{"id":5128,"date":"2016-10-25T20:41:17","date_gmt":"2016-10-26T01:41:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.michelleonbell.com\/blog\/para-los-amantes-de-la-comida-japonesa-dos-nuevas-opciones-en-la-cdmx\/"},"modified":"2022-03-17T16:13:15","modified_gmt":"2022-03-17T22:13:15","slug":"for-japanese-food-lovers-two-new-options-in-mexico-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.michelleonbell.com\/blog\/en\/for-japanese-food-lovers-two-new-options-in-mexico-city\/","title":{"rendered":"For Japanese Food Lovers, Two New Options in Mexico City"},"content":{"rendered":"

Japanese cuisine is a millenary tradition, where ingredients such as rice, fresh fish and miso soup play a fundamental role in creating each dish. This cuisine reflects the Japanese culture; and its constant search for perfection, order, and design in everything they do.<\/p>\n

Over the last years we\u2019ve witnessed new Japanese restaurants emerging in Mexico City. From a variety of sophisticated places to the super casual that serve ramen, sushi and nigiri, among other specialties. Many of these incorporate Mexican ingredients into the dishes and, even though we occasionally enjoy a mango and chamoy roll, we now appreciate an authentic Japanese restaurant more than ever.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"img_1517\"
Sakes at Kura<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

If you are a sushi lover, you already know which are your favorites, probably including Tori Tori, Yoshimi, Rokai, Nobu and others. However, here are two new options worth trying:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"2016-10-07-photo-00011075\"
Nigiris at Zoku<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kura Izakaya<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kura is one of the Roma neighborhood\u2019s secrets. One of those restaurants you wish to keep under the radar to prevent it from overcrowding, but also know it is important to share to provide others with a chance at its delights. Located on Colima street, the word \u2018Izakaya\u2019 represents a classic Japanese restaurant where people get a bite after work.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"img_1564\"
Variety of dishes at Kura<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"OLYMPUS
Kura<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a 100% wooden minimalist design, and great wooden buckets as the focus of its decor, the place is similar to a casual restaurant on the streets of Tokyo. Chef Takeya Matsumoto arrived to Mexico in 2008 to open the Murasaki restaurant and worked for a few years at a variety of Japanese restaurants in the city, including Tori Tori and Mog, until he decided to venture into opening his own place in March 2016.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Processed
Chu-Toro Don at Kura<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

Kura offers close to 60 sake labels, many of these bottles are on display at the bar near the restaurant\u2019s entrance. Make the most of the huge variety, and enjoy a cold or hot sake along with your meal.<\/p>\n

The menu at Kura is quite vast; be patient and read it all, as you will find many surprises and dishes you didn\u2019t know existed. Standing out among my favorites are the gyozas, lamb chop Robata, spicy tuna battera, nigiris, chu-toro don (pieces of tuna on a bed of rice), and udon.\u00a0 Don\u2019t miss the sumptuous matcha cake for dessert, and pair it with a cup of matcha latte.<\/p>\n

*I suggest making reservations to secure a table on the weekends.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"zoku-4\"
Zoku<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

Zoku por Hiroshi<\/strong><\/p>\n

Above Mexsi Bocu in the Roma neighborhood, on Durango street, you\u2019ll find Zoku. A place reminiscent of Japan, with a warm and simple decor, wood items and Nipponese elements, including sake buckets behind the sushi bar. Zoku belongs to the same owners as Mexcsi Bocu, Fonda Fina and Bonito Pop Food, a restaurant group that knows what it\u2019s doing. In this case, the partners sought to step away from the typical Japanese restaurant, in order to offer guests an authentic experience.<\/p>\n

Zoku means clan, it\u2019s the place where friends and family gather to enjoy Japanese meals by Chef Hiroshi Kawahito. Hiroshi was born in Tokyo but was raised in Los Angeles from the age of nine. At 19, he discovered his passion for cooking and returned to his home country to master the techniques. In 2012, he arrived in Mexico City to work at Rokai, and a few years later opened Zoku by Hiroshi with his business partners.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"dsc04446\"
Sakes at Zoku<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

Guests can enjoy two different experiences, the sushi bar with enough space for ten guests, or the general salon for larger tables. If you\u2019ve never had the experience of sitting at a sushi bar, I highly recommend it. This particular bar has chefs with over 50 years of experience at renowned restaurants, such as Diego in Del Valle neighborhood, and Sushi Ota in San Diego, California. Throughout your meal you will witness the chef cutting and serving the seasonal fishes delivered daily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"2016-10-07-photo-00011077\"
Soft crab maki at Zoku<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

To start, I suggest ordering sake, Zoku has one of the largest sake collection sin Mexico, with close to 70 labels. On the topic of food, there are two options on the menu. The traditional omakase, \u201cin the chef\u2019s hands\u201d, whether the seven-course meal that changes daily, or the more affordable three-course option. Both options will let you watch the chef at work, preserving Japanese cooking techniques while adding his own fusion style.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"dsc04517\"
Variety of dishes at Zoku<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

If you would rather order from the set menu, which varies according to the fresh fish and seafood delivered at Zoky, I suggest starting with the house nigiris, tataki tuna and soft crab maki with the day\u2019s spicy to share with your party. For main course, don\u2019t miss the ramen, short-rib curry (yes, Japanese curry), or if you prefer something more traditional, opt for the tuna, rice and avocado donburi. For dessert, I suggest the matcha creme br\u00fbl\u00e9e, or homemade ice cream paired with a cup of great matcha tea.<\/p>\n