Wasshoi Bar and Grill — Restaurant in Melbourne

“Sit down at this unique sumibi yaki bar in the middle of Harvest Hall and treat yourself to tantalising Japanese cuisine cooked by head Japanese chef Ikeui Arakane (Kinsan). Savour the succulent twice cooked pork belly bun, twice cooked chicken fillet don, Japanese beef-style burger cooked to order, over hot coals right in front of you.” Quote Prahran Market website.

It was the above that drew me to this one of many enticing food outlets in Prahran Market. The line, equally long as others, people gushing, wondering, curiously watching and eating (literally and eyeing) to see if the food is like the photos on Instagram, Google Review or just the plain old restaurant photos.

Observantly, still-pictures identical to the food people devoutly overloading their senses made me hungry. Without a seat available, I ordered a twice cooked pork belly sandwich with a kochi yuzu drink combo!

I waited patiently (saintly) and accidentally formed an extended queue whilst waiting for my order (don’t you hate that - apologies to patrons today!).

Like unwrapping a long awaited Christmas present, when I received my order, my expectation did not wane. The presentation was detailed with a wet wipe, tightly wrapped roll in a simple brown paper bag. So Japanese, presentation comforting to the eye before you open up to devour the umami smell and warm roll in your hand.

No disappointed, my first bite, sent me into orbit, around the globe with the distinct glaze of sweet soya, chilli, sticky coating. The pork belly was generously spread across the entire length of the warm, soft and crusty roll (like a tiger roll) pillow like dough and crunchy crust that complimented the meat and the simple shredded white cabbage salad in the base of the submarine sandwich.

When paired with the citrus and sweet drink, my senses were coated with flavour, texture and round out with the sweetness and tang sensation. The more I chewed, the more I wanted more…every one took bites and then it was gone and I was left holding the paper bag in less than two minutes of unwrapping.

But I had the wet wipe and yuzu drink - and lined up again for another.

Please open a...

Sadly I have to write about my experience yesterday at lunchtime :( The WORSE customer service!! I love the food that you offer in your restaurant but my partner and I was very upset yesterday when we decided to get some food one lady at the counter just asked us about our Vaccine certification, which we provide to her (it was the digital original certificate from the Vic government) and the lady said to us that it wasn’t enough that we need our ID as well to her to check it if we were the persons of the certificate!! I never hear about that!! :0 we didn’t have our ID with us and couldn’t order food, we just left the place and ordered in another restaurant. And we asked in another place if this politic was normal in Prahran Market and they said to us, NO! We don’t ask here for the Vaccine certificate proof. I normally order food in the Prahran and NEVER do they ask me for my ID And also Any restaurant around Melbourne that I have been recently visiting! It was an awful experience! I know guys you want the keep the order about the Covid rules that’s fantastic!! but please that’s is too much! And it is very unfriendly to...

We ordered both the beef and chicken donburi bowls and they definitely delivered on flavor. The meats were tender and juicy, with a distinct charcoal-grilled aroma that added a satisfying depth to each bite. Both options were equally enjoyable in terms of taste and texture. Personally, I prefer them served over rice rather than in a bun as the rice absorbs the flavorful juices and brings everything together nicely. If there’s one minor drawback, it’s the portion size. It felt a bit small, especially considering how tasty it was, I was left wanting just a bit more. Another thing that added to the experience was watching one of the cooking staff in action. He handled the grill and all the plating with impressive speed and rhythm. The way he moved—quick, focused and precise—made it genuinely fun to watch and brought an energetic vibe to the whole...