Hanasuki- Chatswood, NSW
An experience very reminiscent of memories back home, spun in time and tradition, against a modern and beautiful backdrop with excellent service.
Hotpot is typically a meal that is very close to my heart have grown up with the Singaporean variation of a steamboat being a highlight of my childhood reunion meals. I have had numerous fond memories of eating piping hot pieces of meat, vegetables and tofu whilst appreciating the hot broth which gets built up over time with the taste of simmered meat and vegetables. We usually add fresh rice and an egg at the end for a congee made with the simmered broth. It is a core memory of mine, being surrounded by family piling freshly cooked food on my plate and bowl and telling me to eat more to grow up strong while nagging with their best intentions.
Since moving to Australia over a decade ago, I have enjoyed the growing varieties of options here- with places like Dolar Shop Hot Pot (Haymarket, NSW) and Legend Hot Pot Buffet (Burwood, NSW) making it onto my regular list. With the opening of Sydney’s first shabu-shabu focused restaurant in 2023, it had taken up residence on my “To Visit” list for a long time until I could finally make a trip down myself.
As of most recently, they offer both shabu shabu and sukiyaki set menu options, with a revolving door of seasonal options and limited time dishes that make it across my social media platforms. Most notably remembered are their Oyster hotpot at the start of 2024 as well as their introduction of Teishoku options as well as Yakitori nights. As of this post, Hanasuki has also announced the Mentaiko Nabe as their new seasonal offering, available soon.
Seafood, Kurobuta Pork Belly and A4 Munakata Chuck Roll Shabu Shabu Set
The Shabu Shabu set comes with an appetiser, an assortment of seasonal vegetables and the meats.
After the completion of the meal, a Zousui or Japanese congee is made with the remaining broth.
Appetiser
We had a few choices for appetisers and we opted for the King Crab and Wagyu beef appetisers which were a light and refreshing introduction ahead of the meal that was to come.
A4 Munakata Chuck Roll
Assorted Sashimi ($29.90)
We opted to add on an assorted sashimi platter which was served on ice.
I believe the fish chosen for the platter that day were cuts of salmon, kingfish, bonito, snapper and shellfish.
On the whole, Hanasuki is a well tailored experience with exceptional drinks to accompany an amazing meal, best shared with great company. The overall service there was attentive and warm, though the price is definitely on a steeper end- I do believe that it was a very worthwhile experience as we found the volume more than adequate, the quality of food and produce worth the price of the experience.
I would gladly return to more of Hanasuki’s offerings though right now it sits on the “Special Occasion” vein of venues.