Sushi Hiro

Forget the glitz of Zuma and Nobu, try this humble sushi bar

Food

Service

Atmosphere

This humble gem tucked away in a nondescript commercial building has all the works of a true Tokyo sushi bar - excellent staff, cosy environment, air-flown fresh seafood from the famed Tsukiji market.  After the shouts of welcome - "Irasshaimase!" - we were ushered in to the sushi bar where we could watch Chef Hiro work his magic.

The sushi set dinner we chose started with the Chilled Sea Snail (still in its zig-zag patterned shell) and traditional Seafood Soup served in a teapot. The soup was choke-full of tiny bits of sweet shrimp, gingko nuts and golden mushrooms.

While enjoying the starters we admired Chef Hiro's skills, displayed openly in front of us. After choosing the best fillets, he will slice it with such skill a heart surgeon will be impressed and arrange the sushi on the charming open wooden plates. We know that Japanese cuisine is all about the presentation but here in Sushi Hiro it is brought to another level entirely, what with the deep green seaweed juxtaposed with the light golden Gari (pickled ginger) and the little neat blocks of sushi lined up perfectly like Lego bricks.

One bite into the Hamachi (Yellowtail fish) and I knew I had a winner. It was rich, almost creamy, with a sweet aftertaste. The Red Snapper was prepared matsugawa tsukuri-style; the skin is cooked and the flesh underneath remains raw.

I could go on and on but the highlight of the meal was the Otoro sushi - the supreme tuna belly.  It was served slightly lukewarm, just the way it should be so that the full flavours of the fish can be enjoyed in a single bite. In a nutshell, it was simply delicious.

As the evening went on, the lights dimmed and the increased chatter of the customers transformed the atmosphere into an intimate sushi bar in Tokyo. The performance of the chefs and the special attention from the staff adds up to a wonderful night out. Now I finally understand why Sushi Hiro is one of those special restaurants that devotees desperately want to keep a secret!