Jazushi Fried Chicken with yuzu citrus sauce on a bed of home-made tartar sauce

Jazushi, Surry Hills

You know that song ‘Music Sounds Better With You?”

I always have someone in mind when that song comes on. Hell, I have someone in mind for every song that’s n my iPod. Every depressing love song about rejection and heartbreak reminds me of one half a dozen girls that took their turn at throwing my heart arond like a frisbee.

Wait, what was I talking about?

Right, the music sounds better with you.

Who do I have in mind when I’m listening to that song? Who do I wish was in front of me everytime that funky beat kicks on?

Did I say who? I meant what, and that what is food.

The music sounds better with food from Jazushi in Surry Hills.

Jazushi, Surry Hills

So why’d I post a random picture of a candle and some soy sauce? Well, I was actually supposed to be somewhere else the night I went to visit Jazushi and didn’t make a booking. Fortunately, my dining crew got to chill in the roomy back area away from the public. I was so comfortable that I actually considered taking my shirt off but I didn’t want to get Japanese mayo all over my chest hair.

Ok, I lied. I don’t have any chest hair.

Let’s talk about the food shall we?

Camembert cheese fingers with creme teriyaki sauce
Camembert cheese fingers with creme teriyaki sauce

Jazushi describes itself as a fusion of tradtional Japanese food with a Eurasian influence. All I think of when someone mentions Eurasian is how breathtakingly beautiful Kristin Kreuk (of Smallville and Legend of Chun-Li fame) is. I know that sounds cheesy but oh my, I’d love to take her out on a date and have her ignore all my calls afterwards.

Speaking of cheesy, these camembert cheese fingers were divine. The fusion was in full display here with the traditional Japanese tempura frying method used with camembert cheese originating from France.  The batter was incredibly light and non-greasy and went so well with the rich camembert. The juxtaposition of the crispy tempura exterior with the soft and gooey cheese is the exact contrast chefs go for with texture mix-ups.

If only Kristin and I got along so swimmingly, maybe someday.

Spicy tuna roll at Jazushi, Surry Hills
Spicy tuna inside out roll with tuna, avocado, flying fish roe and chilli mayo

I’m going to paraphrase something my buddy Michael from I’m Still Hungry said a while ago. I respect authenticity but I don’t care if you decide to throw that aspect of the dish by the wayside as long as the finished product is tasty.

That’s exactly how I feel about spicy tuna rolls. Yes, they’re not authentic but god damn they get along well with my taste buds.

Jazushi’s take on the remix was pretty sweet. The chunks of tuna were quite large and I appreciated the ratio of fish to rice. The tuna threatened to pop out like certain lady bits at music festivals. The chilli mayo was a bit on the mild side but it did well not to overpower the natural flavour of the tuna and the creamy avocado.

Grilled scallops at Jazusji, Surry Hills
Grilled scallops with garlic butter and saikyo miso sauce

Scallops were cooked in the most optimal way possible. I imagine that the chefs in the kitchen are just high tech robots trained to cook everything with the most ideal methodology possible whilst playing some smooth Otis Redding over the house speakers.

I appreciated the sauce that came with the shell. Since I don’t drink, that’s the closest I’ll ever get to downing a shot of Vodka.

The scallops had a very pleasant peppery after taste. It reminded me of having a pleasant meal with a girl and then her reaching out for the cheque; such a nice little surprise.

Jazushi Fried Chicken
Jazushi Fried Chicken (JFC) with yuzu citrus sauce on a bed of home-made tartar sauce

Yeah, I always order fried chicken when it’s available.

Personally, I only believe there are three true contenders when it comes to the best fried chicken in the world. America (southern fried), Korea (patented triple frying) and Japan (karaage).

I thought the JFC was pretty solid. The texture of the batter didn’t have the floury characteristic I normally associate with karaage. The chicken was very tender and I really enjoyed the chunky tartar sauce the chicken rested upon. I would love for this chicken to rest with me but I’ll settle for the one night I got to enjoy with it.

“Hitsumabushi” - Grilled ‘Anago’ Conger Eel on caramel rice served with dashi & green tea
“Hitsumabushi” – Grilled ‘Anago’ Conger Eel on caramel rice served with dashi & green tea

I was eel-ated when my friend suggested we order eel. That eelation evolved into a state of confusion when the waiter brought the dish along with a teapot and asked if we knew how to eat this

Jon Snow and I have a few traits (good looking, have a thing for redheads) and we both know nothing.

Basically, you scoop some rice/eel into your bowl and pour the dashi in. It’s DIY congee and there are even some condiments (shallots, tempura crisps) that you can throw into the mix as well.

Being a sceptic, I had the eel minus the dashi. I love congee but I only ever seem to have it when I’m sick. I was worried my body has been conditioned to the point in which my sinuses would suddenly blow up if presented with it. The eel was very tender and its syergy with rice is well documented. Now, for the dashi. I was surprised at how well it worked together. I haven’t been this surprised since the first time I had chicken and waffles. The light stock didn’t take anything away from the combo of the eel/rice and even added a level of resfreshment.

Soup’s a powerful force, one TV show even showed how it could turn people into Nazis. Heh.

***

Here’s the TL;DR for everyone else sitting by the dock of the bay on Saturday:

– Girl, my favourite music is the sound of your voice.

– Confession: I’ve watched way more season of Smallville than I’m proud of

– Jazushi’s food can make you jazz in your pants.

Jazushi, Surry Hills

Jazushi, Surry Hills

145 Devonshire St, Surry Hills

Open everyday except for Monday

6:00pm to 11:00pm

Jazushi on Urbanspoon

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11 thoughts on “Jazushi, Surry Hills

  1. Oh hell yeah, that camembert, that hitsumabushi. Isaac, you’ve treated this place well, and it has treated you like a glorious Eurasian lover that this place is!

    Btw, curious about your blog linking – when I saw the part where you referenced me (I’m touched as always, bro), I noticed the link is “https://www.ifatfoodchronicles.com.au/japanese/jazushi-surry-hills/imstillhungry.net”

    Nek minnit epic 404 times yo.

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