Nov 3, 2017 at 6:38pm PDT

If we're talking about their Japanese offerings, they're about as good as Kanzo is but if I go, I really wouldn't be ordering Japanese food because they're a Japanese AND Korean restaurant. They also suffer a bit because a. Kanzo is literally just outside b. diners have to walk into above-mentioned almost derelict Parra-Mall before they see Fresh Run which doesn't help their cause.

So, there you have it. These will be MY personal rankings and recommendations on where to find Japanese food in Parramatta. No doubt, more and more places will continue to open and I look forward to one day seeing Parramatta (hopefully) rival Neutral Bay in it's authentic Japanese offerings and population of Japanese people living here.