There is some very good tempura out there - light, crunchy, and the taste of the ingredients inside really comes through. Of course, there is also very bad tempura out there - thick coating, soggy, limp, and you have no idea what is actually inside. Tempura is one of the few things my husband refuses to cook. The other is suhshi. These are not just food, but works of art. In his words "Tempura is a professional food where chefs study and perfect their art form for many years. It should be made by chefs." This doesn't mean he doesn't fry foods. He does. He just steers clear of tempura.
While in Asakusa (home of Sensoji Temple), we decided to eat tempura at Sansada - the oldest tempura restaurant in Japan. According to their menu the restaurant was established in 1837! It specializes in deep-frying small fish with sesame oil. Since sesame oil scorches easily, this is quiet the feat.
We peaked at the menu online before heading to Asakusa, and saw that it was quiet expensive. So, we decided to order their donburi or rice bowls topped with tempura. This way we got to enjoy the tempura without breaking the bank. There were several meals that were over ¥5000 ($44) per meal. I do have to say these set meals with a variety of dishes were very beautiful and huge. However, we didn't need anything so elaborate or expensive. After all, the point was to eat at the oldest tempura restaurant. I didn't say it was the BEST!
We arrived shortly before the restaurant opened at 11:30 am. After waiting a few minutes, we were told to go upstairs via an elevator. The tatami rooms were located upstairs. We took off our shoes and put them on a shoe rack at the edge of the tatami. We then walked over to our table and sat on the cushions placed on the floor at the very low table. As we settled in, the staff brought us tea and took our order.
We ordered an appetizer for my son. Tempura batter was mixed with shrimp, squid, and little scallops then fried. It also came with a battered and fried little green pepper. We all thought his lunch was very tasty. The batter was airy and crisp. It was a little on the thick side, but not absurdly so.
My husband and I ordered similar donburis topped with shrimp and fish. Mine also came with eggplant and squid, while his came with a fritter (exactly the same as our son's). Served on top of rice, everything was drizzled with a smoky sauce that I frankly didn't care for! The tempura soggy from the sauce and I was left feeling rather underwhelmed. It was a really heavy meal and I didn't finish it. I shared my rice with my son, and there were still leftovers. Such a shame.
Even though a place has been around for a very long time, doesn't mean it is amazing food. I'm sure lots of people enjoy their tempura, I just prefer more simplistic fare. Guess we'll just have to look for a better place that more suits our taste.
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