“I think I’m turning Japanese I think I’m turning Japanese I really think so…..”
The Vapors 1980’s hit echoed through my head as I entered Tsuyo Japanese Restaurant in Green Point, opposite the stadium.
The shop canopy proclaimed “Seafood Sushi Grill Thai”, and the Maitre ‘d said they were Chinese, not that that makes a bit of difference. I’d heard that they had a Teppanyaki menu and I was keen to try it out, as I am tired of the usual sushi, sashimi menus on offer in Cape Town.
I’m not aware of anyone else doing teppanyaki, although I am sure someone out there will correct me.
A tatty confused exterior. Some coherent corporate branding needed.
The menu is fairly extensive, and fairly Japanese, in all fairness.
Chinese lanterns complete the confusion. Chinese, Japanese?
I think it was the restaurant interior that threw me. It’s all a bit tatty; a few Japanese style paintings lending an oriental air, but are thrown off by the Chinese lanterns over the bar.
But the teppanyaki counter is the real deal, as was the chef working there. He chopped and mixed and fried his way expertly around the hot surface.
The chef knew his way around the teppanyaki grill.
The beef teppanyaki was really an eye opener. Tender portions of beef were grilled to perfection. The fried rice was perfectly done, with plenty of expertly prepared greens and vegetables intermingled.
The food was fresh and the ingredients of a high quality.
The only let down was the prawn and vegetable tempura which tasted off, as if the oil had been overused.
The restaurant was fairly empty when I was there so I can’t really comment on service.
My verdict is that the ingredients are good, the chef can cook, and despite the tatty confused appearance of Tsuyo, this seems about the nearest thing you’ll get to Japanese cuisine in Cape Town.
Beef teppanyaki.
The menu prices range from R12 for an individual piece of sushi or sashimi to R75 – R130 for rice and noodle dishes, R58-R125 for Teppanyaki dishes (or R150 for a set menu).
Two items caught my eye; a portion of eel for R120 and a grilled salmon head for R45.
I suppose they have to do something with them, and the eyes are very nutritious.
Tsuyo Japanese Restaurant
Paramount Place, 105 Main Road, Green Point.021 439 4918.
Grilled salmon head. Here's lookin' at ya baby.
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Hi Clare,
Thanks for your visit previously and your review, I would like to explain to the tatty look regarding to the restaurant.
we started on the 14th Feb 2011 and the sign writer could not complete the canopy on time and the installation can only be scheduled on the 14th March, we can’t afford to delay our trading on it, so basically all the signage you saw are temporary at the stage.
On the interior side it is a difficult one, lanterns are not only used in China, in Japan they also use lanterns, specially in a traditional restaurant lanterns are used very frequently.
Finally, thanks for all your compliments and we will work towards on what needs to be corrected.
Regards,
Tsuyo Japanese Restaurant
Hi Michael,
Good luck with the renovation and I hope you maintain the standard of food and service. I wish you the best of luck.
How come no one answers to either telephone calls or emails?
Are they nor interested in receiving more guests?