Hannah Nesbitt discovered a culinary showpiece on a visit to Japanese restaurant, Sakura.

Sakura is a traditional teppanyaki and sushi bar in the heart of Old Doha. Located in the Radisson Blu Hotel, tucked away behind traditional Japanese wall hangings adorned with the iconic pink cherry blossom trees, the restaurant offers an impressive and immersive culinary surprise.

As you make your way from the main hotel through a serene walkway, featuring koi carp and water fountains, you’ll arrive at the central focal point of the restaurant, consisting of four teppanyaki counters. Here, seating is strategically arranged around the perimeter to provide the best views of the talented chefs in action.

If you prefer a more private dining experience, there are also additional tables and the option of cosy dining booths too. The neatly folded kimono shaped napkins, welcome you to your seat, as the friendly staff explain the restaurant’s concept and menu.

There is a fish counter for guests to select from and the vast menu provides an array of hot and cold appetisers designed to tantalise your taste buds. Choosing a lighter option to begin with, we were served two piping-hot bowls of delicious and steamy, miso goodness. Miso Shuri is a classic Japanese soybean soup topped with crunchy spring onions and diced tofu, which adds depth and texture to the simple yet delicious dish. In addition, the Sakura speciality, Osuimono, is a clear broth brimming with mushrooms, seafood and greens. Both dishes perfectly primed our appetites for what was still to come.

The large selection of makimono (a roll made from rice or seaweed, vegetables and fish) and sashimi (bite-sized pieces of raw fish) were exquisitely presented on a platter with intricately carved vegetables atop a bed of ice with, of course, the customary wasabi and pickled ginger. As per our request, crab, prawn and fresh fish were crafted carefully to combine flavours from the ocean. The volcano maki provided a combination of vivid flavours and spices that were enhanced with the finishing touch of a crunchy exterior.

The tempura Moriawase – a deep friend combination of shrimps, fish and vegetables – provided a lightly coloured, crispy tempura batter coating the generously sized shrimp and straw mushrooms accompanied by a traditional tempura dipping sauce. This course was a true work of art with flavours to match.

The highlight of the evening undoubtedly centred around the captivating teppanyaki grill presentation. The word teppanyaki historically comes from two Japanese words – teppan, meaning iron plate, and yaki, which means grilled or cooked.

To contrast the fish from our previous courses, we selected the ribeye steak, to be prepared in front of us at the grill. Our skilled chef introduced himself and offered a brief introduction to the ingredients arranged before him. This marked the commencement of the real spectacle. He yielded his razor-sharp utensils, dramatically juggling them in the air and even behind his back, setting the teppanyaki grill ablaze with dramatic, billowing flames. Diners nearby watched in amazement, whilst we participated in tricks such as catching the eggs from the chef. This theatrical performance not only showcased his undeniable culinary expertise but also his engaging and playful personality, as he serenaded us with songs and shared lighthearted jokes throughout.

Mountains of diced garlic were piled onto the sizzling grill to give a tasty foundation to our meal, the aromas filled the air and left us excited for more. Handfuls of crunchy, garden-fresh vegetables, including cabbage, onion, pepper and carrot were sautéed on the grill alongside the sizzling steak. As the chef extended his juggling skills to the raw egg, he meticulously cracked it to present a flower shape on the grill, the rice was combined to create our final side dish, vegetable fried rice. The succulent ribeye steak was cooked to a medium temperature with an indulgent richness of melting butter and generous lashings of soy sauce. To serve, the meat was sliced into bite sized pieces and garnished with yet more eye-catching spring onion. To set off the dish further two side sauces were added, in the form of the uniquely flavoured peanut and fragrant ginger.

This restaurant brings alive the spirit of traditional Japanese cuisine. Whether you’re dining with family, friends or as a couple, everyone can partake in this culinary masterpiece, whilst sharing the delightful flavours. The cooking was elevated into a true evening of entertainment and exquisite food. ✤

GO: CALL 4428 1555 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.