Sushi? Anytime! A sushi festival, with over 25 types of sushi on offer? Oh yes please! Zen, at The Leela Palace, just started the From the Land of the Rising Sun promotion, and a bunch of us were invited to a preview to check out the offerings. Chef Panchai, the man behind the festival, has put together an extensive feast of rolls, from his favorites to the most popular ones at Zen. We ate so many varieties that day, there’s no way I can do justice and name them all. So, sharing some photos of what we ate and naming a few favorites from the afternoon. The festival is on until the 21st of March and the special menu will be available for both lunch and dinner.
First on the table was this light and crisp daikon, carrot, cabbage shreds salad. The toasted sesame and garlic slices made this a delectable start!
Many oohs and aahs greeted the appearance of this Sashimi platter. Gorgeous presentation, but we felt the slices were on the thicker side. But the freshness and range of the seafood – Octopus, Habachi, Tuna, Salmon, Scallops – was impressive
This Ebi Tempura roll, with tempura battered prawns giving it a crisp center and the outer covering offering softness, along with the flying fish roe on top adding even more texture, was a delight. The soy and Yuzu sauce offered beautiful flavors
Probably the biggest hit of the afternoon, this Spicy Crispy Avocado roll had us all going back for seconds – so vegetarians, here’s the sushi to order!
Salmon roll, with Salmon roe
Seared Tuna and Salmon roll was gorgeous – flavor and looks wise!
On the left was another much favored roll that day, the Unagi Ninniku roll, and why not, with its combination of freshwater eel, avocado, and a generous topping of crisp garlic! Definitely order this one! On the right was another lovely vegetarian sushi, a maki roll of braised Shiitake mushrooms and avocado – the crisp seaweed wrapping contrasted well with the soft avocado and meaty Shiitake textures
Plated Thoughts 