After living in The Gap for over 30 years, we've seen many restaurants come and go in this forested enclave. The Gap is a fickle place for new ventures, and a subterranean foodie class exists that hardly recognises great food when it's tasted. We had seen a few reviews of Sushi Maho and with another sushi-train style restaurant opening in the suburb, and trying that, we decided to give Sushi Maho a Maho-go. Firstly, the menu is extensive and moderately priced, with everything made fresh-to-order. However, that doesn't mean that everything's made as it should be, as our Dragon Roll ($16) had the flame torch passed over it too closely and too long, resulting in some charring and a distinct burnt taste to the prawns that wasn't very appetising at all. We've had better at other Japanese restaurants where the flame flower wasn't used so heavily, or hardly noticed it.
We then ordered the Chicken Karage Udon ($12) and Spicy Seafood Nagasaki Ramen ($15). Both of these had their pluses and minuses, the broth tasty and well-seasoned, but the ingredients were a let-down. The noodles in the ramen seemed like they came from a dried packet, which is okay but drop the price, and the seafood like a marinara mix from your local fish monger, but without a hint of Asian authenticity or seasoning.
Likewise, the chicken karage was tepid in taste and texture, and is something I make at home and being a Westerner have accumulated a cult following for among the family when I make it. However, suburban dining is often an oxymoron and despite our somewhat lacklustre experience here we will return. But not for any of the noodle soups, but to explore and order more of their sushi rolls which is where, in our view, they have an edge over the others in The Gap with Sushi Dream running a close second. Bon appetit! read more