One of the hottest places in Melbourne for foodies is Windsor. More specifically, Chapel Street in Windsor where some of Melbourne’s hottest restaurants are located. If you haven’t been here for a while then you’ll be in for a treat as this is home to one of my new favourite restaurants, Mr Miyagi.
When I was invited to sample the new Winter menu at Mr Miyagi I had already been there twice in the preceding month so I was stoked at going back again to try a few new dishes.
The interesting thing about Mr Miyagi is that it mixes up traditional Japanese flavours with other influences. So if you’re a traditionalist you can sample some of the amazing and fresh sushi they have on offer, or you can try out something that has a bit of a Mexican twist like the Nori taco. There is something exciting on the menu for everyone.
On this cold winter’s evening we were provided with a selection of some fantastic items from Mr Miyagi’s wonderful menu including some cult favourites and some new items that are from the new Winter menu.
No visit to Mr Miyagi is complete without a taste of the MFC, Miyagi Fried Chicken. These little pieces of flavoured fried chicken are a must. Perfectly seasoned and fried to create a crispy outer, the chicken drumsticks and wings are beautifully cooked on the inside. Matched with the Kewpie mayonnaise it’s a must-have dish to include in your meal.
Another of my favourites is the Nori Taco. As its name suggests it’s a taco made from nori (seaweed) which has been fried and provides the perfect seaweed flavour to go with the brilliant taco filling. A mix of rice, grilled salmon belly, spicy napa cabbage, Japanese mayo and chilli oil fills the delicious taco. I’ve seen other restaurants try to do Japanese tacos but these have to be the best I’ve had. The crunch of the nori taco shell matched with the wonderful flavours of the taco fillings is something indescribable. Definitely have one of these when you visit.
Wafu salad with aonori rolled tuna and Nori Taco
If you love a taste of the sea then the Wafu salad with aonori rolled tuna is something that will fit the bill. The tuna is rolled in aonori (a type of seaweed) that has been slightly seared and served with green beans, bean shoots, cucumber, crisp garlic and sesame. A refreshing and delicious dish.
Something that is also fresh and light is the White cut chicken buckwheat noodles – master stock poached chicken, roasted peanut chilli shiitake, bean shoots and silken tofu. I really enjoy the simple flavours of this dish with a bit of a kick with the chilly.
The final savoury dish that we enjoyed was the Tuna Tataki pizza where rare seared tuna is served on spiced flat bread with yuzu caesar cream, onions, heirloom tomatoes and sliced jalapeños. A nod to the humble Italian pizza but with Japanese flavours. An interesting and delicious dish.
When it comes to dessert, I have to warn you, make sure you save room for dessert! The dishes on the menu are a treat. The Donuts are light and fluffy and accompanied by a chocolate sauce or apple cinnamon jam with pistachio and and gingerbread ice cream. Or if something more chocolatey is more your thing, then try the Chocolate Mess with a chocolate panacotta, Valhrona chocolate ganache, lava salt, orange oil , kinder surprise ice cream and miso chocolate fudge.
For a delicious surprise the Pumpkin Toast is a tasty slice accompanied by white chocolate and pumpkin ganache, honeycomb and yoghurt sorbet and spiced pumpkin ice cream. Not your normal kind of dessert ingredient but it is absolutely delicious. Perfect for a cold Winter’s evening.
Mr Miyagi is definitely a star on the Chapel street food scene so make a date with him soon.
Mr Miyagi
99 Chapel Street, Windsor VIC 3181
Ph. (03) 9529 9999
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