Some culinary experiences are meticulously planned. Others unfold unexpectedly, inserting themselves gently into the rhythm of an ordinary day. My introduction to Yuzu Restaurant, a new Japanese cuisine outlet in the neighbourhood in Erbil, belonged firmly to the latter.

I was out for a casual walk. No agenda. No hunger. Just the comfort of familiar streets and unhurried time. Then I noticed it—a clean, understated sign bearing the name Yuzu. A name that, in Japanese culinary language, hints at brightness, subtlety, and balance.

It had been a long while since I last stepped into a Japanese restaurant. Curiosity, that most persuasive of appetites, did the rest.

Ordering Light, Eating Thoughtfully

With no intention of a full meal, I chose to keep the order modest—just enough to explore.

• Shrimp Sushi Roll (4 pieces)
• Crab Meat Sushi Roll (4 pieces)
• Matcha Raspberry (served chilled)

Japanese cuisine has always rewarded restraint. Small portions, when executed well, often reveal more than elaborate spreads.

Sushi in Quiet Balance

The sushi arrived neatly plated, visually calm and composed. No unnecessary garnish. No distraction.

The shrimp sushi roll offered a gentle sweetness and a pleasing contrast of textures. The shrimp was tender, paired with well-seasoned rice that held its form without heaviness.

The crab meat roll leaned towards richness, delivering a subtle briny depth that lingered comfortably on the palate. It was neither experimental nor ornate—just clean, honest sushi.

Accompanying the rolls were the classic condiments that complete the sushi experience:

• Gari (pickled ginger), sharp and refreshing, serving as a palate cleanser between bites
• Wasabi, the hot, green, pungent paste

Wasabi deserves a note of its own. More than just heat, it delivers a sharp, nasal-clearing intensity that rises swiftly and fades just as quickly—designed not to overpower, but to complement raw fish. Used judiciously, it sharpens flavour rather than dominating it.

Matcha with a Modern Twist

The Matcha Raspberry drink was a pleasant surprise. Earthy matcha met the playful tartness of raspberry, resulting in a sweet, refreshing beverage that felt contemporary yet grounded in tradition.

It paired well with the sushi—cleansing the palate without overwhelming it and offering a gentle sweetness to round off the tasting.

A Quietly Satisfying Pause

What made this visit memorable was not extravagance, but balance—a principle deeply embedded in Japanese culinary philosophy. Yuzu Restaurant appears to understand that not every diner seeks drama on a plate. Sometimes, all one wants is food that is thoughtfully prepared, competently executed, and quietly reassuring.

I walked in out of curiosity, not hunger. I walked out content, not overfed.

Yuzu did not attempt to impress. It simply delivered.

And in doing so, it reminded me why Japanese cuisine, in all its elegance and restraint, continues to captivate—especially when discovered by chance, on an ordinary weekend walk that suddenly becomes a small epicurean memory.