Discover Shiki in Norwich: A Delightfully Affordable Dining Experience You Didn’t Expect!

Sushi can be a hit or a miss. Many have experienced the disappointment of bland, poorly made sushi. But when you taste fresh, authentic sushi, you realize how much better it can be. That’s the feeling I had at Shiki, a cozy Japanese restaurant in Norwich.

I watched with delight as my father, who is 86, tried salmon sashimi for the first time. His expression spoke volumes. Each piece was fresh—firm, fatty, and full of flavor. I could hardly wait to dig in. Instead of drowning the delicate fish in soy sauce and wasabi, I chose to savor its natural taste.

For my dad, who usually sticks to roasts and simple meals, this was a big deal. Despite his past reluctance towards raw fish, he took to sushi with enthusiasm, using his chopsticks with surprising skill. It was heartwarming to see him embrace something new.

The restaurant, located near the ancient Norwich Cathedral, is quite busy. While the lunch menu was limited, it provided a variety of choices from sushi to bento boxes. We started with mackerel sushi, smoky and soft, with flavors that gradually unfolded. My dad enjoyed crunchy edamame while we chatted about the upcoming Norwich City football match.

Sadly, Shiki was out of pork gyoza, but the vegetarian option was a pleasant surprise. The pastry was infused with spinach and had a gentle vegetable filling that complimented the wasabi in soy sauce perfectly. We also enjoyed a bowl of miso soup—its seaweed flavor was just right, not too salty.

We tried tempura next. Unlike many places, Shiki’s was light and crunchy, not greasy. The vegetable selection included zucchini, asparagus, and sweet potato. The tempura reminded me of the importance of quality in Japanese food—good texture is key.

As we ate, we reminisced about family meals. Japanese restaurants hold a special spot in our hearts. They have been part of our celebrations, from anniversaries to casual dinners. It was in a Japanese restaurant that our son took his first leap into adventurous eating at only 13—a true family moment.

During the pandemic, my dad often ordered teriyaki beef from Shiki for delivery, but he chose the chicken version this time. Though a bit bland for my taste, he enjoyed it. I ordered beef noodles, which were tangy and rich, a standout dish.

As we polished off our meal, the restaurant began to clear out. I settled the reasonably priced bill and learned Shiki’s owner, Shun, was off having lunch with his family, a reminder of how personal this dining experience feels.

This connection to family, food, and tradition makes dining at Shiki special. Sushi might invite some hesitation, but the joy of sharing these experiences together keeps us returning for more.

For more on Japanese cuisine, check out the National Restaurant Association and recent surveys on global food trends.

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