In terms of Japanese food, Ichiban is indeed value for money and at the same time provides good quality ingredients while maintaining competitive pricing. Though price roughly the same as Sakae Sushi, the quality of food from the two chains are miles different from each other. Ichiban Sushi is able to maintain that authentic Japanese flavor, but at the same time introduces elements that define modern Japanese cooking. Thus making it unique.
Counter Seats are rather good to view the chefs at work, while you wait for your orders.
Tori Nanban Gyoza Wazen
One of my friends and I knew we just had to grab this seasonal promotion set. Price at only $14.90. What you get is chicken katsu with nanban sauce, salmon chilli don, gyoza, chawanmushi, miso soup and fruit. The chicken katsu is simply huge. Though a bit on dry side, the creamy and spicy nanban sauce does make up for it. The katsu is accompanied by greens at the side which are drizzled with garlic oil making it thus more fragrant.
The main reason, I prefer Ichiban to Sakae is their salmon. The salmon is fresher and doesn't carry that "heavy" smell. Taste wise its sweeter and more smooth. Unlike the rubbery texture you get in Sakae. The staff were very helpful too. I'd requested that my salmon don to be without chilli, which they execute my order flawlessly.
The gyoza is rather average, but I'd prefer its teriyyaki sauce in the base of the dish to be less concentrated. Surprisingly there were tiny sprouts of asparagus as garnish, which were rather present to nibble on. The chawanmushi though calm is peace on the surface, is really choke filled with ingredients. Better then any I've eaten thus far.
I'd advice that one should be prepared to wait for seating and slow orders. As this place can be pack at times. However, polite and helpful staff does make up for it. Here are some of the other food which my other friends tried.
Chicken Katsu with Soft Shell Crab
Mini Katsu Don and Soba Set
Alien Tripod
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