Anastasia Smith
Many objects set off the authentic essence of Japan. Sushi leads the list. Often considered an emblem of Japanese heritage and culture, sushi has existed for centuries before making it to the global limelight in recent years. However, in most cases, ordering this food will make your wallet weep as it is served at its best in high-end restaurants. Here are some ways to locate sushi which will not only tantalize your taste buds but will be easy on your purse as well.
Sushi has often been touted as a pricy delicacy. A regular meal will cost from around 2,000 yen up to 20,000 yen or more depending on what kind of restaurant you are going for. However, the good news is that more than enough eateries are selling this world-famous food for a range of affordable prices.
Fortunately, though the price may be cheaper at most places, the chefs have not compromised on the quality of the ingredients used for preparation. You can find a decent sushi dish for around 80 yen at a conveyer-belt sushi train. You can even go to a standing sushi bar where you can relate your order to the chef and sample a plate for as cheap as 100 yen. Since English menus are available at some places, you can pick your order by gesturing to the dish of your choice.
Some hotels in Osaka, Japan have their own sushi restaurants. However, if you are budget-conscious, it is best to venture out and pick your options. Ishikawa Prefecture is a paradise for sushi lovers. Its capital, Kanazawa City is easily accessible from Osaka.
If you do not like to travel far, find accommodation at properties like Travelodge Honmachi Osaka which is just a few steps away from Kuromon Ichiba Market, one of the region’s main food markets. Stroll along the busy streets filled with live seafood and fish as you sample sushi hot off the restaurants. Most stalls offer takeaway sushi and sashimi but some have space for seating facilities too.
If you are willing to stand in line for a seat, visit Toriton. This fun-filled kaitenzushi spot sees freshly made food travelling by every table with customers selecting their favourites off the express lane. A plate normally starts at around 143 yen here.
Craving sushi for lunch? Head over with your family or friends to Pintokona which is located below Roppongi Hills. Lunch sets comprising 10-piece sushi packs are sold for around 1000 yen. Sakura Sushi, found near the Tobu railway complex, may be a standing-only restaurant but it comes with mouthwatering choices that are as low as 77 yen. Tuna lovers should step into Magurobito Okachimachi where traditional nigiri costs around 80 yen.
Do not hesitate to experience conveyor-belt sushi. Equipped with the latest technology and express delivery, this form of dining is growing popular day by day. Around half of what is picked off the express lane is ordered via touchpads available at every seat. Hence, though the food has been snaking around in circles, it is fresh as the dishes have been hand-picked by the customers.
Go for an item which has topping or sauce because your cheap selections are not made out of fatty fish which are reserved for expensive orders. Therefore, some of your selections might lack flavour. If you are going for a seaweed wrap, make a special order because the wrap could become limp if it lingers around for too long. This will ensure that the dish remains fresh and crispy when it reaches you.
