Tucked away in a strip mall on 149 Street is a neighbourhood staple of Edmonton’s food scene. Ichiban Japanese Cuisine has been serving the city for 24 years, and I’ve never seen it empty. Everything I’ve ordered has made me come back for more. My husband has been coming here even longer, and that’s how you know it’s good — he’s the resident foodie in our house.
Think of the quintessential casual sushi spot — some tables and booths, with a bar at the back lined with orders to go, waiting their turn to accompany hungry diners home. The quarters are close, not cramped, and framed photos and menus line the walls and a Japanese banner festoons the counter.
The restaurant has a sizable menu of different maki (rolls) for taste adventurers of all stripes. We especially enjoy the more complex rolls. The sauce is always light, letting you taste the different ingredients of the roll, before deciding how little or how thoroughly you want to dunk them in soy sauce and wasabi. Ichiban also tends to use fewer ingredients per roll than some restaurants, which allows diners to taste the individual flavours.
I credit Ichiban with showing me how delicious eel is. Even for the non-adventurous sushi consumer, the barbecued eel at Ichiban will turn you into a believer. It has a sweet and almost smoky flavour, and it’s easy to bite into — no “chew,” just silky deliciousness. On the individual nigiri bites, the eel shines through thanks to the simplicity and perfect ratio of fish to sushi rice.
One of our go-to dishes to order at Ichiban is the assorted tempura — in our house, we fight over the vegetables. The batter is light, and the true flavour of each vegetable is the star.
The Lava-lava Maki is called “Ichiban’s best selling roll” on the menu — and for good reason. The flavour is sweet with lots of umami for depth. Also, we always order the fresh and light Cherry Blossom, comprising red tuna, salmon and avocado.
I wish I were getting Ichiban sushi again tonight. Maybe tomorrow?
Ichiban Japanese Cuisine
Jasper Park | 8750 149 St NW, Edmonton | 780.481.5252
