GOOD FOOD GOOD MOOD: Mr. Miyagi

JAPANESE FOOD. I have never come across anyone who did not enjoy eating Japanese food, and if they didn't... Mr. Miyagi is the place with the power of persuasion. Located on the bustling Chapel Street, Mr. Miyagi is ALWAYS BUSY. What's worse is that it's a 'no bookings/reservations' establishment (unless you're in a group of 6 or more, where you can book a booth in the back). So you have to wait and wait and wait, but I can guarantee that the wait is worth it. To my understanding, the menu has changed a little since my visit in November, but the dishes I tried below are still on there, so be sure to pay a visit.

After seeing on Instagram the vibrant colours of the food and interesting looking cocktails, I went to Mr. Miyagi to celebrate a close girlfriends birthday. We went on a Wednesday night and waited just less than an hour. The front of house staff were not on their game and were not attentive during the whole waiting/seating process. We got comfortable on the seats at the bar (one of my favourite places to sit because you get to watch the magic happen) and my sour first impressions were overturned by the back of house and waiting staff - genuinely friendly, chatty and attentive. The venue itself is dark yet inviting, played catchy RNB tunes, was nicely decorated (with an Astroboy figurine on the bar) and had a wall full of wine bottles towards the back.

For starters we had the following cocktails - Hello Kitty Sour ($16.00) and Geisha's Blush ($14.00). I would recommend the Hello Kitty Sour for people who have a sweet tooth like me, it's a refreshing lychee flavour with citrus and egg white. The Geisha's Blush is a more acquired taste, as sake is not for everyone's tastebuds. The sake is mixed with cherry, lemon and orange blossom. One of the bar staff even gave us shots of Mandarin sake to try, it was delicious and really enhanced our eating experience as well. But let's get down to the food business.

Nori Taco - $12.00 each ***A MUST ORDER DISH***

The Nori Taco is one of the highest Instagrammed taco that I have seen thus far... and for good reason. Whoever made up this creation is a culinary genius. They paired sushi rice, grilled Salmon belly, Jap mayo and then added a Mexican taco touch. It's crunchy on the outside, delectable all around and was the perfect size - not too small and not too big. I would have eaten 5 of these alone if I could.

Nigiri and Sashimi Combo (Small / 12 Piece) - $35.00

When we were seated at the bar, we watched all the gorgeous combo platters being made. Can we just take a moment to appreciate the presentation and colours on this dish? You can tell the care that was put into it. The combo was a mixture of salmon, kingfish and tuna. If you asked me which one is my favourite, I couldn't tell you as they were all equally fresh and delicious.

Kingfish Ceviche - $18.00

This was not your usual kingfish ceviche dish as it's presented more like a salad, rather than individual Kingfish slices. It was super refreshing and had a different flavour and texture with every bite - with ingredients like grapefruit, cucumber, coconut panna cotta, red sorrel and ginger dressing.

Miyagi Fried Chicken (MFC) - $14.00 for 6 pieces

Sorry for the terrible photo, it does not do justice to how delicious this was. I am a sucker for fried chicken and the way it tasted with the kewpie mayo was on point. With MFC you can either order 6 or 10 pieces, but be sure to save your stomach so that you get to try all the dishes Mr. Miyagi has to offer.