Combining art and food to create dishes that look as good as they taste
is a real skill and one that is happening in one of Dundeeās most popular
restaurants.
Oshibori is celebrating its four year anniversary this month, and since it
opened its doors as Dundeeās first Japanese restaurant it has received a raft of
awards and endorsements.
It was named the best Japanese restaurant at theĀ European Luxury Travel Guide Awards and is the only restaurant in ScotlandĀ endorsed by the Japanese tourist board to people visiting the country.
ForĀ owner and head chef Usman Malik, Oshibori was a chance for him to combine
two things he knows and loves – food and art.
https://www.facebook.com/OshiboriSushiBar/videos/793006057411823/
“I graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone with a degree in fine art,ā he
explained, ābut that didnāt offer a lot in the way of job opportunities. So I went
into my other passion in life, which is cooking.ā
Usman trained in the skill, evenĀ going to Japan for three months to learn traditional Japanese methods, beforeĀ opening Oshibori. In Japan, restaurants tend to focus on one type of dish āĀ sushi, ramen etc ā but here diners expect to get all kinds of Japanese food inĀ one place so I learned how to make it all.
āJapanese food is very artistic andĀ in many ways is like creating a sculpture, so it satisfies both sides. āAnd eachĀ of our dishes is made to order ā we donāt have sushi pre-made in the fridge,Ā so yes, diners will have to be patient, but itās absolutely worth the wait.ā
UsmanĀ explained that growing up between Dubai and Pakistan, which has a very
diverse and versatile range of foods he learned about using lots of different
flavours, which shaped his cooking today.
https://www.facebook.com/OshiboriSushiBar/videos/vl.323047578118322/1729609267084826/?type=1
āI try and keep the dishes in OshiboriĀ as traditional as possible ā unless in exceptional circumstances ā and even theĀ dining room has traditional seating as well as tables and chairs.ā
The lavish goldĀ and black themed restaurant offers a level of comfort and luxury surroundingsĀ that matches the exquisite dishes on offer ā including the delicacy Wagyu beef.
āWe use local suppliers for all our fresh produce. Our dry ingredients and
other products are imported straight from Japan, adding to the authenticity of
the dishes.ā
Lunch starts at just Ā£12.95 for two courses, and three courses is just Ā£14.95
so you can experience the fantastic food on offer without a large price tag.
āYou can come to Oshibori and spend as much or as little as your budget
allows,ā Usman explained. āWe have dishes from Ā£4.95 right up to the Wagyu
beef which is Ā£65, so thereās something for everyone.ā
There is also anĀ extensive vegetarian and vegan menu, so itās not just lovers of fresh seafoodĀ and meat who can enjoy all that Oshibori has to offer.
And from Monday toĀ Thursday Oshibori offers a special takeaway menu, featuring some of its mostĀ popular dishes.
To find out more, visit the Oshibori website.