Located in the Mukaiyama area of Taihaku Ward, Sendai, Matsuishi is a highly sought-after Chinese restaurant run by Chef Matsuishi, who previously served as a sous-chef at KUROMORI. It is within walking distance of the mausoleum of Date Masamune, Zuihoden, and about a 15-minute bus ride from Sendai Station, making it a perfect spot to visit alongside sightseeing.On this day, I made a reservation for 12:00 PM on a Sunday and visited alone. The interior is a clean and calming space, with large windows that offer a pleasant view, making it ideal for special occasions.For lunch, you can enjoy a course that would typically cost around JPY 19,000 for just JPY 8,500, tax included.The lineup of dishes is as follows:◾️ Steamed soup with Yamagata's Junsai and Shizuoka's Soft-shelled Turtle ◾️ Appetizers (Sliced Spanish Mackerel with Shintama Onion, Black Sea Bream Escabeche, Miyagi's Delicious Tomatoes) ◾️ Spring rolls with Flounder and Mountain Udo ◾️ Miyagi's Daikon Cake (with dried shiitake and dried shrimp) served with butterbur miso ◾️ Fried Cochi (Flatfish) with a light batter and baby melon ◾️ Sea Bream in Chili Sauce with steamed buns ◾️ Dan Dan Noodles (with Okahijiki) and rice ◾️ Almond Tofu ◾️ Ma Lai Gao (Chinese steamed cake) and Chinese tea The first dish, "Steamed Soup with Junsai and Soft-shelled Turtle," features the deep richness of the turtle complemented by the smooth texture of the junsai. It has a gentle flavor while still delivering a robust umami.The "Spring Rolls with Flounder and Mountain Udo" highlight the sweetness of the flounder paired with the refreshing aroma of mountain udo, showcasing the quality of the ingredients.The "Daikon Cake" has a crispy exterior and a chewy interior. The umami from the dried shiitake and dried shrimp, along with the slight bitterness of the butterbur miso, creates a delightful contrast.The "Fried Cochi" features a light batter and fluffy flesh, with the accompanying melon providing a refreshing finish.The "Sea Bream in Chili Sauce" has the fish coated in a chili sauce that enhances its appetite-inducing spiciness.To finish off, the "Dan Dan Noodles" offer a rich sesame flavor balanced with the perfect spiciness of homemade chili oil, making it so delicious that you’ll want rice to go with it.The "Almond Tofu" has a melt-in-your-mouth smooth texture and a refined sweetness, making it a perfect conclusion to the meal.The warmth and gentleness of the chef and his wife left a lasting impression, and the detailed explanations of each dish added to the charm of the experience. You can enjoy a course that beautifully fuses seasonal ingredients from Tohoku with Chinese cuisine. If you're looking to enjoy a special lunch in Sendai, I highly recommend making a reservation and visiting!
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