As a Japanese cuisine expert, I have had the pleasure of trying out numerous Japanese restaurants in Nassau County, NY. One dish that always stands out to me is tempura. This deep-fried dish is a staple in Japanese cuisine and can be found on the menu of almost every Japanese restaurant in the area.
The Art of Tempura
Tempura is a dish that originated in Japan during the 16th century. It consists of battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables.The batter is made from a mixture of flour, water, and eggs, and is known for its light and crispy texture. The key to perfect tempura lies in the batter and the temperature of the oil. It should be light, airy, and crispy, without being greasy. Now that we have a better understanding of what tempura is, let's dive into the best Japanese restaurants in Nassau County, NY that serve this delectable dish.
1.Kotobuki
Kotobuki is a popular Japanese restaurant located in Roslyn Heights. This restaurant has been around since 1987 and has gained a reputation for serving some of the best tempura in Nassau County.Their tempura is light, crispy, and perfectly seasoned. They offer a variety of options such as shrimp, vegetables, and even soft-shell crab tempura. One thing that sets Kotobuki apart from other Japanese restaurants is their use of high-quality ingredients. They source their seafood from local markets and use fresh vegetables in their tempura. This attention to detail is what makes their tempura stand out.
2.Hana Japanese Restaurant
Hana Japanese Restaurant is a hidden gem located in Great Neck.This cozy restaurant offers a wide range of Japanese dishes, including some of the best tempura in Nassau County. Their tempura is light, crispy, and full of flavor. They offer a variety of options such as shrimp, vegetables, and even oysters. What makes Hana Japanese Restaurant's tempura unique is their use of traditional Japanese techniques. They use a special batter that is made from flour, egg, and ice-cold water, which results in a light and crispy texture.
They also use a special blend of oils to fry their tempura, giving it a distinct flavor.
3.Kaji Sushi & Lounge
Kaji Sushi & Lounge is a modern Japanese restaurant located in Syosset. This restaurant offers a contemporary twist on traditional Japanese dishes, including their tempura. They offer a variety of options such as shrimp, vegetables, and even lobster tempura. What sets Kaji Sushi & Lounge's tempura apart is their use of unique ingredients. They offer a variety of tempura options that are not commonly found in other Japanese restaurants, such as avocado and sweet potato tempura.These unique flavors add an extra layer of depth to their tempura.
4.Sushi Ya
Sushi Ya is a popular Japanese restaurant located in Wantagh. This restaurant has been around for over 20 years and has gained a loyal following for its delicious food. Their tempura is no exception. It is light, crispy, and full of flavor.They offer a variety of options such as shrimp, vegetables, and even chicken tempura. What makes Sushi Ya's tempura stand out is their attention to detail. They use a special blend of flours and spices in their batter, giving their tempura a unique flavor. They also use a special technique to fry their tempura, resulting in a light and crispy texture.
5.Kumo Sushi & Lounge
Kumo Sushi & Lounge is a trendy Japanese restaurant located in Plainview. This restaurant offers a modern twist on traditional Japanese dishes, including their tempura.They offer a variety of options such as shrimp, vegetables, and even squid tempura. What sets Kumo Sushi & Lounge's tempura apart is their use of high-quality ingredients. They also offer a variety of dipping sauces to accompany their tempura, adding an extra layer of flavor.