In July 2023, the team behind Yachiyo Japanese Bistro in Darlinghurst and Mosman embarked on a new culinary venture—Otogo in Ultimo. The name “Otogo” draws its inspiration from Otogo Sahime, a legendary deity from the Iwami region of Shimane Prefecture, renowned for sowing the first seeds of sustenance.
True to its roots, Otogo is dedicated to providing affordable, genuine Japanese culinary experiences.
This is the 2 pc Onigiri + 2 pc Karaage + Drink Set ($10.00).
Tuna QP Onigiri. This featured cooked tuna seasoned with Kewpie mayonnaise.
The tuna had a smooth and moist texture devoid of any hint of squeakiness. The judicious amount of mayonnaise added moisture and a creamy note. The rice, served warm, was slightly salty and fluffier than the onigiri found in Japanese supermarkets and convenience stores. However, the warmth affected the seaweed’s crispiness.
Miso Salmon Onigiri. This featured miso-marinated salmon.
The miso infusion lent a subtle fermented nuance to the soft and flaky salmon. The savoury miso paired well with the still-fluffy and warm rice, although it leaned slightly towards saltiness. The seaweed sheet lost its crunch due to the warmth. The filling-to-rice ratio was well-calibrated.
Karaage followed, with two sizable pieces, measuring about 7 x 4 cm. They retained their crispiness even after consuming the onigiri. The exterior batter boasted a satisfying thickness and a flavourful seasoning, while the interior remained juicy and tender.
Craft Yuzu Cola
The introduction of Craft Yuzu Cola was new to the Sydney Japanese food scene. Its craft cola profile was evident—the yuzu contributed citrusy notes, while cinnamon and star anise flavours were prominent, along with subtle sediment. An undercurrent of spiciness from ginger persisted throughout the sip without overwhelming the flavour. Overall, the drink was a unique and enjoyable offering, although a crisper cola with a predominant yuzu presence, akin to orange or lemon cola, would have been equally appreciated.
On a subsequent visit, I opted for the Strawberry Matcha Milk ($3.70) as a mid-afternoon indulgence. This drink combined a matcha latte base with housemade strawberry syrup crafted from pureed strawberries. The flavour of fresh strawberries came through in every sip, infusing the drink with vibrant sweetness. While the strawberry dimension was delightful, it occasionally overshadowed the matcha element. The matcha presence was visible only as a dusting on top and a faint pale green tint.
Notably, a singular cup size was employed for both soba and drinks. Cold beverages featured a full cup of ice topped with the drink, while hot beverages occupied half the cup, resembling the dimensions of a regular or small-sized coffee cup.
Otogo’s commitment to customer experience and responsiveness to feedback was evident, reflected in their active social media engagement. The interior of Otogo emanated a stylish yet understated ambience, featuring shared communal tables that fostered a welcoming and comfortable environment.
Interestingly, the table centrepieces included candles fashioned in the shape of an onigiri and a plate of karaage adorned with a slice of lemon.
Otogo is located at Shop 1, 56-58 Bay St, Ultimo NSW 2007.