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28 April, 2014

Chisou Knightsbridge

Comments : 2 Posted in : Food, Restaurants on by : Reema Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some of you know that I spent a significant part of my childhood in Tokyo and would move back there in a heartbeat. I get quite nostalgic about my time in Japan, the country, the people and of course the wonderful, varied cuisine that I can’t get enough of.

I was invited to dine at Chisou Knightsbridge a few days ago and chose the always willing Mr. A to join me for the review.chisouinterior

Chisou is an Izakaya style restaurant located on the well-known Beauchamp Place in Knightsbridge. An izakaya refers to a casual Japanese drinking establishment serving food. Chisou has an intimate sake/cocktail bar upstairs (open on weekends) and a cosy dining area on the main floor.

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Image by Chisou

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Chisou means ‘feast’ and the large menu certainly tempts you into doing just that.  As if the variety wasn’t enough to leave one greedy and confused, Chisou also have a healthy menu developed with Bodydoctor Health & Fitness. This special menu includes a range of Chisou’s healthiest dishes along with an explanation of their benefits – have a peek at the menu here: http://www.bodydoctor.com/partners/sushi.php

After much deliberating and with some help from our friendly server, we ordered a number of Chisou’s signature dishes.

Kaiso Salad – a selection of seaweed served with a sesame dressing

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Yellowtail Sashimi in Black Truffle Infused Soy Sauce : Our waitress informed us that this was one of their signature dishes and unique to Chisou Knightsbridge.  I loved the use of black truffle and the sashimi was a brilliant combination of flavours and textures. My favourite from the night!

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Sanpin Sashimi: Tuna, yellowtail and salmon selected by the chef. As delicious as it looks.

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Spicy Tekka Maki: Chopped yellow fin tuna, tempura flakes, green chilli and spicy mayo rolled inside out with sesame seeds. This was superb and I would go back to Chisou just for this fabulous roll. One of the best I have had in a long time.

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 Saikyo Yaki – Grilled black cod marinated in miso paste.Chisou was generous with their miso cod serving when compared to other popular restaurants in town. The fish was grilled to perfection and well presented but lacked the sweetness of the miso. I wouldn’t call it disappointing but a little more miso would definitely help.

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Tempura Moriawase A medley of king‏ prawns, fish and vegetable assortment in a light batter served with traditional tempura sauce.I still remember the divine tempura I had in Ginza on my last visit to Tokyo so I’m afraid I’ve been spoilt. The tempura at Chisou was good but heavy on the batter and not too crisp.

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Fondant Au Chocolat Sprinkled with Macha and Served with Wasabi Ice Cream: Gooey, molten chocolate is always a sure-shot hit with us. The wasabi ice cream was unique and delicious.

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Yukimi Daifuku: Japanese rice cakes filled with an assortment of ice-cream Our server suggested we also try the Daifuku and I am so glad she did. The trio of ice cream flavours included vanilla, caramel and green tea all encased in sweet rice cakes.

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We enjoyed this lovely meal with a flask of cold Junmin sake – a great accompaniment to the fantastic flavours.

Chisou also have restaurants in Mayfair and Chiswick serving a similar menu with a few variations. Prices are certainly high but you pay for the quality and the authenticity.

Chisou is an izakaya so don’t go in expecting a scene like Nobu or Zuma. The restaurant was extremely busy on a Wednesday night and we noticed several Japanese diners which is a great measure of Chisou’s credibility.

Chisou Knightsbridge is intimate, cosy and a perfect spot for a catch-up with friends over delicious Japanese food and sake.

For more info, visit http://www.chisourestaurant.com

Hungry Aphrodite dined as guests of Chisou Knightsbridge but all views and thoughts expressed here are, as always,  my own.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2s COMMENTS

2 thoughts on : Chisou Knightsbridge

  • veena Kalra
    April 28, 2014 at 3:05 pm

    This is brilliant, it took me back in Japan for a while! Miss the japanese food and the presentation of the food! just loved reading it! Thank you Reema

    • Reema
      April 28, 2014 at 3:40 pm

      We can go for a yummy Japanese meal when you come! 🙂

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