While ordering in Chinese food has become something of a holiday tradition, Japanese food is an equally popular choice.
With plenty of options to choose from, and party trays that can feed anywhere from two to multiple guests, sushi is the perfect meal to serve at your holiday gathering.
Unlike traditional sushi, aburi sushi incorporates the use of a flame to lightly sear the fish that’s placed on top of the rice. The end result not only enhances and brings out the natural flavours of the fish, but is aesthetically beautiful as well. Here are four spots in Toronto to consider trying aburi sushi over the holidays.
MIKU
Starting off where it all began, a single bite of Mikuโs sushi will prove why it is the proud pioneer of aburi sushi here in Canada. Mikuโs fresh sushi is torched to a precise degree of caramelization and topped with a thin slice of jalapeno, creating a careful balance of texture and flavour. Mikuโs menu offers an aburi oshi sampler consisting of two pieces each of salmon, ebi and saba oshi, along with the option to turn any nigiri or sashimi sushi into aburi. At Miku, aburi is more than flame searing; itโs an art form.
10 Bay St., #105, currently open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.
PROJECT: FISH
Project: Fish offers a range of platters perfect for feeding groups of all sizes. This Japanese restaurant uses the contemporary concept of the flame-seared style to put a twist on authentic Japanese sushi. Each piece is delicately made and uniquely garnished. Beautifully crafted, the aburi oshi chirashi tart, for example, is made with avocado nestled between layers of rice and spicy sashimi and topped with crabmeat and shrimp. Other aburi oshi menu items include a basil pesto sauce on black tiger shrimp and unagi on salmon and plum.
16 Park Home Ave., currently open for dine-in, takeout, or delivery.
JABISTRO
This modern Japanese bistro sources fresh fish from coasts around the world, with a focus on reflecting the natural flavours of the traditional cuisine. JaBistroโs aburi oshi sushi includes a hotate (pressed scallop) and wagyu (pressed wagyu beef) alongside popular salmon, mackerel and shrimp options. The specialty namesake, the Jabistroll, is filled with salmon, snow crab, scallop, cucumber and tobiko. Diners who want to try a little of everything can order the Aburicious platter, which features a variety of JaBistroโs best flame-seared rolls.
222 Richmond St W., currently open for dine-in, takeout, or delivery.
KAKA
Once you start eating sushi, itโs hard to stop, which is why thereโs no better way to enjoy it than in all-you-can-eat style. Located downtown, Kaka offers menus of all you can eat or aฬ la carte fare. Both menus feature an extensive list of aburi nigiri, including salmon, butterfish, beef and duck. Kakaโs signature oshi sushi features a filling of avocado and smoked salmon topped with salmon and scallop. Kaka also features plenty of options for vegetarian diners, including rolls filled with sweet potato, avocado, cucumber and mushroom.
655 Bay St., #5, currently open for dine-in or curbside pickup.
