Sakura Is Back.

It gives me quite enormous pleasure to announce that, after a year or two in the culinary wilderness, Sakura, the city’s inexpensive Sushi staple, is back on form.

Sakura has been the place to go for Japanese food in Colombo since it was founded in 1983. I think my infant-self first visited just a few years later. With its tatami-mat floors, plastic-food display, Japanese garden and on loop 60’s J-pop soundtrack even in the 80’s it seemed to channel the spirit of an older Japan. As the decades went by the interior of the restaurant barely changed, so by say 2010 the place was an absolute time-warp. A piece of 70’s Japan stranded in sea-side Kollupiitya.

While the decor was frozen-in time over the years the food remained fresh, tasty and extremely well-priced – for good Japanese food. There were days circa the mid 90’s when its Sushi platters could rival the offerings of much more upscale Japanese restaurants. Even on days when the food wasn’t stellar it was never less than good. Rich, eggy Katsu don, well formed Tekamaki, and their filling and excellent Teka Don – thick slices of ruby red tuna on top of a bowl of sushi rice.

There was a point where I found myself sitting on their Tatami-floor every week. Our visits were so regular that, as with anything you see regularly, we didn’t quite notice the changes. The fraying partitions, and moldy corners, the increasingly soporific service, a gradual decline in the freshness of the food. Suddenly though I made a few visits to Nihonbashi and Ginza Hohsen and noticed the gap between the city’ upscale Sushi purveyors and Sakura had widened considerably. Even at much lower prices you don’t wont your raw fish to be anything less than perfectly fresh.

So I defected. I switched my Sushi affections to Nihonbashi, Ginza Hohsen and Cafe Japan. Of course, I still had a place in my heart for Sakura – but on one recent visit (a month ago) I found the place almost dead. They had lost their liquor license, there were no other patrons, service was glacial and the fish wasn’t fresh. This was it, I thought, Sakura has finally died. I even hailed Naniyori as its successor for mid priced Japanese food.

My 30 year love affair was over. But then it’s Sakura, and last week craving Sushi, unable to face a trip out to Nawinna (Naniyori) and just for old times sake I snuck back. I walked down the absolutely familiar stretch of Rhienland place expecting the same frayed front, the empty interior, the peeling walls – I didn’t find it.

Sakura was packed, and packed largely with Japanese customers. The interior had been thoroughly revamped – no more peeling paper, fresh plastic food displays, clean, unfrayed Tatami mats. The liquor was back. It was absolutely disorienting – Sakura hadn’t really changed in my life time but the refurbishment was long over due and it still retains a distinct 70’s Japan feel but without the dilapidation and mold.

Of Course, decor is one thing, and food is another. Still given the effort made on the interior for the first time in a long time I waited with keen anticipation for my Sakura meal. It didn’t disappoint.

We ordered butter clams – Rs. 500 not quite Ministry of Crab standard but good and great value – the bivalves’ unique, smokey sweetness drizzled in golden butter. Of course we also got a bowl of Teka Don (Rs 900)- Sakura’s signature – fantastic. Absolutely perfect pieces of glistening, blood-red fish, and generous amounts of it – the rice was maybe a tad too warm but the quality of the fish obscured this failing. Nihonbashi would have struggled to do better as the fish, in this case, was flawless.

We also ordered an oyako don (Rs. 600) tasty but not excellent and some nigiri Sushi which also benefited from the same excellent tuna as the Teka Don. This was really good food and with a total bill of Rs. 4000 – with drinks and generous portions this was Sakura as it was in the old days. As a real endorsement of this resurrection – next to us sat two Japanese businessmen relaxing who spent the duration of their meal muttering – oishii, oishii – delicious.

Its been a long time since I had delicious food at Sakura – I even went back two days later to make sure that the experience wasnt a one off – it was just as good. So I feel fairly confident announcing that Sakura is back. If, like me, you gave up on the place at some point over the last couple of years try it now, go soon, go at the early 7ish dinner time favored by Nihon Jin.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Indulge in Japanese Culinary Bliss at Minori Restaurant

By Sahasni Gamage Nestled within the luxurious Granbell Hotel, Minori Japanese Restaurant offers an unparalleled

Highlights Kamu

Experience flavorful Singaporean delights with a modern twist at Shiok!

By Sahasni Gamage We recently had the pleasure of dining at Shiok Singaporean Restaurant, which

Highlights Kamu

7 Fantastic Pizza Places to Try in Colombo

By Shamrina Carim Colombo, the vibrant capital city of Sri Lanka, is a haven for

Highlights Kamu

High Tea Guide for 2023

You and your friends decide to meet up after your last farewell, get together or

Highlights Kamu

Excel World Legacy Food Court launches Indi-Arabia Menu

By Hashini Pathirana https://www.tiktok.com/@yamusrilanka/video/7252917491427511560 Experience a culinary journey like no other at Excel World's launches

Kamu

A Taste of Jaffna at Flavoured by Cinnamon Red

By Hiruni Herath Flavoured at Cinnamon Red is enclosed by stunning views of the Colombo

Highlights Kamu Uncategorized

Trending.

Radisson Blu Resort Galle recently organized a delightful wine-tasting occasion

Radisson Blu Resort Galle recently hosted a delightful wine-tasting event on September 17th, showcasing an

Trending

Hilton Sri Lanka Collaborates with VOICE Area Federation to Enhance Community Resilience and Combat Hunger

For a brighter and secure Sri Lanka, fostering sustainability via community farms and kitchen programs.

Trending

Galle Face Hotel Presents ‘Yaalpana Santhai’ – A Gastronomic Journey into Jaffna Cuisine

Colombo, Sri Lanka – The Galle Face Hotel, an iconic landmark in Sri Lanka's hospitality

Trending

The Latest MSI Limited-Edition Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport is Available Now

MSI, the world-leading laptop brand, proudly unveiled its latest limited-edition laptop, the Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG

Highlights Trending

Türkiye Food Festival Unveiled at Courtyard by Marriott Colombo

Colombo, September 4, 2023 - Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, an esteemed member of the Marriott

Trending

A Pho-Nomenal Vietnamese Feast at Cinnamon Grand Colombo

Vietnamese food has made its mark on the global culinary map with favourites such as

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Spotting Blue Whales in Mirissa with Chaminda Whale Watching

The whale watching tour in Mirissa Start time: 6:30am Duration: 3-5 hours depending on sightings

Highlights Yamu Guide

The Rise of Plant-Based Diets: Benefits and Challenges

By Shamrina Carim In recent years, plant-based diets have surged in popularity, drawing attention for

Highlights Yamu Guide

6 Things to Do at One Galle Face

Set against the panoramic backdrop of the Indian Ocean "Colombo’s first prestigious shopping mall is

Highlights Yamu Guide

7 Things to do at Colombo City Center

By Shanali Fernando 1. Shop till you drop A stunning integrated lifestyle destination set in

Highlights Yamu Guide

Wedding Venue List 2023

By Shanali Fernando When envisioning your wedding day, you may find yourself torn between various

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

8 Places to get an Eid Sawan this Hajj Festival

The Muslims celebrate Hajj globally on the 29th of June, 2023. No doubt, along with

Highlights Yamu Guide