It’s a wonderful thing when you discover that a new restaurant is as good as you hoped it would be.
Aisuru Sushi opened two weeks ago, along the rapidly transforming section of William Street. J and I had been watching the space closely, and we were both keen to check it out.
If you’re given the option, I recommend choosing a counter seat at Aisuru, for a ring-side view of the chefs at work.
Scallop sashimi, $11.50
We started with two sweet, fresh Hokkaido scallops, served au naturel with a sprinkling of Tobiko (flying fish roe), wasabi and pickled ginger.
The scallops were beautifully tender and worth a try if you’ve never sampled them sashimi style. Among the freshest I’ve enjoyed in Perth. If they’d ever seen a freezer, I couldn’t tell, as they were sweet, firm and not at all watery.
Sweetcorn tempura, $9.50
We took a little while to come to a decision after being tempted by so many options on the menu. So we asked the two of the chefs behind the counter for some recommendations.
The lovely lady who turned out to be the restaurant’s tempura expert, recommended the Sweetcorn tempura, which was my favourite dish of the evening.
The corn kernels were tender and naturally sweet, and bound together lightly with a super crisp tempura batter. The chefs shared their secret to this fantastic dish, telling us that the corn is cut off the cob by hand, ensuring it’s at its best before service.
The freshly fried tempura is topped with a generous drizzle of aioli and truffle oil, and sprinkled with spicy togarashi flakes.
I’m seriously contemplating weekly visits, just for this dish.
Spider roll, $18.50 (8 pieces) or $11.00 (4 pieces)
Soft-shelled crab is a personal favourite of mine, so I was very keen to try the Spider roll.
The tempura-coated crab was crisp and light without a hint of grease. As we ate, the sushi chef told us Aisuru cooks fresh sushi rice throughout the service, for the best results with every bite.
I really enjoyed the freshness of the Spider roll. The soft-shelled crab was still hot, and wrapped with crunchy lettuce, crisp nori and fluffy rice. Perfection.
Black velvet roll, $22.50 (8 pieces) or $12.00 (4 pieces)
The mysteriously named Black velvet roll is definitely worth a look, if you’re keen to try something a little different.
Topped with a generous sprinkle of black caviar and crowned with ripe avocado, you’ll find a tempura prawn, seared tuna, cucumber and a crab stick.
The chili mayonnaise beneath the roll adds a welcome zing and ties all the elements of each bite together.
Dynamite roll, $17.50 (8 pieces) or $10.00 (4 pieces)
I’m always on the look out for spicy options, and the Dynamite roll was right up my alley.
Sashimi grade tuna tossed in a spicy sauce runs through the centre of the roll, which is also topped with chili mayonnaise.
The Dynamite roll also arrives freshly flambeed, adding a satisfying smokiness to each mouthful that’s perfectly at home with the spiciness of the chili.
Banana split maki, $12.00
Choosing between the House made green tea ice cream, $5.00, and the Banana split maki was a tough decision.
I had settled on the ice cream, but unfortunately it was sold out – making my decision easier than I expected.
The bites of sweet, ripe banana are dipped in more of the fantastic tempura batter and fried until crisp. The banana ‘maki’ are topped with sliced kiwifruit and strawberries, swirls of whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate and strawberry sauce.
I loved the tempura banana bites, which reminded me of my favourite goreng pisang, which I haven’t been able to find anywhere in Perth.
The cream and fruit were a nice touch, but I would have enjoyed a little less of the sweet syrups.
But I’m willing to overlook any sugar high for these crispy banana bites – they really showcased the fantastic tempura.
I’m very pleased that the renovation and fit out is finally complete in this little section of William Street.
But I’m a little concerned for my waistline … this obsession with Sweetcorn tempura and Banana split maki could prove problematic! 
