Horoki Casual Dining Bar: In preparation for Japan, Part 2

So I was still craving Japanese food. This time somewhere more casual (and cheaper!) than Hanabishi’s...

Caught up with a friend I haven’t seen for over 6 months, and I told him I had a strong hankering for Jap food. Hence we made our way down Liverpool St...

It was totally dead that Tuesday night – empty when we walked in, and only a couple of tables filled up as we ate. But I can see it getting really busy at lunchtimes.

Horoki’s is as different from Hanabishi’s as night and day. The food is not traditional Japanese – it’s more like a hip J-cafe. Most items offered on the menu have a unique twist to them. If you’re after traditional Japanese food, don’t come here – but if you’re not afraid to try something a little bit different, a little bit quirky, give this place a shot! 

But be warned – portions are very small, so you may need to order a couple of dishes per person to fill up. 

Mentaiko Rice Noodle - Rice Noodle with Spicy Cod Roe Butter

I actually really liked my noodles – the cod roe butter was subtle but very tasty! The only problem was there was not enough of it...

Horoki Style Braised Hamburg Steak

My dining companion, the poor guy, felt like a burger – or a non-Asian dish...he ordered the Hamburg Steak, thinking it was a hamburger. As you can see, it was more like a deconstructed burger...without the bun. I had a bite of it – probably more meaty than I prefer, but it was not bad. 

Japanese pancake

Okonomiyaki was good, maybe a little too saucy, but yummy.

I look forward to coming back to try some of the other items on the menu – they all look so interesting!

Ratings (based on my own experience, on this occasion):

Food – 7 / 10

Service – 7 / 10

Value for money – 7 / 10

OVERALL CONSENSUS: 3 bags (out of 5)

On a side note – SO EXCITED!!! Flights to Japan have been booked! Can’t wait to see what culinary delights they have to offer...