Kushiya Monogatari Restaurant

September 9, 2016October 4, 2018

Before moving to Japan, I had never eaten lotus root, but now that we live here, I see them served everywhere! This summer, lotus fields seemed to have taken over the Japanese countryside, which inspired me to finally try this popular Asian delicacy.

Luckily, Ryan and I recently discovered this unforgettable restaurant while in Hiroshima. Located inside the Alpark Mall, Kushiya Monogatari is an all-you-can-eat Japanese style buffet, where for around $15.00, you are given 100 minutes to eat and drink as much as you would like.

Kushi is the Japanese word for ‘skewer’, which is fitting since there are over 30 different skewered meats and vegetables, as well as a variety of salads, pasta, and desserts, served at this buffet; however, much like a fondue restaurant, you cook your own food collected from the buffet at the frier in the center of your table. The menu changes seasonally, but there is always an abundance of delicious meats and fresh veggies, including my new favorite, Japanese lotus root!

The buffet has a variety of Japanese pickles and salts to season bowls of rice, as well as seasonal desserts like cakes, jellies, soft serve ice cream, and a fondue fountain.

Once you have gathered a plate full of skewered food, head back to your booth, where you will find a deep frier located in the center of the table… this is where the fun begins! Simply dip your food in the batter, smother it in bread crumbs, and then place in the deep frier for a few minutes. Naturally, if you prefer your fried foods on the crunchier side like me, leave it in for a little longer. Lastly, top it off with an array of their delicious dipping sauces, and you won’t ever want to leave.

Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying a fried donut {or two}. This kind of thing may scare off anyone trying to watch their figure, but just embrace your inner fat kid and indulge… you’ll thank me later.

All the food is delicious and there is a seemingly unlimited number of things to fry, but I definitely recommend trying the lotus root, okra, pumpkin, chicken, and a fried donut dipped in chocolate… you’re welcome!

The menu changes seasonally, so check back every few months or so to enjoy it all. This fall, they have been serving a lot of seasonally appropriate desserts, like apple jelly and pumpkin cake, and this winter, snow crabs are coming to the menu!