Taipei, December 2017 – Mr. King and I have long been supporters of Mitsui Japanese Cuisine which serves up fresh sushi, sashimi and most famous for their crabs and hot pots (shabu shabu) in a traditional Japanese restaurant setting.

When we arrived at Mitsui Cuisine M, the latest addition to the Mitsui family, we were surprised by the very sleek, modern and elegant décor. Located inside the Citi Bank building, Cuisine M offers a selection of lunch and dinner sets using the finest produce and seafood offered at reasonable prices – exactly what Mitsui is famous for. With Cuisine M, the patrons also get an ambience created with a sanctuary in mind, where one relax to Bossa Nova / Jazz music.

Mr. King and I selected the Sunlight Combo (NT$3,800 or US$126) and the Moon Glow Combo (NT$2,800 or US$93). These were the top 2 sets on the course menu selection. Each Combo included appetizers, salad, soup, sashimi, prawn, fish, crab, beef and dessert.

The main differences between Sunlight Combo and Moon Glow Combo lied in the quantity of premium sashimi, beef and the crabs. Both sets were delicious, and surprisingly the Moon Glow’s prawn dish was more outstanding.

Sunlight Combo

Sashimi was a gorgeous platter of  Chu Toro and Otoro (bluefin tuna), Kimedai, Botan ebi, yellowtail and clams.

The abalone was very tender.

The snow crab was fresh, and I could taste the difference.

At the end of the meal, a sumptuous platter of nigiri sushi – shimaji, yellowtail and uni – were served. I wasn’t able to finish this set, as each course was very generous in its portion.

Moon Glow Combo

We enjoyed the pan seared scallop with uni, very decadent!

Crab was frozen, so it was good but couldn’t be compared to the fresh crab in the Sunlight Combo.

Because we ordered the Sunlight Combo, the chef decided to upgrade our beef course to the same quality of beef used in the premium set. Lucky us! The beef was cooked perfectly.

We also ordered the beef rice bowl (US$25) from the a la carte items to try – actually pretty great value judging from quality and quantity of the beef.

If one seeks value, quality and ambience in a Japanese meal, Mitsui Cuisine M is the place to go!

Mitsui Cuisine M – 1/f, No. 1 Songzhi Rd, Xinyi Dist., Taipei City www.mitsuitaipei.com.tw

All photos were taken by Mrs. King.