Rolls Handroll Izakaya is one of those places where sitting at the

Rolls Handroll Izakaya is one of those places where sitting at the counter really adds to the experience. You get to watch each handroll being made right in front of you and, more importantly, eat it immediately while the nori is still super crisp.

We started with the Sesame Ponzu Tai Carpaccio, which was light and refreshing with a nice citrusy tang from the ponzu and nuttiness from the sesame. A good way to whet the appetite without being too heavy. The Century Egg Tofu with Crab was the complete opposite in the best way: creamy, savoury and packed with umami.

For the Yakimono, the Torikawa was nicely grilled with that addictive combination of crispy chicken skin, salt and smokiness, while the Nankotsu was all about texture. Instead of being merely crunchy, the cartilage had an almost crackly bite that made it really satisfying to snack on. The Okonomiyaki was comforting and savoury, with all the rich, umami flavours you’d expect from an Osaka-style pancake.

Of course, the main event was the Signature Handroll Set (6PCS). Each roll is made one at a time so you can eat it at its best, with warm rice, fresh seafood and crisp nori. I especially liked how there was quite a bit of variety across the set rather than six rolls that started tasting similar halfway through. You get everything from lighter, citrusy flavours to richer combinations such as toro with truffle and scallop with foie gras, before ending with the savoury-sweet unagi.

What I enjoyed most about Rolls is that it feels polished without being overly formal. You still get the precision and quality of a sushi counter, but with the more relaxed and approachable atmosphere of an izakaya.

And after all those savoury flavours, the Chef’s Complimentary Dessert was a nice little sweet ending to round off the meal.

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Originally posted on Instagram