Yemi Adelekan is a food writer and blogger who was a semi-finalist in the 2022 series of BBC TV’s Masterchef competition.

Every Saturday Yemi writes on the Stray Ferret about her love of the area’s food and shares cooking tips – please get in touch with her if you want her to review a restaurant, visit your farm, taste the produce you sell or even share a recipe.

A few months ago, my son travelled to Japan for his holidays and brought back the top 20 Japanese spices and condiments to help me delve deeper in to Japanese cuisine. 

I've wanted to visit Japan for many years, but haven't had a chance to take a trip there yet.

Luckily there's a restaurant in Harrogate promising diners an authentic taste of some of the country's best-known dishes.

Nestled in the Montpellier Quarter, DOMO offers a culinary escape to the heart of Japan. With a reputation for authenticity and a cozy atmosphere, DOMO presents an array of traditional and contemporary Japanese dishes.

First impressions

As soon as you step inside, the restaurant's welcoming and understated ambiance sets the stage for a casual dining experience. 

Whether you're a seasoned sushi lover or new to Japanese cuisine, DOMO’s menu promises to entice your taste buds with its fresh ingredients and artful presentation. They were out of some ingredients but there were more than enough alternatives.

Starters

I ordered takoyaki - octopus balls -, chicken gyoza and wasabi prawns. Takoyaki are a popular Japanese street food made from a light and savoury batter cooked in a special moulded pan.

Each ball is filled with tender octopus pieces, green onions, and pickled ginger, and is topped with a tangy sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes, creating a delightful blend of flavours and textures in each bite.

Domo's were little balls of yummy delights, well seasoned, soft on the inside with a light crunch on the outside and I thoroughly enjoyed this.

I love prawns and the wasabi prawns did not disappoint. The succulent prawns were coated in a light, crispy batter and deep-fried to perfection without being greasy. The creamy wasabi sauce and fish roe garnish provided a spicy kick, balanced by a touch of sweetness and saltiness, creating a delicious and refreshing taste sensation.

The chicken gyoza were exactly what I expected, well seasoned, juicy on the inside, chewy dumpling wraps and crispy bottom. This is something I would order again and again.

Mains

Mains were spicy beef fried rice teppanyaki, kimchi fried rice with prawns, beef short ribs with ginger and garlic yakinuku sauce, and tofu teriyaki.

Spicy beef fried rice teppanyaki featured tender beef strips stir-fried on a teppan grill with rice, vegetables, and a spicy sauce that adds a vibrant kick. 

The combination of seared beef and the smoky flavours from the grill reminded me of Nigerian jollof rice cooked over open fire which allowed a crispy and slightly charred crust to form. I would definitely have this again.

I'd heard many things about kimchi fried rice but I have to say I'd been a little hesitant to try it. However, the fusion of Korean and Japanese flavours resulted in a delicious dish that combined the tangy, spicy punch of kimchi with succulent prawns and fluffy fried rice. I thought the kimchi would be too punchy for the fried rice, but the flavours were harmonious.

When I ordered the beef short ribs with ginger and garlic yakiniku sauce, the waiter explained they were cooked on the bone and could be slightly chewy.

These beef short ribs were thinly sliced, marinated and grilled, absorbing the rich, aromatic flavours of a ginger and garlic yakiniku sauce. The chewier texture didn't bother me, but if you prefer tender meat, then this might not be for you.

The tofu teriyaki was the alternative to the salmon which they didn’t have but I was delighted with our choice. 

Slices of tofu were pan-fried until crispy and then coated in a sweet and savoury teriyaki sauce. The tofu soaked up the sauce and they were laid on juicy shredded lettuce, providing a satisfying combination of textures and flavour in every bite. I didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did.

Dessert

Dessert was mango and vanilla mochi ice cream. Japanese mochi ice cream combines a fusion of textures and flavours, combining the soft, chewy exterior of sweetened rice dough (mochi) with a creamy, tropical mango ice cream centre.

I loved the chewy exterior but felt the ice cream could be creamier. I am glad I tried this for the first time, but I would pass on this in the future without feeling like I’m missing out.

Yemi's verdict

Dining at DOMO certainly didn't disappoint - it was a lovely meal out with lots of variety and I would definitely visit again.

All of the above dishes,  including cold green tea, 750mls of sparkling water and a bottle of Japanese soft drink cost £100 for two people.

Don't forget - Stray Ferret subscribers can enjoy 10% off food at Domo, Monday - Sunday.