Absolutely delicious dish selection worth re-visiting: Restaurant Gaijin Izakaya (31. May 2022)

It’s approximately two years ago since I’ve last been to the Gaijin Izakaya and I must say I wonder why I haven’t been since – the place is super nice. I went for “The Vaccine (gin, basil, lemon, Mango ‘caviar’)” (CHF 18.00) to have a starting drink – and it was totally enjoyable.

Then, since we were a bigger group of people, we let the waiter decide what he wanted to serve and he started with “shoyu roasted eggplants” (CHF 8.00) and “Garlic Rice (togarashi garlic chips, garlic oil, home-made Japanese Mayo)” (CHF 8.00) which was great to get your palate started and to make it an enjoyable entry into the evening.

While most at the table didn’t really enjoy the next course, I absolutely loved the “Gaijin Brussels Sprouts (garlic chili aioli, shaved smoked tuna, gaijin furikake)” (CHF 14.00) since they had a nice intensity and at the same time a refinedness which I hadn’t expected.

Next in line were the “home-made Gyoza (chicken, shittake mushrooms, corn, chili, soy syrup, DanDan’s chili crunch)” (CHF 16.00) and while they were generally fine I must say that they were also somewhat missing flavour. Of course if you would combine them with soy sauce they would be perfect but if you wouldn’t, they wouldn’t taste like much.

The “Chicken Karaage (tare, cabbage salad, home-made Japanese mayo)” (CHF 16.00) on the other hand were just perfect since they were super crispy but had enough chicken so you would actually taste chicken and not just fried breading.

The “potato crusted mushrooms (home-made Japanese aioli, spring onions)” (CHF 13.00) were quite okay. Frankly, a bit too mush-roomy for my personal taste and definitely too big a portion since there were that many mushrooms that one plate for the whole table of eight would definitely have been enough.

I liked the “spicy prawn tempura (citrus cabbage slaw, spicy prawn tuille)” (CHF 17.50) since the prawns were nicely breaded, but were still somewhat juicy which isn’t really what you would always expect from them.

The “Grilled Octopus Hamachi Kama” (CHF 23.50) was something which surprised me too – positively! Octopus is very often not that amazing but rather chewy. Yet, somehow, they made it very soft and enjoyable here. So, I was absolutely happy that the waiter picked this dish to try.

The “daily special hamachi” (CHF 22.00) was a fish which was – well, a fish. Meaning, it was okay but nothing special.

The same was somewhat true, for me, for the “King Fish Tatar”. Frankly, I couldn’t find it on the menu and for me it was too bland. I suppose tastes are different since the majority at the table basically loved it but for me it was a rather average dish.

The “Catalano’s Candied Pork (sous vide pork belly, demerrera sugar, hot sauce, lime, garlic, black pepper)” (CHF 18.00) on the other hand is the reason why I love food. The candied pork was intense, creamy, delicious, just what makes your taste budds dance and scream out of passion.

Other than the food, the place is also atmospheric. Be it on the ground floor where the restaurant tables are located. It’s quite crowded but still not that crowded that it is uncomfortable. On the other hand, the decoration in the bathroom area is also quite interesting (cats much?).

The staff is friendly, quite attentive and makes sure you have everything you need throughout the evening. The place is not extensive in terms of size, so booking in advance is highly recommended, if not even a must. All in all definitely a place I will frequent again.

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Contact Details:

Restaurant Gaijin Izakaya

Birmensdorferstrasse 5

8004 Zürich (CH)

Tel.: +41 44 482 22 00

E-Mail: info@gaijin-izakaya.ch

Homepage: http://www.gaijin-izakaya.ch

About the Author: Sven

I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org. Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City.