Hana Sushi & Noodles

Hana Sushi and Noodle bar in Glenorchy caught my eye the first day I wandered around my new shopping district. An extensive menu of sushi, sashimi and other cold Japanese snacks as well as a hot menu ranging from Cantonese to Malaysian, it all looked really fresh and tempting. We had a sushi lunch pack for $7.50, consisting of sushi, sashimi, California rolls and that sweet egg omelette stuff (sorry!) and a huuuuge plate of Malaysian Fried Kei Tiew ($9.50) to share between two. Both were very good (although I'm wondering if there was MSG in the noodles judging by my thirst throughout the afternoon...pity) and great value. One serve of the noodles alone would have still been too much for two.
As a lunch spot or somewhere to collect a hearty and tasty take-away, I'd recommend it. (Just be wary if you are particularly MSG-sensitive. I can't promise they don't use it.)

Where: Shop 8, Glenorchy Plaza, 350-360 Main Rd.

Kawasemi Japanese Tea House

I'm far from the first to blog about Kawasemi Japanese Tea House in Main Rd, Moonah, but according to the rules of this blog, it must go on the list.

We'd heard various raves about it for quality and value, so on my birthday we "splashed out" ($45 for three of us!!) on lunch there. The Bento Box, at $15, was a huge feed of excellent fresh sushi, tempura, miso, sashimi and other nibblies I don't know the Japanese names for. I also tried for the first time a truly excellent green tea, Genmaicha if I remember correctly, which consists of a mix of green tea and toasted rice grains, resulting in a gorgeous nutty sweetness that took away the faint bitterness I don't usually love about green tea proper. Delish! There was also a complimentary starter of a spicy noodle salad which took the edge off the appetite and allowed me to savour the Bento Box instead of rushing in like a hog at a trough.

Tucked away in Dickenson's Arcade, off Main Rd, this little restaurant is a great find for the budget-conscious yet discerning!

Where: 109 Main Rd, Moonah.