Asama at Central Square is a contemporary dining destination known for offering a well-crafted menu that combines the precision of Japanese cuisine with a creative, modern touch. Located in one of the most dynamic commercial hubs, this restaurant has become a favorite spot for food enthusiasts who appreciate both authenticity and innovation. With a focus on fresh ingredients, impeccable presentation, and thoughtful flavor combinations, the Asama Central Square menu is designed to please a wide range of palates, from sushi lovers to fans of hearty rice bowls and vibrant appetizers. The menu balances tradition with flair, making each meal not just a dish, but a dining experience.
Overview of Asama Central Square
Asama at Central Square offers a refined yet accessible Japanese dining experience in a stylish, comfortable setting. The menu is diverse, with offerings that range from classic sashimi and nigiri to inventive rolls, grilled specialties, and comforting noodle bowls. Whether visiting for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or a more intimate evening, guests can expect consistent quality and a carefully curated selection of dishes that highlight the best of Japanese culinary techniques.
Philosophy Behind the Menu
The culinary team at Asama believes in creating dishes that are both beautiful and flavorful. Each item on the menu is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced locally and internationally. Presentation plays a key role, as does maintaining balance in taste, color, and texture. The menu also offers a good mix of vegetarian, seafood, and meat-based options, ensuring everyone can find something to enjoy.
Appetizers and Small Plates
The appetizer section of the Asama Central Square menu is designed to awaken the palate with light, flavorful bites that reflect traditional Japanese tastes and textures.
- Edamame: Steamed soybeans sprinkled with sea salt, a healthy and satisfying way to start any meal.
- Gyoza: Pan-seared dumplings filled with pork and vegetables, served with a tangy dipping sauce.
- Tako Wasabi: A spicy and briny mix of chopped octopus and wasabi sauce for those who enjoy bold flavors.
- Agedashi Tofu: Silken tofu lightly fried and served in a delicate soy-based broth with scallions and grated daikon.
Sushi and Sashimi Selections
Sushi is a highlight at Asama Central Square. The menu includes both traditional options and fusion rolls with unique ingredients and modern presentation. Freshness is the top priority, and the chefs take pride in their precise techniques.
Nigiri and Sashimi
- Maguro (Tuna): A staple of any sushi menu, known for its deep red color and clean taste.
- Sake (Salmon): Buttery and smooth, often served with a touch of citrus or soy.
- Hamachi (Yellowtail): Mild and rich, with a slightly sweet finish.
- Ebi (Shrimp): Firm texture and lightly sweet, served cooked.
Signature Rolls
- Asama Roll: A house specialty featuring tempura shrimp, avocado, and spicy tuna, topped with tobiko and house-made sauce.
- Dragon Roll: Eel and cucumber inside, topped with thin slices of avocado and eel sauce for a sweet-savory finish.
- Spicy Salmon Roll: Fresh salmon mixed with spicy mayo, rolled with cucumber and scallions.
- Vegetarian Roll: A mix of cucumber, avocado, and pickled radish wrapped in seaweed and rice perfect for plant-based diners.
Donburi and Rice Dishes
Rice bowls, or donburi, are comfort food at its finest. These hearty meals are served with a bed of steamed rice topped with flavorful ingredients and sauces.
- Gyudon: Thin slices of beef simmered in a savory-sweet soy-based sauce, served with onions and pickled ginger.
- Katsudon: Breaded pork cutlet fried to a golden crisp, laid over rice with egg and onion in a rich broth.
- Unadon: Grilled eel glazed with sweet soy sauce, served over hot rice and garnished with sansho pepper.
- Teriyaki Chicken Don: Grilled chicken in house-made teriyaki sauce, paired with sesame seeds and scallions.
Noodles and Warm Bowls
For those seeking a warm and comforting meal, the menu features a variety of noodle-based dishes, both soup-based and stir-fried.
Udon and Ramen
- Niku Udon: Thick wheat noodles in a dashi broth topped with beef slices, scallions, and mushrooms.
- Tempura Udon: Udon served in a clear broth, accompanied by crispy shrimp and vegetable tempura.
- Tonkotsu Ramen: Creamy pork-based broth with chashu pork, boiled egg, nori, and bamboo shoots.
- Spicy Miso Ramen: A bold and fiery bowl made with spicy miso paste, ground pork, and bean sprouts.
Yakisoba and Stir-Fried Options
- Seafood Yakisoba: Stir-fried noodles with shrimp, squid, and vegetables in a savory sauce.
- Vegetable Yaki Udon: Udon noodles pan-fried with a mix of seasonal vegetables and soy-based glaze.
Grilled and Specialty Entrees
Asama Central Square also offers a refined selection of grilled and main course dishes for those who want something more substantial.
- Grilled Salmon Teriyaki: Fresh salmon fillet grilled and brushed with teriyaki glaze, served with rice and salad.
- Wagyu Steak: Premium cuts of Japanese beef grilled to your preference, seasoned with salt and wasabi for flavor.
- Chicken Karaage: Japanese-style fried chicken with a crispy exterior and juicy inside, served with lemon and mayo.
- Tofu Steak: Pan-seared tofu served on a sizzling plate with miso glaze, perfect for vegetarians seeking umami-rich food.
Side Dishes and Add-Ons
To round out the meal, guests can choose from a range of sides and add-ons to complement their main dishes.
- Steamed Rice
- Miso Soup
- Pickled Vegetables
- Seaweed Salad
Desserts and Sweet Finishes
Finish the meal with a sweet and refreshing treat from the dessert menu. Japanese desserts at Asama focus on subtle sweetness and clean textures.
- Mochi Ice Cream: Soft rice cake filled with flavored ice cream, available in matcha, mango, and vanilla.
- Green Tea Cheesecake: A light, creamy dessert infused with the earthy flavor of matcha.
- Dorayaki: Sweet red bean paste sandwiched between two fluffy pancakes, a traditional Japanese favorite.
Beverage Options
Asama Central Square also features a selection of drinks designed to enhance the dining experience, from traditional teas to imported sakes.
- Hot and Cold Green Tea
- Japanese Plum Wine
- Sake (Hot or Cold)
- House Blended Mocktails
The menu at Asama Central Square delivers a well-rounded and thoughtfully composed culinary experience that brings the best of Japanese food culture to the table. With options ranging from fresh sushi and comforting noodles to grilled meats and classic desserts, the restaurant caters to both traditionalists and adventurous diners alike. Every dish is prepared with attention to detail, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to quality and guest satisfaction. Whether you’re enjoying a solo lunch or gathering with friends, Asama offers a memorable and flavorful journey through the heart of modern Japanese cuisine.