MELBOURNE | Mikasa Fusion is new restaurant in Kensington that’s unashamedly proud to call itself a fusion restaurant. The word “fusion” when it comes to food is one that still arouses suspicion. Sometimes justifiably so, and sometimes not. Curious, I recently popped in to Mikasa Fusion to find out more for What’s on Melbourne.
Head chef Alejandro Rivera and his friend Manuel came up with the idea for Mikasa Fusion almost two years ago, when discussing opening a South American restaurant in Kensington. The duo hail from Colombia, and both have a particular fondness for Nikkei (Peruvian-Japanese) and Chifa (Peruvian-Chinese) cuisine.
The kitchen team has experience working in kitchens across Asia and Latin America, including Mexican-Japanese chef Yuko Suzuki Chiquito. When they put their heads together, they decided that not only did they want to showcase the Asian-Latin American fusion that exists in Latin America, but also to create their own fusion dishes based on the dishes of their cultures.
The space is long and narrow, with an open kitchen and bar running along the side. Like the food and drinks, décor and artworks take inspiration from Asia and Latin America. It’s exemplified by a vibrant mural at the rear of the restaurant, painted by Melbourne-based, Colombian artist, Katherine Gailer.
The menu is more hit than miss, and you’ll be delighted if you order right. Most dishes come with a traditional option, and a fusion option. Spring rolls are filled with plantain and halloumi, Colombian suero costeño (fermented cream cheese), and chili jam. Argentinian-style empanadas, meanwhile, are filled with kimchi and mozzarella.
Fluffy, hoisin beef brisket arepas area a great option. The arepas, like the tortillas and most of the menu, are made on site, from scratch, each day. Also delicious are the sweet and sour confit pork carnitas tacos. The chifa classic, lomo saltado, is served with chips, condiments, and tortillas on the side. Enjoy it traditionally, or as DIY burritos.
For something sweet, you have to try the dish that the kitchen is most proud of, as they feel that it best represents the story that Mikasa Fusion is trying to tell. Crispy wontons are filled with mozzarella cheese, sweet Colombian guava paste and dulce de leche. Served with a side of berry dipping sauce, they’re a flavour and textural delight.
To drink, try one of the fusion house cocktails. “South American Kung Fu” is a tropical blend of white rum, pisco, passion fruit liqueur, fresh pandan, and lemon. For something less sweet, the signature “East Asian Side Of Frida”,” combines mezcal, white rum, yuzu, and chili.
Mikasa Fusion
520 Macaulay Road
Kensington
Victoria 3031
Australia
Telephone: (03) 7073 3436
E-mail: n/a
Website
Open
Tue – Thu: 11:00am to 9:30pm
Fri: 11:00am to 10:00pm
Sat: 9:00am to 9:30pm