Located a 15-20 minute walk from Hiroo Station, Sazenka is a Chinese restaurant that attracts gourmet enthusiasts from not only Japan but around the world, making it one of the finest Chinese dining establishments in the country. It has been recognized as one of the top 100 Chinese restaurants in Tokyo from 2021 to 2026, as well as being awarded Tabelog Gold and Silver from 2018 to 2026.The food is undoubtedly exceptional, but the luxurious and refined atmosphere, along with the sophisticated service, leaves a perfect impression overall. While the course prices start at over JPY 50,000, it is a restaurant worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.Here are the dishes we enjoyed:-----------------------------◾️ Zucchini Flower We began the course with homemade xiaolongbao made with zucchini flowers. The sweetness of the zucchini flower combined with the rich flavor of the meat created a dish reminiscent of a soup.◾️ Drunken Prawns This dish features Hokkaido botan shrimp marinated in Shaoxing wine, highlighting the deliciousness of the ingredients in a simple yet elegant manner. The creamy texture of the shrimp paired with the rich aroma of the wine was delightful.◾️ Five Grain Fragrant Fish This dish features sweetfish marinated in Sichuan liquor, coated in a crispy layer. Dipping it in a sauce made from wasabi and watermelon balances the bitterness of the fish, allowing its unique flavor to shine.◾️ Honey Glazed Char Siu After a refreshing palate cleanser of bitter melon, we were served char siu that had been beautifully grilled over charcoal. The sweetness from the honey glaze combined with the juicy pork made it an exquisite dish!◾️ Cherry Meatballs These bite-sized sweet and sour pork balls hide a cherry in the center. The crispy exterior gives way to a burst of fruity acidity and sweetness, creating a delightful experience in your mouth.◾️ Vinegar Jellyfish This refreshing jellyfish salad is served in a vessel made from sudachi (Japanese citrus). The crunchy texture resets your palate with its bright acidity.◾️ Pheasant Wonton Soup A soup made from high-protein, low-fat pheasant broth. The simple ingredients of wontons and watercress highlight the clean yet robust umami of the soup.◾️ Spicy Prawns Large prawns are opened up and paired with a fermented seasoning called paolajiao. The initial burst of prawn flavor is followed by a strong spiciness and a unique aroma reminiscent of cilantro, making it an authentic dish.◾️ Spicy Chicken Wings These hearty fried chicken wings are stuffed with crab meat. They are served skewered in a pot filled with plenty of chili peppers, perfectly blending the spicy kick with the savory chicken flavor.◾️ Braised Shark Fin After a palate cleanser with tomato and star anise, we enjoyed a luxurious shark fin stew, a hallmark of high-end Chinese cuisine. The umami from the shark fin broth was outstanding, and adding black vinegar provided a sweet and sour accent that enhanced the dish!◾️ Seasonal Vegetables This dish features white asparagus sprinkled with powdered Jinhua ham. The natural sweetness of the asparagus is beautifully highlighted, complemented by the exquisite saltiness of the ham.◾️ Cloud White Pork A signature dish of Sazenka, this cloud white pork (unpairou) features thinly sliced pork belly and eggplant beautifully arranged, served with a sweet and spicy special sauce made from doubanjiang and sweet bean sauce. It’s a luxurious experience to enjoy it with rice, just like fugu sashimi.◾️ Clear Soup Noodles We concluded with a light and easy-to-eat clear soup noodle dish. With no additional ingredients and customizable portion sizes, it was easy to finish even when full.◾️ Dessert The two desserts included a refreshing combination of mango, coconut ice cream, and kaffir lime, as well as a comparison of cold and warm almond tofu. The rich sweetness of the mango and the creamy almond tofu created a delightful contrast.◾️ Tea Sweets The course ended with dumplings made from karaki wood and tea.-----------------------------Reservations open on the first of every month via the web, making it somewhat challenging to secure a spot, but I highly recommend finding an opportunity to visit.Thank you for the wonderful meal!*Instagram Gourmet Account https://www.instagram.com/shunsuke.naka/ (Followers surpassed 10,000!)*Gourmet Blog https://syn-gourmet.com*Comprehensive Links https://lit.link/syngourmet
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