Japanese restaurant Okome — Restaurant in Albert-Eden

Many restaurants in Auckland proudly tout themselves as being ‘authentically Japanese’, but it is solely the humblest of them all that deserves such recognition: Okome - a warm and cosy abode run by the friendliest smile and most careful of hands - served us delicate and deliciously crafted Japanese dishes that made us glow with every bite.

The takoyaki surprised with its soft texture that only homemade love could create. The flame-grilled buta kushi made us nostalgic for memories we never had, making us feel like kids squatting outside their house on a summer’s night, enjoying the skewers cooked over charcoal by our father. Neither of us are Japanese, nor have we ever had anything remotely close to this experience. It just took us to a time and place where we’d never been.

The unagi, paired with fermented green chilli and pickled cucumbers, bounced in our mouths before melting away, seeping sensational teriyaki flavour through our tastebuds. The kaisen don, assorted with various sashimi and garnished with great pearls of caviar, shone with freshness that took you to the sea, enjoying its glorious bounties of salmon and fatty tuna.

Truly, the star of our night was the miso soup. It was uniquely infused with a subtle dashi flavour that added depth to its well-known profile. Every sip was a note in its symphony, and this masterpiece was an...

Hidden away on a side road in Mt Eden is a quaint little onigiri shop, specializing in rice balls. They don't have much else than rice balls, but they do it well, and are freshly made to order. I ordered one special onigiri, and it was the right amount of salty, umami, with a touch of sweetness, from both the rice and the add-ins inside. The cute ol' lady who I guess is the owner; is sweet, and you can feel the rice balls are made with attention and care. They didn't have much on display since it was a quiet day but she gladly recommended me a few onigiri and I gladly ordered one. They also have Japanese curry bread which looked amazing (tho I didn't get a chance to try them)... On the ever...

Seldom can fine a place make me surprised, this is the one. I had not confidence before I walked in, but I felt I must write something down after I left. Salad is fabulous with sesame sauce; must order the deep fried eggplant, amazing; tataki beef, do not ignore the little homemade green chili paste. We couldn’t even start our unadon, just because we are soooooo full, but I believe it is good. If you happen to have a chance to eat there, just walk in, you won’t be...