– Sushi Tsubomi produced by Sushi Saito.
– Tabelog 3.92.
– Price 25K yen before drinks & add-ons.
Tsubomi is a branch of Sushi Saito and operates as a training ground for his lineage apprentices. It is headed by a young taisho, Kawaguchi-san and a cavalier of young kitchen crew.
Haven’t been to Sushi Saito so can’t make a comparison. One noticeable thing was the very satiating and large-sized nigiri. The individual rice grains were big while the neta were sliced generously. The flavour of the rice was on the balanced side and not as aggressive in terms of vinegar.
Otsumami were simplistic, mostly savoury little bites designed to be accompanied with drinks (eg sea cucumber, kazunoko, karasumi). The substantial ones like grilled kitayori and amadai in a bowl of dashi were lovely.
Clientele mix is 95-100% locals with occasional tourists from East Asia. Atmosphere was lively and relaxed.
There is a recent post on this subreddit that Kawaguchi-san will soon move to another branch and become the head chef of Sushi Saito in Azabudai.
Menu (Jan-2024):
1. Shirako & Nori Chawanmushi
2. Sea cucumber with Tosa Vinegar
3. Miso-pickled Herring Roe
4. Kitayori Clam
5. Meiji Maguro Tataki
6. Karasumi
7. Sweat Sea bream and Rapeseed Blossoms
8. Flounder
9. Sawara
10. Kohada
11. Akami
12. Chutoro
13. Ootoro
14. Aori Ika
15. Saba Maki
16. Tiger Prawn
17. Uni
18. Torotaku
19. Inari
20. Tamago
21. Hamaguri
22. Kinmedai (add-on)
by BocaTaberu