Tucked away in the quiet suburb of Welgemoed near Durbanville, you can find a relatively new restaurant called Jason’s Sushi. The restaurant took over from a rather dingy branch of Mamma Roma that was seriously in decline. Jason bought the space and revamped it into a small stylish restaurant. The place is family run, and focuses on sushi and Asian inspired dishes.
Jason is an accomplished sushi chef who has been creating wonderful sushi for over twenty years. He is originally from Shanghai, but has worked in various South African restaurants for the last eighteen years. He has now decided that it is time to set up his own restaurant, and show off his skills.
Jason is very friendly, and more than willing to come out and chat about the food. The restaurant is not yet well known, and you can often arrive without a booking during the week, although it is busy on weekends.
The restaurant has understated décor, and is light and elegant, with table cloths which have a beautiful Chinese design in the centre, and little glass jars with a frangipani flower floating in it. One plus for this restaurant in my book, are the comfortable high backed chairs that make dining such a pleasure.
The bulk of the menu focuses on sushi, which is of a high standard, and is made to order. As such, the service can be a little slow, but the quality of the food makes up for it. Go along with a group of friends and order a couple of rounds of drinks while you wait.
Jason’s Special Roll is an absolute delight, with succulent, melt-in-the-mouth tuna enfolded in rice and seaweed, topped with little orange gems of caviar, accompanied by mayo and a sesame dressing. I have to say this is my favorite sushi, out of the ones that I have had in Cape Town so far.
Another fantastic option is the Alaska Roll, with salmon, squishy avocado and sesame seeds. For those that like the seaweed norri, Maki Rolls with either cucumber or avocado are delicious, especially for members of the group who might be squeamish about raw fish.
If you go, be sure to give the Chef Specials a try. The seared tuna, with its secret seasoning is a delight. It’s cooked to perfection, served on a salad, and makes a great light main. Try the Wakame salad, a mix of Japanese seaweed, lettuce and cucumber with a special sauce if you want to try something different.
Though perhaps ask for the sauce on the side, as it is quite strong and can be a little overpowering. Sharing is what this kind of food is all about, so order a selection, and bung it in the middle of the table, and sample bits of different dishes. Jason’s is continually expanding it’s menu, and now offers a wide selection of Asian favorites, from steamed dumplings, to Chinese staples such as sweet and sour chicken, to tempura fish, calamari and vegetables with their delicious crispy coating, and succulent, just cooked fish or veggies in the middle.
There is also crispy duck, which comes sliced, with cucumber, carrot and spring onion, pancakes and plum sauce. You assemble your own pancake parcels at the table, which makes for a fun dining experience.
The wine and drinks list is limited, but you should find something to suit everyone. There are only two dessert items, red bean filled cakes which have a sweet bean filling that is plum like, and a delicious flaky pastry. Jason’s is an informal restaurant, that many locals are just discovering, and everyone leaves very impressed with the quality of the food. All indications are that Jason Sushi is going places.
Where?
Address: Welgemoed Plaza, on Kommissasris Street, Welgemoed
Times: Open from 10:30 am till 10:00 pm daily.
Telephone: +27 (0)21 913-0188.
Useful Welgemoed Links:
• Welgemoed Attractions
• Welgemoed Accommodation
• Welgemoed Guest Houses
• Cape Town Accommodation
• Western Cape Accommodation
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