It’s not often that we hear about vegetarian options in Japanese cuisine. It is on this rather unchartered territory that we ventured as we started our gastronomic journey within the elegant dining space of Matsunichi, a contemporary Japanese restaurant somewhat hidden within the rather intimidating-looking Goldin Financial Global Centre in Kowloon Bay.
Authenticity and an artisanal dining experience can be said to be the twin pillars of Matsunichi. Riding on the tide of authenticity, the restaurant welcomes spring with a new eight-course ‘Vegetarian Vibes’ menu (HK$600), sourced only from the freshest produce from Japan.
Our affair with ‘haute vegetarianism’ started with the Tomato Tofu, which is painstakingly crafted from three kinds of tomatoes, and is perfectly paired with a home-made vinegar jelly that was refreshingly tangy and set the right note of anticipation for the next course – the colourful Vegetarian Nigiri Sushi platter. As easy on the eye as on the palate, the sushi platter was quite an interesting change from the heavier non-vegetarian sushi that we’re more accustomed to.
However, the dish that won us over was the Tempura course, which only used vegetables known for their medicinal values. So there were the high-in-protein Maitake mushrooms, Butterbur buds – known for soothing migraines – and the vitamin-rich sweet potato, all coated with a crispy light batter. We particularly hearted the butterbur tempura for its soft-yet-crunchy texture.
The next course – Japanese rice with Edamame, peas, corn and Hokkaido kombu – was more tummy-filling than soul-satisfying to be honest, but best was indeed reserved for the last. The Peach Sorbet with Yellow Pitahaya (dragon fruit), with all its sweetness perfectly balanced with citrusy tanginess was a fitting finale to a meal that was as hearty as it was healthy.
Here’s to more plant power, we say!
Matsunichi, Level 2, Goldin Financial Global Centre, 17 Kai Cheung Road, Kowloon Bay, 3188 2760, www.matsunichi.com.hk
Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay