Master Den’s Poppu Uppu

The Verdict

If you haven't heard the news, Kappo in the CBD is no more. The Japanese restaurant at the top of Flinders Lane has packed up its bags for the final time.

But it's not all doom and gloom—the guys from Master Den (Kappo, Hihou & Izakaya Den) are launching something new in its place. A pop-up Shabu Shabu hot pot restaurant called Master Den's Poppu Uppu (geddit?).

Master Den's Poppu Uppu offers a fresh new feel to the cozy space, plus a whole new menu. Inspired by the traditional Japanese style of cooking ‘nabemono’, they’re serving up customizable hot broth with protein and vegetables slowly added—added by you, in fact, the diners. At the table. It’s the best of the best to warm your bellies this frosty season.

The Shabu Shabu hotpot has a konbu-flavoured broth base and an impressive meaty selection to choose from. Wagyu rump, topside and sirloin, Cube Roll, rump cap or scotch fillet—you can really go nuts. Pair it with a Hitachino Lager, or be a bit shmancy with a limited edition wine recommended by expert Raffaele Mastrovincenzo.

The Hokkaido style Seafood Nabe is crammed full of miso broth and ocean deliciousness. We’re talking (take a deep breath now if you’re reading this aloud) Tasmanian salmon, Australian mussels and mackerel, Coffin Bay oysters, Harvey Bay scallops, Crystal Bay prawns, flathead fillets and even pippies from our Kiwi neighbours. Master Den recommends the citrusy Wa Wa Wa Junmai sake to go alongside. 

The Special Mushroom Hot Pot means that vegos get to join in on the fun too, with silken tofu and a selection of shiitake, enoki, oyster, King Brown and shimeji mushrooms, all served in a konbu, soy and sake (more sake!) broth. All three are served with veggies, Udon noodles handmade by Izayaka Den’s head chef Yosuke Furukawa, and your choice of sauces. We’ve got goma sesame sauce, Momiji oroshi (daikon and chilli, yes please) and a highly recommended house-made special sauce.

And we haven't even mentioned Hihou’s coveted fried chicken, coffee-cured salmon sashimi and sansho pepper edamame.

We. Just. Can’t. Who else is ready to devour the entire damn menu?

Master Den's Poppu Uppu will be open from Wednesday 20 June and running for a limited time. At the moment they're just doing dinner service: 5pm – 7pm, Monday to Friday. You can read more about it here. 

Image credit: Master Den's Poppu Uppu