Sushi Mitsuki, bringing the authentic sushi culture to Kenya and the African continent

Whoever said sushi is a language of love, was spot on.

Indulging in this artful little bite-sized bundles of delight, is a culinary experience like no other that you simply fall in love with, and is one that captivates not only your taste buds and visual senses, but also your life’s span. According to many scientists around the world, traditional Japanese diet of raw fish and rice may help you live longer. Think about it- the Japanese always dominate the list for world’s oldest persons. Clearly it is by no coincidence.

Sushi Mitsuki is a Japanese restaurant in Nairobi, whose soul mission is to create an authentic sushi experience in Africa. Walking into this unassuming restaurant, one cannot help but notice the soft illumination, wooden finishing (a Japanese tradition) and textures that create the right environment all around; peace and quiet.

On your left is a private room that sits only six & is recommended for those who want utmost privacy with their guests, while on the right-hand side, is the main counter of the restaurant which sits nine. Here, the chef is across the counter within arm’s length, interacting with you/ guests as you take in the mesmerizing simmering, cutting, and preparing of your meal. This is the best seat if you ask me, as you watch the chef at work and have your food presented to you just seconds after it’s been prepared, true to Japanese form.

True to its billing, their mission is to provide you with the real deal- an authentic sushi experience transporting you to Tokyo through its culinary choices. For starters, the fresh fish at Sushi Mitsuki is sourced directly from the world’s renowned Toyosu market, one of Tokyo’s wholesale markets and one of the largest fish markets in the world. “We are the first in Japan to import fresh fish to Kenya so our valuable customers can taste the genuine and the top grade Japanese product. We welcome you to taste the most delicate fresh fish in the world,” says the Executive Chef KAZU ONUKI.

Good Japanese taste blossoms without limits at Sushi Mitsuki.

Before we settle down for lunch, the Chef tells us, “there’s no wrong way to eat sushi. Just enjoy your meal and eat something that you find delicious and you are allowed to either use chopsticks or fork or you can use your hands. Whatever makes you comfortable.” With that in mind, we dig into our food amidst conversations with the chef. From salad with gizzad shad to kimme red snapper, blue fin tuna, ebo snapper, blue fin medium fatty tuna, sea urchin, white shrimp, sea eel, miso soup to tuna and dried guord roll.

Something extra special about Sushi Mitsuki is every time the chef brings you, your meal, he comes along with his Ipad to show you the pictorial form of the fish in its natural form. For each meal, he tells you where it comes from, how it is prepared and how to eat it just in case you may be a starter in sushi. I found this so fascinating and something that makes you really appreciate this kind of hospitality.

Every serving is accompanied with the famous Sake, a Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. Here, the chef tells us sake can be enjoyed at different temperatures- that which suites your palate.

For anyone who has never tried sushi, here are a few lessons/ tips we learnt from Chef Kazu:

When you receive your plate of sushi from the chef, put a small amount of sou sauce in a bowl. Dip the sushi in the bowl before eating it. Eat your sushi in one bite (the pieces are small). You also need to remember to chew the sushi completely, that then allows the flavor to coat the inside of your mouth.

The sake you have, cleans your palate, so after every bite/ swallow of your meal, drink up ur sake. You can never go wrong with sushi: clean, beautiful, and easy to eat, a perfect great choice for a date night or business lunch. Sushi Mitsuki shines a ray of light on the African restaurant industry. Ps. No walk ins. You must make a reservation in advance.