FOOD THAT LOOKS AS BEAUTIFUL AS IT TASTES!

Combining art and food to create dishes that look as good as they taste is a real skill and one that is happening in one of Dundee’s most popular restaurants.

Oshibori is celebrating its four year anniversary this month, and since it opened its doors as Dundee’s first Japanese restaurant it has received a raft of awards and endorsements. It was named the best Japanese restaurant at the European Luxury Travel Guide Awards and is the only restaurant in Scotland endorsed by the Japanese tourist board to people visiting the country. For owner and head chef Usman Malik, Oshibori was a chance for him to combine two things he knows and loves - food and art.

I graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone with a degree in fine art,” he explained, “but that didn’t offer a lot in the way of job opportunities. So I went into my other passion in life, which is cooking.” Usman trained in the skill, even going to Japan for three months to learn traditional Japanese methods, before opening Oshibori. In Japan, restaurants tend to focus on one type of dish – sushi, ramen etc – but here diners expect to get all kinds of Japanese food in one place so I learned how to make it all. “Japanese food is very artistic and in many ways is like creating a sculpture, so it satisfies both sides. “And each of our dishes is made to order – we don’t have sushi pre-made in the fridge, so yes, diners will have to be patient, but it’s absolutely worth the wait.” Usman explained that growing up between Dubai and Pakistan, which has a very diverse and versatile range of foods he learned about using lots of different flavours, which shaped his cooking today. “I try and keep the dishes in Oshibori as traditional as possible – unless in exceptional circumstances – and even the dining room has traditional seating as well as tables and chairs.” The lavish gold and black themed restaurant offers a level of comfort and luxury surroundings that matches the exquisite dishes on offer – including the delicacy Wagyu beef.

“We use local suppliers for all our fresh produce. Our dry ingredients and other products are imported straight from Japan, adding to the authenticity of the dishes.”

Lunch starts at just £12.95 for two courses, and three courses is just £14.95 so you can experience the fantastic food on offer without a large price tag.

“You can come to Oshibori and spend as much or as little as your budget allows,” Usman explained. “We have dishes from £4.95 right up to the Wagyu beef which is £65, so there’s something for everyone.” There is also an extensive vegetarian and vegan menu, so it’s not just lovers of fresh seafood and meat who can enjoy all that Oshibori has to offer. And from Monday to Thursday Oshibori offers a special takeaway menu, featuring some of its most popular dishes. To find out more, visit the Oshibori website at