Kasumi Izakaya Japanese Dining Room, Haymarket, Chinatown

We often overhear unusual things in public places. Not deliberately mind you, but sometimes a conversation will waft over when there's a moment of silence and sometimes it's intriguing so you stop to listen for a bit. We've also heard very odd conversations such as the one we overheard at Kasumi Dining Room during our visit. It's empty save for one table and the music is soft so we can't help but overhear it.

"What do you think would win in a battle. A Christian animal or a Non-Christian animal?"

I almost spit out my drink chuckling at that. And of course you know the answer they gave right? The Christian Animal would win according to them.

Odd overheard conversation aside, we had been interested in going to Kasumi for a while, over a year in fact ever since we spied it when we dined at Uighur Cuisine next door. Japanese Izakayas are one of my favourite places to eat as they feature small meals of tasty dishes - perfect for someone like me who loves sampling as much as possible. My excitement at visiting an Kasumi Izakaya is dampened when were handed our menus showing a range of set lunches. It seems the Izakaya only comes to life at night.

The Chicken Udon has a decent amount of chicken and a fragrant, delicious broth with spring onions, seaweed and bonito flakes on top. The udon itself isn't particularly amazing but it's not bad overall and thankfully not too soft.

The deluxe bento box is large. The sashimi isn't too bad although you wouldn't necessarily call this the freshest sashimi (my husband who loves tuna sashimi comments on this in particular). The chicken karaage is lukewarm and not very crunchy and a disappointment. The tempura is also lukewarm but at least crispy and not soggy with a prawn, 2 types of fish and a whole shiitake mushroom.

Perhaps it's the time that we've visited. We have a look at the Izakaya menu and whilst the serves are small, prices are about $15 for each dish which isn't quite in tune with Izakaya prices (usually under $10). In any case, I guess we learnt the answer to the question about the animal which had nagged us so ;)

P.S. If you spend over $20 per person and mention eatability you will get a free sashimi dish which is apparently not a bad size.

So tell me Dear Reader, have you eavesdropped on any bizarre conversations?

Kasumi Japanese Dining Bar Details, Chinatown

Shop 2, 6-12 Harbour Street (Cnr of Leverpool St and Dixon St)

Sydney NSW 2000

Phone (02) 9283 6678

Open 7 days