Finding authentic and fast Japanese food is easier than ever in regional Victoria. But if you’re new to Japanese cuisine, or looking for a variety to your favourite sushi roll, you might stress out about where to start. No worries, we’ve put together a list of the absolute must-try Japanese dishes you can spot around you.
1. The Real-Deal Ramen
Japanese ramen is a work of art. The star is the broth, which is often slow-cooked for hours to get a deep and rich flavour. The most famous is Tonkotsu ramen, made with pork bones which creates a creamy soup that’s a perfect warmer on a cold day. This is a complete meal in a bowl, usually served with tender sliced pork chashu, a seasoned egg, and other toppings.
At Pika Sushi, we do a classic Tonkotsu Ramen (Original or Spicy) and a flavourful Black Garlic Ramen make for a serious refuel. It’s great to see other spots like Okami in Warragul and Traralgon also bringing proper Japanese meals to the regions.
2. Sushi Handroll & Sushi Packs, The Perfect “Fast” Lunch
This is the one we all know and love. Fresh sushi is one of the easiest and best takeaway lunches you can find. For a quick lunch, a classic handroll like Tuna Avocado can’t go wrong. For office workers and families refueling, the star is the sushi packs. Served in four to eight pieces, the sushi pack is a fast, easy meal to grab.
Grabbing a sushi pack from Pika Sushi or other local favourites are also a perfect solution for a picnic at one of our great local parks, like Civic Park in Warragul or the Traralgon Railway Reservoir.
3. The Hearty Rice Bowl
A rice bowl is the perfect choice when you’re really hungry. This is one of Japan’s most popular comfort foods, a generous bowl of rice topped with a crispy, panko-crumbed chicken cutlet (the katsu), smothered in a rich and savoury Japanese curry sauce.
For a quick hot lunch, it’s a must-try if you’ve never had it. When you order from Pika Sushi, you won’t want to miss our popular Chicken Karaage Teriyaki Rice or Chicken Katsu Mentai Rice.
4. The Irresistible Izakaya Food
Whenever you only want a hot, savoury bite, Japanese snacks (or izakaya food) are in a league of their own.
Chicken Karaage
This is Japanese-style fried chicken you won’t find in just any fast food restaurant. Chicken Karaage is marinated, juicy on the inside, and incredibly crispy on the outside.
Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is a mix of batter, cabbage, and other fillings, grilled and topped with sauces. A unique and savoury replacement for your everyday pancakes.
Takoyaki
This small, ball-shaped snack is made of batter and a piece of octopus, cooked in a special pan. Takoyaki is a classic Japanese street food you can grab at local events like the Soul Night Market.
Gyoza
Yet another classic Japanese snack, pan-fried dumplings (available in pork or veggie) are perfect for sharing on a budget-friendly day out.
While these are favourites on our snack menu, you can also find them at other Japanese spots like Ichimi Sake in the Dandenong Ranges area, which is all about sharing.
5. The Grab-and-Go Bento Box
Can’t decide? Get a bento box. A bento is the staple Japanese single-portion meal, and a simple way to enjoy a balanced lunch. The typical box contains a main (like Chicken Karaage or Chicken Katsu), rice, a fresh mixed salad, and a little something extra.
We’ve even got the Seafood Bento Box and Vegetarian Bento Box options. They’re one of our specialties, but as bento boxes are becoming popular, you’ll find them at cafes and Japanese spots in busy regional centres.
The Great Japanese Cuisine Is Only A Step Away
Japanese cuisine is incredibly diverse, and now you know where to find one. At ten outlets across Victoria, Pika Sushi is proud to be part of a growing local food scene serving up modern Japanese dishes. You can drop by for a quick lunch stop, or make it part of your family weekend outing.
