Samdado: A New Japanese Restaurant

by Naoko Anzai

A new restaurant has opened in Gulshan offering sushi and other Japanese dishes. Getting fresh raw ocean fish has been a major obstacle in serving real Japanese cuisine in Bangladesh. Korean entrepreneurs and chefs have overcome this hurdle.

Having heard various rumours about the restaurant through my tribal network, I ventured into Samdado, which literally means “three many islands,” one evening with friends and was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food and service.

All ingredients except water and vegetables are imported from Thailand, Singapore or Sri Lanka. Particular care is being paid to the preparation of rice as well, combining different kinds imported from Japan, Korea and Australia. One of the two chefs, a young Korean, worked for two years in a sushi restaurant in Boston while he was a business administration student there. The other chef has nine years experience working in a Japanese restaurant in Australia.

Tuna, bream, salmon and fish roe are the raw fish ingredients for sushi. The limitation of varieties of raw fish is beautifully complemented and balanced by other items like canned tuna, vegetables, egg and avocado (for California rolls). The tempura (fried prawns and vegetables) and teriyaki (grilled meat with seasoned soy sauce) are also good.

The restaurant has some private rooms for exclusive gatherings. It is located at House 27, Road 35, Gulshan 2. Tel: 882-8499.