Itadakimasu!

Discover how Mirai Restaurant & Lounge transforms a meal into a heartfelt celebration of flavours and gratitude with Bushra Hakim.

Asimple phrase, yet it holds so much meaning. In Japan, Itadakimasu is spoken before meals as a way to express gratitude – not just to the chef but to everyone involved in bringing the meal to the table, from farmers to fishmongers. It sets the tone for an experience that is more than just eating; it’s about savouring, appreciating and immersing oneself in the food. With this in mind, I stepped into Mirai Restaurant & Lounge, a Japanese haven in the heart of Block 338, eager to indulge in the new additions and best-seller dishes.

From the moment I walked in, the serene yet stylish space instantly transported me to Japan. Hanging barrels, bamboo accents, minimalist wooden furniture and the sushi chef at the live counter crafting plates with precision – all added to the authentic experience. The soft lighting and the calm hum of the space created an elegant, Zen atmosphere that promised a great afternoon.

Chef Junior Gomez greeted my dining partners and me, clearly excited to spoil us with his culinary creations. We were seated by a window where the natural light filtered through, and naturally, the afternoon started with drinks. And let me tell you, these weren’t just your run-of-the-mill beverages. My favourite had to be the Hibiscus Collins. A bright, bubbly mix of hibiscus tea, lemon, sugar, aquafaba and sparkling water, it was a refreshing burst of sour and sweet with every sip. A perfect start to the meal. The Yuzu Lemonade followed closely behind. This sour and zesty drink, with its unique tang of yuzu and lemon soda, was the ideal palate cleanser, sharp yet not overpowering. For those who prefer something more tropical, the Mango Chili was a surprising delight – sweet mango balanced by the subtle warmth of chilli syrup, with coriander and lime, adding a refreshing twist. Finally, the Açaininja, a fruity combination of açai, blueberry, lychee and lemon soda, was light, crisp and an excellent thirst-quencher for a humid Bahraini day.

Once the drinks had us suitably refreshed, it was time to dive into the food. We started with the Yuzu Edamame. A classic, yes, but the addition of fresh yuzu juice and sesame gave this familiar dish a bright, citrusy twist. Each bite was a burst of flavour that perfectly complemented the drinks. It’s funny how something so simple can be so satisfying.

The Tako Salad was next, and it did not disappoint. A delightful mix of textures, the tender octopus was perfectly paired with crisp Frisée lettuce, chicory, crunchy edamame beans and many other fresh vegetables. The Goma mirin dressing had a gentle sweetness that enhanced the veggies without overpowering the delicate seafood. If you’re someone who enjoys the play of different textures in your food, this salad is a must-try.

The Chicken Gyoza followed. These were little pockets of joy – grilled to golden perfection, crispy on the outside but soft and juicy inside. The spicy ponzu dressing was the real star here, adding a zesty kick that elevated the flavours to new heights. And just when I thought things couldn’t get better, the Lobster Bao Buns arrived. Fluffy bao, filled with blanched Omani lobster and crunchy lolo bionde lettuce, drizzled with lemon soy dressing. It was indulgent but not overwhelmingly so, making it a must-try for seafood lovers. Now, for the sushi. It was difficult to choose from the extensive platter, but I started with the Kari Kari Maki, filled with crispy salmon skin and topped with crab stick and yuzu kosho mayo. The Chuka Nagi Maki came next, with shrimp tempura and cucumber inside, topped with grilled unagi and dressed in Chuka wakame. The pop of tobiko mayo and the sweet heat from sweet chilli pepper brought this dish together in an explosion of textures and flavours.

However, the highlight of the sushi spread for me was the Spicy Hamachi Maki. Torched hamachi, prawn katsu, kimchi sauce, sriracha mayo and fresh green jalapeño – each bite had a spicy kick that kept me coming back for more. The O-toro, Chu-toro and Bluefin Tuna Nigiri were an indulgent treat as well, the rich, buttery texture of the fish melting in my mouth with every bite. A pleasant surprise accompanied the sushi – the wasabi root, freshly grated at the table, offering a more nuanced heat than the usual paste, taking things a notch higher. Even the vegetarian offerings, like the baked sweet potato, were exceptional. Grilled over charcoal and brushed with shiso butter and togarashi, the vegetable had a smoky, caramelised edge that was impossible to resist.

The main courses were nothing short of spectacular. The Wagyu 10+ was grilled to perfection over Japanese briquette charcoal. The marbling of the purebred Australian Wagyu ensured each bite was an unforgettable melt-inyour-mouth experience, bursting with rich, smoky flavours. Accompanied by mixed mushrooms and a yuzu kosho glaze, the dish was the very definition of umami. For seafood lovers, the Black Cod marinated in Den miso for 24 hours was another highlight. The miso infused the fish with a sweet, complex depth, making each bite of the flaky, buttery meat a true delight.

Though I was nearing my limit, there was no way I could skip dessert. And boy, am I glad I didn’t. The Creamy Vanilla Cheesecake was a treat for the senses, with its raspberry and strawberry confit adding a tart contrast to the richness. The almond crumble added a lovely crunch, and the coffee ice cream was the perfect finishing touch. For chocolate lovers, the Raspberry and Chocolate dessert, with its layers of coconut sponge, blood orange jelly and matcha crumble, was a harmonious balance of flavours and textures. However, my absolute favourite had to be the Matcha Chocolate Mousse – a decadent combination of cherry compote, hazelnut sponge and raspberry ice cream, offering the perfect blend of sweet and bitter.

From start to finish, every dish was crafted with precision and care. Whether you’re after sushi, a hearty main or a sweet ending, Mirai has something for everyone. Every bite was a celebration of authenticity and, as I finished my meal, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the experience. I left with a full stomach and a happy heart, already thinking about when I could return.

For more information and to make a reservation,
please call Mirai Restaurant & Lounge on 1771 3113 or 3917 3951.
@mirairestaurantlounge

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