Shunnomai is not your average Japanese buffet. It is located at Gateway@Ekamai, a Japanese lifestyle mall that promises a "taste of Japan" in the heart of Bangkok. It's super convenient and is adjacent to the Ekamai BTS station. Shunnomai is the perfect venue for high quality Japanese cuisine that won't break the bank.
The Venue & Concept
The restaurant features a viewable kitchen where you can see the team of chefs prepare the food in the sushi section, the teppanyaki section and the fire grill; where they use highly prized Binchō-tan (white charcoal) imported from Japan. They have two buffet menus priced at $22.29USD (680Baht)++ and $17.70USD (540Baht)++ which include a varying selection of grilled (Sumibi Yaki), fried (Agemon) and sashimi & sushi items, in addition to an ala carte menu, a seasonal menu that changes four times a year, and a set lunch menu available on week days. The buffet includes soup, salad bar, non alcoholic drinks and desserts. If you prefer something lighter, you can enjoy the Soup, Salad & Dessert bar for only $9.50USD (290Baht)++; while those who prefer alcoholic beverages can spend an additional $14.75USD net (450Baht) and receive 90 minutes of free flow beer (including Asahi), sake and cocktails.
Chef Goda Katsuni, who hails from Kobe, has more than 30 years of experience preparing Japanese cuisine and has worked around the globe in S. Africa, China, Japan, Hawaii and several other S. East Asian countries besides Thailand. He was the executive chef for the Thong Lor location of Shunnomai and works diligently to keep the menu authentic and maintain a high standard of quality.
The Cuisine
The quality of the food exceeds expectations, and I recommend the Cocktail Sushi (an original fried rice and sushi dish playfully served in a martini glass), the Hamachi Sashimi and any of the numerous sashimi and sushi combo plates. Another popular dish is the Okonomi-Yaki which is their famous Japanese omelet. Perhaps my favorite is the Grilled Fish Cheek of Yellow Tail Tuna which is smokey, moist and cooked to perfection. You may also want to try the Katsu of breaded meat, fish and veggies which is superb and the traditional Tempura which is crispy and hot. Other highlights include the tender Grilled Squid and the Chicken Yakatori, which is thankfully devoid of the excess fat and skin that you commonly find. I also enjoyed the Tori Liver Kushi which is grilled chicken livers in a sweet terriyaki Sauce. For dessert try the Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream and the homemade Mochi.
The Verdict
This has probably got to be one of my best food finds and favorite new restaurants. The price is very reasonable and the addition of the free flow alcohol option makes it a great place to dine. Perfect for families, Shunnomai appeals to almost everyone. The quality of the food is exceptional and you get to eat as much as you like while try dishes you might never otherwise order. I also like the fact that this is an ala carte buffet means that the food doesn't sit around for hours before it is eaten. They are open daily from 10:00 to 22:00 hours and they have a second smaller location in Thong Lor. Without a doubt, Shunnomai is one of your best bets for a wide variety of high quality Japanese food that is affordable and made fresh to order.
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Location:
Shunnomai Ekamai
Gateway@ Ekamai Main Floor
982/22 Sukhumvit Road Prakanong
Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Thailand
Tel: + 662 108 2825
Website: www.shunnomai.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SHUNNOMAI
MRT: Sukhumvit
BTS: Ekamai
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