Daily Delivery Tour: Japan Edition

Vincent R. Vinci, Contributing Editor | May 16, 2022 1:28 pm | Add a comment | 127 reads

The options to take your taste buds for a trip around the world are pretty amazing here in the capital – so we’re taking it upon ourselves to focus on the culinary works of a new country or region each day.

Today, we hop over to one of China’s closest neighbors, Japan.

Sushi rolls and nigiri from Hatsune

Having opened up in Beijing in 2001, Hatsune is pretty much the OG when it comes to California-style sushi rolls in the capital.

Best options are, of course, their California Roll (RMB 48), featuring crab roe-studded rice filled with crab, avocado, cucumber and sesame; and their Butterfly Roll (RMB 88), which features crispy shrimp tempura combined with raw shrimp and avocado rolled in rice and topped with grilled eel.

As for their nigiri options, the best bet is the Rainbow Sushi Platter (RMB 175) which features three each of two kinds of tuna nigiri with three tuna tartar rolls.

Beef Katsu Sando from Elephant Grounds

It might’ve been easy to just put Wagyukami here and call it a day, but compared with Elephant Grounds, Wagyukami is pretty pricey for just a fried cutlet sandwich(well over RMB 100). Plus, fries (RMB 68) must be ordered separately. Sure, it is Wagyu beef, but there are better deals out there.

Case in point: Elephant Grounds, a coffee shop tucked into Taikooli not far away from the Sanlitun Apple Store, keeps it simple with a beef katsu sando and fries for RMB 88. But if you want some of their coffee, they’re also offering up a set with a choice of Americano or latte thrown in, all for RMB 78.

Yakisoba from Daruma

Not too far from Taikooli lies this modern take on the izakaya. Daruma serves some classics like yakitori, sushi and highballs (which they now offer for delivery as well), but the real fun lies in their main courses and other snacks.

Daruma’s yakisoba (RMB 68) -- aka fried ramen noodles -- comes piled high with savory elements. Along with pieces of pork, seaweed flakes, veggies and, to really hammer the umami home, katsubashi, aka dried bonito flakes.

Yakitori set from Toratori-ya

Another modern take on the izakaya, Toratori-ya’s strength lies in it’s yakitori selection. They’re currently offering mix and match yakitori from their menu, but if you can’t decide, they’ve also got an assorted yakitori set for RMB 158.