Ito, Sakura House And Sunset Sabi Have Dropped An Unexpected Menu Of Detour Dishes
Lizzie Scorer
Contributor | Urban List, Sydney, NSW
Three of Sydney’s coolest Japanese restaurants are taking a detour from their usual menu. From 3 June to 1 July, Ito in Surry Hills, Sakura House in Sydney CBD and Sunset Sabi in Manly are punting one-off dish specials with unexpected plot twists.
We tasked the top Sydney chefs, Erik Ortolani (Executive Chef at Ito), Nick Sherman (Group Head Chef at Sakura House) and Gaspar Tse (Chef at Sunset Sabi), to whip up an inventive konbini-inspired dish to celebrate our launch into Urban List Osaka with Southern Cross Travel Insurance.
Detour Dishes is inspired by those unpredictable moments that make travel, food and life in general more memorable, flipping them into a fun dish, just like how having Southern Cross Travel Insurance can turn your most unfortunate travel tale into a funny story later. Let's dig in.
Ito | Chilli Honey And Thyme Chicken Karaage
413–415 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Crossing culinary wires is part of the house style at Ito. Classic Japanese fried chicken is reworked with an Italian accent, mirroring Chef Erik Ortolani's roots in Milan.
The chicken is marinated in sake, kombu and cracked black pepper, dusted in potato starch, then flash-fried until golden. A lacquer of house-made chilli honey and thyme is then glossed over the top, an unexpected coating nodding to a sweet and sticky agrodolce.
On the side, a stray pairing of tangy roasted garlic and lemon aioli punches through the richness. Familiar at first glance, don't be fooled, this kind of comfort food comes with a plot twist.
Sakura House | DIY Temaki
Basement/82–88 Elizabeth Street, Sydney CBD
You won’t find another grab-and-go snack like this in Japan’s 7-Eleven. A premium upgrade to everyone’s favourite hand-rolls, the DIY Temaki lets you wrap your own roll with citrusy kingfish laced in white soy ponzu, ikura (glistening red caviar) and a kick of wasabi.
It gets all nostalgic with the essence of late-night konbini runs and train rides constructing onigiri, but all grown up and slowed right down to be savoured at the table. Sakura House is walk-ins only, so get in early to score a spot.
Sunset Sabi | Sabichiki
26/28 Pittwater Road, Manly
Riffing on the beloved Famichiki served in Japan's FamilyMart, Sabichiki is Sunset Sabi's take. It's not just any fried chicken; it's laced with Sichuan chilli oil and salted yolk mayo. Plus, for good measure, the team are throwing in a mini biiru, creating their own late-night spin on a Happy Meal.
Inspired by quick pit stop snacks and sips, it's the perfect hot and cold combo for when you're after a nibble on the go but want a small sip to wash it down with—just like the deals you'd find while travelling in Japan.
Swerving in from 3 June to 1 July, the Detour Dishes are here for a good time, not a long time, so get in quick.
Planning a culinary trip of your own? If you're heading overseas, don't leave your holiday to chance; take out a comforting policy with Southern Cross Travel Insurance for peace of mind if detours arise.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Southern Cross Travel Insurance and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why, read our editorial policy here.
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