Shyun - Part 2

126 Koornang Rd
Carnegie VIC 3163
Ph: 95696530
Website: Shyun

I've written about Shyun previously and how it's one of the hidden (not so hidden now as so many know about the place, which is good as it means it'll continue operating, but bad because it's hard to get a table sometimes) gems in the 'burbs. I go back there at least once a week now for lunch and occasionally for dinner. During dinner service, they have specials dishes than at lunch time, so I tried out a few of them when I was there last with friends.

The Soft Shell Crab rolls contain crispy crab inside a roll with lettuce and tiny fish roe on the outside. The serving also comes with some fried soft shell crab by itself. Not quite enough as a main meal, but good to share as entree with someone. Other entrees include Takoyaki and Potato Croquettes. I like the takoyaki but my friend who's worked in a Japanese restaurant for 10 years reckons they're from a packet. I think he's right as I doubt they'd make these fresh each time in such a tiny restaurant with one or two chefs.



The Chirashi is the dish that everybody loves and you can see the beautiful bowls on many tables. For $17, I think it's fantastic value. You get loads of fresh sashimi and an eel. The sashimi consist of the usual salmon and tuna, a variety of white fish, another couple of types of red fish, scallops, razor clams, sweet prawns and egg. I find I'm unable to finish the whole bowl by myself. The bento "boxes" as I've written previously are excellent value for money. The photo on the left shows the Deluxe Bento ($14), which includes salmon belly, sushi, vegetable fritters (utterly amazing), salad, mash and choice of two other items. The Regular Bento($10) on the right has salad, mash, gyoza, and a choice of two other items. I especially love their Chicken Karaage and Teriyaki Chicken options.



Lastly, there is dessert. The stock standard ice creams are available, but they also have this dessert plate ($3 with an order of bento), which has sesame ice cream and a very delicious green tea panna cotta with red bean.


The restaurant is extremely small so feels very cosy. It's more in the style of a cafe with small plastic black tables and small stools. It's self service where you order at the counter and grab your own cutlery and water. It's more a casual and quick sort of meal rather than a sit down for 4 hours meal. I highly recommend their bento boxes, sushi and sashimi as they are excellent in quality and value for money.

Overall Rating: 16/20, Excellent simple Japanese food at good prices.

Scores: 1-9: Unacceptable, don't bother. 10-11: Just OK,some shortcomings. 12: Fair. 13: Getting there. 14: Recommended. 15: Good. 16: Really good. 17: Truly excellent. 18: An outstanding experience. 19-20:Approaching perfection, Victoria's best.