My favorite Japanese restaurant in Surin. They were the first in town years ago and are still the best around if you like Japanese cuisine imho.
I had an opportunity to go to Hakuzou this weekend. -Happy-happy, Joy-joy -They DID in fact have Omurice, (they called it Omu Rice (with a space), and was listed on a smaller, separate menu)
First, while what they offered was 'omurice', it was not the type/style shown in my video. It was fully cooked throughout and came set beside the chicken/rice. And before you say, "Same thing" Imagine a perfect Well-Done Rib-Eye, when you ordered it Mid-Rare.
Second, while I ordered the Omu Rice, I was served Omu Soba (which is an omlet filled with Soba noodles). Good, but not what I had my heart set on.
I kept my choices unadventurous on purpose as I didn't know what to expect. I ordered:
**Omu Rice, Like I said, I was served the Omu Soba, and it was HUGE, not the little thing they show on the menu. Very tasty.
**Green Tea (they called it something else but tasted and looked like my favorite, Genmiachai. Freshly brewed and very good),
**Bottled water, It came in a high-end glass bottle, not the 7-11 plastic. I would have been okay with plastic, I just mention if others care.
**Beer (Asahi was not listed on the menu. When my Singha came, and I mentioned that I was puzzled at Japan's favorite, Asahi's absence. She said it was off-menu and available by request. Keep the fact that there are
many things that are not listed on the menu and that they have several menus other than the three they give you as you enter. Should you find yourself there and wanting something specific, just ask. I know for next time),
**Sea Weed Salad - a very generous portion. Easily twice the size I'd been served in any Japanese place in the past.
**Three different roll sushi. Hakuzou Roll, Rainbow Roll, and a Crunchy Roll. Hakuzou, and Rainbow both came with four pieces (The picture showed eight pieces.), and the Crunchy Roll came with ten pieces (Crunchy was rolled in bread crumbs and fried. The flavors were bland on the Crunchy Roll and came out with a gummy texture. Just me, but I'll take a pass on the 'crunchy' in the future. Given my druthers, I'd double up on the Hakuzou Roll. So would Wife.
Total 930฿
Communication was a slight issue (thank goodness for pictures). What they called things, did not match the Japanese names that I had learned to call them. Wife, not being familiar with Japanese food (or for that matter, Wasabi [
I did warn you]), could not help. That said, the staff are
not stupid. Example: When I stupidly pointed to the Dobin Mushi, they understood I wanted Tea and showed me where it was on the menu.
Personally, I prefer a bit more vinegar in my sushi rice, but you can pick a place to death over minor details like that. Overall, I give it an 8.5/10. Very good flavors that did NOT have the vacusealed mass production feel of places I've found in the mall, and elsewhere.
Wife and I are both very happy with Hakuzou and will return. Next I'll try some of the set menus. The Foie Gras Nigiri looked interesting as well.
The Omurice hunt continues...
-sterling
www.facebook.com
