Sometimes, a figurative slap on the palate is required to remember what proper Japanese food should taste like. But before we go on, we’d like to confirm that this review was completed without any sort of violence involved—except for maybe this bazaar team fighting over who gets to enjoy the very last morsel of the delectable, melt- in-your-mouth, marinated and aged Maguru (Tuna) at Edo.
For those of you who do know and love Edo, you may feel the urge to skip reading this entire review, but we advise you not to. Simply because, you get to relive with us every single pleasing sensation of the dining experience. You know, it’s all about the feeling you get when you sink your teeth into a perfectly plump prawn dumpling, or perhaps your taste-buds would remember a hearty dish from Edo’s Korean specialties.
You see, the recurring pattern here is one of consistence in always-fresh quality flavors, excellent service and the friendliest staff, incredibly Zen vibes, and spectacular views that make the drive to Sahara Golf Club worth it every single time. And that’s exactly what we felt when we revisited Edo.
The refreshing shrimp and vegetable wrapped in rice paper makes for a light but yummy appetizer at Edo. Source: bazaar Studios
A delicious start to set the tone for your Edo experience. Steamed Shrimp Dumpling (Siomai), Okra Salad and a plate of refreshing Sunomono Mori. Source: bazaar Studios
Edo’s phenomenal team. Source: bazaar Studios
Now, for those of your who don’t know Edo, and you’re constantly searching for a superb Japanese dining experience in Kuwait, then you’re in for a real treat. Located in the Sahara Golf Club, expect an expansive space that is flooded with light throughout the day for an uplifting ambience, and the views of the pristine golf course ahead perfect the serene setting. Make sure you don’t miss out on Edo’s daily specials sign right at the entrance of the restaurant, as they run a promotion for a specific dish on the menu, or perhaps on one of Edo’s Chef specials. Whether you’re a sashimi or tempura lover—you’ll always find a Japanese favorite on offer at Edo.
Before we dive into our food experience, we took a moment to admire Edo’s stunning interiors. Resplendent with sleek slate floors and pristine white walls artfully adorned by the magnificent artworks by Polish artist Dominik Jasinksi and Bahraini artist Jamal Abdel Rahim, let the vibrant colors of the amazing art capture your culinary imagination. Complete with Edo’s iconic black, red and white décor colors, you can choose to dine in the semi-private area (which can seat up to 12 people if the tables are combined), by the chef counter where incredible seafood is on display and you can watch the Japanese cuisine gurus at work, or in any of the dining seats spread out across the restaurant.
We started off our meal with some healthful dishes that tempted the palate. It’s important to note that the food at Edo is always prepared with your health in mind. You only get the best cuts of fish that are prepared utilizing the best methods in the industry, dishes are cooked with alkaline water, almost little or no oil is employed in the kitchen, and the food is always fresh. You see that dark bit of meat on a gorgeous piece of pink salmon? Don’t ever discard it, as it’s the part that carries the highest level of heart-happy Omega 3s—that’s just the kind of expertise one expects from the true purveyors and lovers of authentic Japanese cuisine at Edo
A delightful spicy squid and mushroom dish at Edo. Source: bazaar Studios
Aged and marinated Tuna (Maguru). Source: bazaar Studios.
Spicy Shrimp. Source: bazaar Studios
First up was the refreshing Sunomono Mori salad, with cucumber, seaweed, soft scallop, octopus and crabstick. No unnecessary additions, no pointless sauces—just freshness on a plate where the flavors of the protein and produce truly shine through. This was accompanied by the delicate Shrimp and Vegetable roll, prepared in what we thought was almost a see-through layer of rice paper. Expect a zesty crunch with every bite, and if you like a bit of spice, you’ll love the garlic, soy and lemongrass dipping sauce. We also loved the Okra salad as well the Agedashi Tofu— both complemented our seafood palate teasers perfectly.
Then came the delicate and artful steamed Prawn Dumplings presented in an authentic bamboo pot. Wrapped in the thinnest layer of dough, which allows the flavor of the fresh prawns to permeate through. Once again, we appreciated the uncomplicated ingredients that are usurped by freshness, and the accompanying spicy, mustard and soy-based sauce tops off the flavor with every bite.
But because we were superbly hungry, our appetites wanted more. This is why we dove right into the next selection of dishes that included a lot of sizzling and slurping sounds. From the Korean specialties menu at Edo we chose the Bibimbap that’s cooked in a beautiful stone rice bowl (hence the enticing sizzle when it’s all mixed together) and is served with beef, eggs, super spicy Kimchi for that added kick and a clear, vegetable Wakame Soup. This was also followed by Japchae, soft potato starch noodles with vegetables.
The Beef Curry Udon at Edo has the most addictive broth that’s thickened with leeks and mushrooms. Source: bazaar Studios
Korean specialties at Edo. We loved the Bibimbap prepared with beef and egg and served with authentic Kimchi and Wakame soup. Source: bazaar Studios.
As we are at this fine Japanese establishment, it was only natural for us to indulge our inner gluttons. We also ordered the Tempura Soba as well as the Beef Curry Udon. The heart-warming broth in the Curry Udon is an enough reason alone to keep coming back to Edo, as the plump Japanese noodles perfectly absorb the flavors of curry, mushrooms and leek. As for the Tempura Soba, how they keep that prawn tempura always so crunchy will be a question we will be asking ourselves for years to come, and the buckwheat noodles also amazingly absorb the extraordinary flavors of the soup. So, slurp away we did, and we continued to do so to our hearts’ content.
Seriously beautiful noodles at Edo. Source: bazaar Studios
Bazaar tip? Don’t ever leave Edo without sampling the Salmon Fins. This specialty can be ordered directly from the team, as not many people might consider salmon fin to be quite so palatable. And this is where we were more than happy to prove them wrong. Expect, buttery soft, melting pieces of salmon that are simply glazed to perfection. Add a pinch of salt, and you’ve got yourself a memorable dish. That’s just the magic at Edo, you find it in its simple dishes that are always fresh and truly unforgettable. Don’t forget, Jazz night is on every Tuesday, and the Friday Buffets are always on-point.
Sometimes, ordering a specialty off the classic menu is a must! Ask for the Salmon Fins at Edo- you won’t regret it. Source: bazaar Studios.
Edo is located in the Sahara Golf Club, near Murouj. For more information, follow Edo on Instagram @Edo_restaurant. Please call 6600 7341 for inquiries and reservations, and for delivery call 2220 3464. You can also order Edo via Talabat. Photography by Yousef Al Nasser, @Yousefcam on Instagram for bazaar Studios.
