Food Chronicles

Sumika Grill, Los Altos California

Tastes and Smells of Japan

 

What is authentic food?

In general, food, like art, can be interpreted in different ways and flavors. As for authentic food, that goes to the origins and traditions.

Yakitori in Japan is a dining experience to watch the chef patiently rotate skewers over the charcoal grill. And it is not just any charcoal. Bincho charcoal, native to Japan, produces odorless smoke which makes the taste of the ingredients truly shine.

This kitchen scene in front of the diners, along with clean and quality ingredients on the grill, and cold Japan lagers on tap all make for a truly authentic yakitori night that is straight out of Japan.

 

Sumika Grill

In 2008, a Los Altos native with Japanese origins opened Sumika Grill. (Los Altos is located in the wooded Peninsula of the Bay Area in Northern California.)

The whole experience tastes and smells like you are having yakitori and beers in the heart of Japan. You can even finish your meal with a standout bowl of donburi – exactly how they do it in Japan.

The restaurant has even gained Michelin Bib Gourmand attention, which highlights “exceptionally good food for moderate prices.”

To add to all this authenticity, if you are really impressed and happy during your meal, be like a local from Japan and buy the chef a beer while he is grilling your food.

It is also notable to add that in 2010, the owner of Sumika opened up the ever-popular Orenchi Ramen in Santa Clara, with a location now in San Francisco. That bowl of ramen is definitely worth the wait.

 

The glass-covered grilling station. The sight and smells of the charcoal smoke will make you want to order more and more skewers as the night (and drinks) goes on
Tsukemono. Japanese style pickles
Bacon Asparagus Rolls and Okra
Momo.  Chicken thighs with salt and with spicy sauce
Reba. Chicken liver
Tsukune. Chicken meatball
Teba. Chicken wings
Karaage. Organic Fried Chicken
Buta Kakuni. Braised pork belly
Oyako Don. Organic chicken cooked in a special sauce covered by runny eggs over rice

 

Click here for TripAdvisor reviews and photos of Sumika Grill

Sumika Grill
236 Central Plaza, Los Altos
+1-650-917-1822
Tuesday to Thursday, 11:30am to 2pm, 6pm to 10pm
Friday, 11:30am to 2pm, 5:30pm to 11pm
Saturday, 11:30am to 2pm, 5:40pm to 10pm
Sunday, 5pm to 9pm
Closed Monday

 

 
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links to hotel booking sites. With no additional cost to you, your bookings earn me a commission if you click on the links via my website – Thank you!


Sign up for my newsletter on the sidebar for blog updates and my travel insider tips! And, check out my vlogs on YouTube!

Angela

Share
Published by
Angela

Recent Posts

Ramen History of Japan’s Famous Noodle Soup

Slurping up the Strands & Theories of Ramen History. Ramen is undoubtedly one of Japan’s…

3 days ago

Silog History: Looking Back at the Famous Filipino Breakfast

In Search of Silog’s Origin Story. Silog is a must-have dish when in the Philippines.…

5 days ago

Poke History: From the Ocean to the Islands to the Mainland

Origins and Variations of Poke. In recent years, poke and poke bowls have been so…

1 week ago

Sinigang History: The Unofficial National Dish of the Philippines?

Everyday Comfort Food for All Occasions. While the world may know of adobo or lumpiang…

2 weeks ago

Parker House Rolls History: The Unintentional Creation of America’s Dinner Roll

Kind of on purpose, but also kind of an accident. Parker House Rolls are dubbed…

2 weeks ago

Pepperoni History: Origins & Timeline

A Timeline of Pepperoni History. Pepperoni is truly an iconic American food as it is…

3 weeks ago