EN-ough Japanese Flavor

1 Photo

by Bolette Rahder
on Friday, June 24, 2011 12:00 AM

Entering EN Shanghai, you are greeted with "joo koso i-ra-sjai-ma-se", a formal Japanese welcome. Right from the beginning, the friendly staff at this restaurant and lounge bar does everything in their power to make you feel comfortable and important.

With thirty years of experience in the bag, Chef Saito Mitsuru tries his best to make authentic Japanese cuisine from Chinese ingredients. The only imported ingredients are fresh beef steak from America, New Zealand and Australia, tuna from Italy and blue cheese.

Sushi, sashimi, beef, fish, vegetables, tempura, rice and noodles are all on the menu - and the bill doesn't have to be expensive. Appetizers cost RMB28-78 each, and you can choose between 16 dishes consisting of fish, beef and vegetables. Maguro Carpaccio Negi Ponzu Sauce (Tuna Carpaccio Dressed with Leek and Citrus Sauce, RMB78) is an indulgent morsel for prime tuna lovers, while salmon fans should not miss out on the seared Salmon Aburi Yaki (RMB58).

If you want sashimi, you have no less than 19 dishes to choose between, served in portions of three to seven pieces (RMB168-378) or as a single perfect morsel (RMB48-108). The biggest part of the menu, however, is the sushi section, consisting of 36 different types, including nigiri, maki and hosomaki. Prices range from RMB28 to RMB258, depending on ingredients and the number of rolls.
There are many unusual options but the normal favorites are not to be sniffed at either: the common California Roll (RMB68) is a well-realized classic stuffed with avocado, crab stick and cucumber - just the right balance of ingredients and a cooling mouthful for the summer months.

Roll down the venetian blinds and settle in for this friendly Japanese experience.