By Sahasni Gamage
Nestled within the luxurious Granbell Hotel, Minori Japanese Restaurant offers an unparalleled dining experience in the heart of the city. With its prime location, guests can indulge in delectable Japanese cuisine while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of downtown, making it a perfect choice for both tourists and locals alike. The restaurant’s commitment to impeccable food quality, featuring fresh and authentic Japanese flavors, elevates the overall dining experience, leaving patrons with fond memories of their visit to Minori.
Appetizers
- Spicy Tuna Fusion Roll
The Spicy Tuna Fusion Roll tantalizes the taste buds with a perfect balance of heat and creaminess, resulting in a delicious fusion of flavors. Upon arrival, the Spicy Tuna Fusion Roll immediately caught my eye with its vibrant colors and artful arrangement. The sushi chef’s precision was evident in every slice, creating a visually appealing masterpiece that hinted at the deliciousness to come. The combination of fresh tuna and a perfectly balanced spicy mayo creates a flavor explosion with each bite. The tender tuna pairs perfectly with the crunchy microgreens. The portion size was just right for an appetizer or to be shared among friends. If you’re looking for a more filling meal, we recommend pairing it with something else from their extensive menu.
- Salmon Sashimi
The Salmon Sashimi at Minori Japanese Restaurant is a seafood lover’s dream come true. The presentation of this dish is a work of art, with vibrant, thinly sliced saman sashimi elegantly arranged on the plate. Each bite of the delicate fish was a revelation, offering a clean and fresh oceanic flavor that was a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality. The simplicity of this dish allows the natural essence of the fish to shine, making it a must-try for anyone seeking a truly authentic and exquisite sashimi experience. As an avid lover of Japanese cuisine, I am always on the lookout for unique and exceptional dishes. My recent dining experience with Saman Sashimi left me absolutely astounded and eager to share my thoughts on this dish.
- Prawn Tempura Fusion Roll
Prawn Tempura Fusion Roll is a culinary masterpiece that left me speechless. The delicate prawn tempura was perfectly crispy, giving each bite a delightful crunch. The fusion of textures was one feature that really stood out. The contrast between the crunchy tempura and the soft, silky rice was a pleasant surprise, providing a satisfying mouthfeel that kept me wanting more. It was a textural symphony that enhanced the dining experience. The dish was elevated by the subtle drizzle of savory sauce, making it a standout option on the menu.
- Prawn Nigiri
Prawn Nigiri is a true testament to the artistry of sushi. The prawns were perfectly fresh and had a sweet, briny flavor that was nothing short of outstanding. Each nigiri was expertly crafted, with perfectly seasoned rice that contrasted beautifully with the succulent prawns. The dish’s simplicity emphasizes the quality of the ingredients and the skill of the sushi chef, making it a delectable and authentic option for sushi fans. The presentation was simple and straightforward, allowing the prawns to shine. The nigiri was accompanied by a small dollop of wasabi and a sliver of pickled ginger, which enhanced the overall experience without overpowering the delicate taste of the prawn.
- Tuna Nigiri
The Tuna Nigiri we had was a pure delight. The vibrant ruby-red tuna was impeccably fresh, offering a buttery and slightly briny flavor that was both luxurious and delightful. Each piece was expertly sliced and draped over a perfectly seasoned bed of sushi rice, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes. The delicate wasabi provided a subtle kick, while the pickled ginger refreshed the palate between bites. It was a classic sushi experience that celebrated the essence of quality ingredients and precise craftsmanship. If you’re a fan of tuna nigiri, this dish is a must-try, exemplifying simplicity, and perfection in every bite.
Mains
- Chicken Katsu Don
The Chicken Katsu Don we had was a hearty and filling meal. The golden-brown chicken cutlet was perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, showcasing expert frying technique. The microgreens added a refreshing crunch to the dish, counteracting the richness of the chicken. Each bite was enhanced by the sweet and savory sauce drizzled over the crispy chicken and steamed rice. The soft-cooked egg topping added a creamy and velvety texture, enhancing the overall experience. This dish is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for anyone seeking a hearty and delicious Japanese comfort meal.
- Teppanyaki Chicken
We had the privilege of witnessing the art of Teppanyaki up close as the skilled chef transformed simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. As the chef expertly prepared the dish, the sizzling griddle became a stage for their impressive knife skills and captivating flair. The Teppanyaki Chicken was unquestionably the star of the show. The chicken pieces were tender, succulent, and bursting with savory flavors, thanks to the precision cooking on the hot griddle. The chef’s deft seasoning and perfect timing ensured that each bite was a savory delight. Accompanied by a medley of fresh vegetables, the Teppanyaki Chicken was a symphony of colors and flavors. The vibrant vegetables retained their crispness and absorbed the delightful essence of the chicken. If you’re seeking an unforgettable dining experience, Teppanyaki is a must-try, and the chicken dish is a delectable highlight.
- Miso Soup
Served steaming hot in a delicate bowl, it immediately embraced us with its comforting aroma. Its simplicity and purity highlighted the essence of Japanese cuisine. Its warm embrace and comforting flavors made it an ideal start to any Japanese dining experience. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of miso soup or trying it for the first time, this rendition is a delightful and authentic representation of this classic Japanese dish.
- Mille Crepe
The Mille Crepe dessert was an absolute delight that left a lasting impression. Its exquisite presentation showcased layer upon layer of delicate, paper-thin crepes, expertly stacked with a luscious cream filling. Each bite was a journey of pure indulgence. The crepes were soft, with a slight hint of caramelization on the edges that added a delightful contrast to the creamy layers. The velvety cream filling was rich but not overly sweet, allowing the subtle flavors to shine through. If you have the opportunity, don’t miss the chance to indulge in this crepe.
Beverages
- Samurai
This cocktail is a masterful concoction that seamlessly blends the finest Japanese flavors. Combining sake, matcha, green apple syrup, lime juice, and a touch of simple syrup, it’s a delightful symphony of tastes that takes your palate on a captivating journey. The initial sip reveals a harmonious fusion of sweet and tart, with the green apple syrup and lime juice offering a zesty kick.
- Blossom
With the first sip, the Blossom Cocktail offers a refreshing and fruity experience. The melon liqueur and fresh melon contribute a luscious sweetness, while the lime juice provides a zesty contrast. The sake’s mild warmth rounds out the flavors, making it an approachable yet unique libation. Visually, the Blossom Cocktail is a stunner. It’s not just a drink; it’s a visual and tasty delight that embodies the essence of a summer breeze.
- Haru
The Haru Cocktail is a tropical paradise in a glass, offering a delightful blend of Japanese and Caribbean influences. Crafted with sake, white rum, fresh passion fruit, lime juice, and a touch of simple syrup, it’s a symphony of flavors that evokes visions of a sun-soaked beach. Upon the first sip, the Haru Cocktail presents a sweet and tangy explosion of passion fruit, with the lime juice providing a zesty counterpoint. The star of this cocktail is the fresh passion fruit, which lends an authentic tropical essence and a burst of vibrant flavor that transports you to an island getaway.
Location: 282/5 Kollupitiya Road, Marine Drive, Colombo 3 Colombo, Sri Lanka
Opening Hours: 12:00-15:00| 18:00-22.30
General Price Range (per person): LKR 3000/=
View their menu here: https://granbellhotel.lk/menus/
Visit their Facebook @GranbellHotelColombo and Instagram @granbell_hotel_colombo
