Hojo's Japanese Cuisine — Restaurant in Charlottetown

This was absolutely the worst tempura and sushi I have ever had in my life!!!

First, let’s talk about the tempura. As a classic Japanese dish, I believe every chef who has the courage to make tempura should master the basic techniques to avoid disrespecting Japanese culture. What I got was a plate of soggy and soft shrimp—so soft it felt like gummy worms—where the batter had completely separated from the shrimp (the photo was taken one minute after it was served).

Judging by appearance alone, it seems the chef simply tossed the shrimp into the fryer without using the correct tempura frying method (creating that crisp, uneven texture by flicking extra batter into the oil). The color of the tempura was also pale, suggesting an incorrect egg yolk ratio.

Next, the texture. Upon tasting, I encountered batter that was overmixed to the point where the gluten was activated, giving the batter a chewy and doughy texture—a disaster! Of course, when dipping the shrimp into this disastrous batter, the shrimp itself was too wet, as it hadn’t been properly dried or dusted with flour beforehand. This caused the batter to separate severely from the shrimp. The chewy batter and wet shrimp were essentially forced into an unhappy "marriage" in the fryer, but they were clearly incompatible. You can see in the photo how the batter clings to the slimy shrimp like it doesn’t want to be there. LOL. I mean, is this supposed to be a dumpling?

This dish was priced at $12. For that price, you could at least add some inexpensive fried vegetables underneath the shrimp to make the portion look larger. Couldn’t you?

Next is the sushi. I don’t even want to use words to describe it. All I felt was a few mushy blobs of sticky paste in my mouth. Did you guys accidentally put toothpaste in the sushi? If you’re going to sell sushi, I think you should spend more time researching how to properly prepare sushi rice and enhance the texture, like adding something crunchy inside. The only positive thing was that I liked the level of acidity in the sushi, but that only made it barely edible.

I don’t understand how a chef working in a restaurant with a decent atmosphere can get all the basics so wrong. I think watching a few YouTube videos would help you a lot. LOL.

Lastly, the sake tasted cheap—like boxed white wine served at low-end restaurants. I understand this isn’t a fancy place, but with a bill of over $60 before tax and tip for two people, this isn’t exactly...

My experience at Hojo’s was one of a kind. My day had already started off terribly along with the unbearable hot and humid weather. In consequence, I was very sensitive and dejected. My sister wanted to treat me out but I was in no mood for food. I just wanted to stay home and relax however, she had kept insisting we go out. Even though the weather was boiling hot, I had felt like ramen. So off we went to Hojo’s!!

Immediately as I entered, a warm and kind atmosphere welcomed me. The interior was beautiful and not too crowded, I wasn’t overwhelmed by the decorations or staff. The hostess had sat me down to a table right near the window. I was in awed by the ceiling and the iPad sitting at my table.

I had ordered ramen as I had planned and so did my sister. It was wonderful and smooth. Something I had needed for a while. The food had great presentation and the server was great too. I could tell she was sincere with her care towards our table. The food just kept on getting better along with the service. Through out the evening, my mood had changed from glum to blissful. Who would have known that great service, atmosphere and food could change someone’s mood so quick!? Haha

Nevertheless, my experience with Hojo’s had left me with a great impression and a good souvenir. I’ll be back again, Hojo’s! Till...

Worst experience ever !!! 2 waitresses on the floor ..and they literally running...dangerously! I told them to walk ..not to run..first of all..then she brought napkins after serving food...second of all ...third...food was served late ...2 dishes at time...we were 7 at the table...when first 2 finished ate dinner..last 2 started eating...big time discrepancy on serving...also my dish got 2 sliced of pork not equal...one perfectly rounded and tick and second half..and a side was looking like someone bite from it..I did refused to eat ...!!! They've took of my dish from the receipt...but now apologies..no manager on the floor..nobody to talk with...I used to like Japanese food but now ..i will pass on it because of this bad and ugly experience..leaving a restaurant hungry..looking for a pizza place after all this ...uff..told them also im a Google Advisor...nobody seems to care ..ok so..I post this ...lat point ..is bathroom outside somewhere...you need to guess where or ask...but is in a mall ..outside if restaurant..hmmmm...that's all about Japanese ...bye Japan. Better I go with Chinese food feeling more full on my belly..if you know...