Was wowed by their vegetarian and gluten free options so had to give it a try! The tahini tofu entree was spectacular, as was the vegetable sushi roll. The vegan tonkatsu ramen was huge (which you would hope for the higher price point) but the flavour tasted almost a little bit burnt. It was enjoyable but a bit more of an unusual flavour and not quite as enjoyable as the rest. Would love to come back to try their lunch options or their desserts!
My favourite thing about the restaurant is the friendly staff - they refill your water jug as soon as it's empty and they bring out 3 spoons along with a scoop of ice-cream for us to share - it is the little touches that make all the difference. They are also smiling all the time. The only complaint I would have is that they only have 3 mains to choose from (besides its vegan and salad choices) and one of them was unavailable so I had to choose from hotpot and fish of the day (which was sashimi) of which I wasn't keen on either and for once in my life ordered a salad due to the lack for choices. However the food itself was of high quality and quite frankly, quite delicious - but would've loved it more of I got to choose a dish I wanted.
![Zomato]( "Recensione")
Usually two things come to mind when speaking of Japanese food. There’s the highly vinegar-y sushi packs with cold, tightly-packed rice from food courts, or there’s the delicate degustation-like eating experiences with ice sculptures and micro-greenery. Janken (pronounced jaang-kehn) is neither of those things. This Jervois Road resident delivers healthy, homemade japanese cuisine; their delicate selection of gozen (or set meals) are a sight to behold, with the crockpot chicken steaming under a tiny flame, the broth clear with a perfect balance of sweet-savouriness which you can scoop out with wooden spoons. The staff are chirpy and helpful with their explanations of homemade pickles and macrobiotic desserts. Did we mention that nearly everything’s gluten-free, and there’s more than one vegan option? Shocking we know. We’re also a fan of how they can bring an aura of warmth and character to the industrial interiors (spot the felt blankets and a hiding Godzilla). The huskies left feeling like they’ve made a friend in this cozy Janken home. Reserve your seat (there ain’t a lot) today, and make sure you stay for their desserts.
Check out our individual reviews here: husk.co.nz/lunches/janken-july-2019
Booked for 10 people earlier in October for a birthday dinner. Excellent vegan options meant that everyone, including myself could be catered for. Staff were very friendly. Myself and my partner ordered the eggplant steam buns as a starter which were divine and then I ordered the vegan hotpot for a main. Apart from burning myself once it was a delicious meal with a mild broth and delicious vegetables and tofu and I think some kind of dumpling. Only possible gripe I can think of is we had to sit at two tables (6&4) which were positioned slightly apart
Amazing vegan options!! I would 100% recommend the eggplant bao buns to anyone visiting - they are delicious! edamame beans and the vegan tonkatsu ramen were also very good. 10/10 service, such nice waitresses that were very accommodating and helpful!
We shared a selection of vegetarian small dishes between two of us. The cold starter of shitake and eggplant was beautiful, the savoury kumara mochi was a delightful surprise, and the vegetable dish simple and very good. The small buns filled with eggplant were really tasty, the tofu ones also good. We loved the gentle ambience here. The service was very friendly and attentive yet understated, a nice combination. We had a lovely time and look forward to coming back soon.
What a lovely little gem. We made a booking last minute and got a table on a Friday night. For entrees, we had steamed buns with eggplant and beef tataki. Then we ordered the kimono bowl and lamb steak for dinner. Delicious. Every single bite. We even ventured out to try their sugar free lemon cake for dessert. Overall, the food is fresh and yummy. And the staff were friendly and attentive. Will be coming back again.
Vegan Japanese food. Is there anything better?! We ordered the teriyaki savoury mochi, tofu bao, kumara noodles, soy brûlée and praline ice cream. What a delicious feast. The restaurant is intimate with an outstanding level of service. I want to come here again so I can try the other vegan options available!!!
Lovely little restaurant, with nice ‘date night’ ambience. Great and friendly service and yummy food. They had a organic Kaipara Oysters special on and although they were $4.50 each it was very nice, recommend their steamed buns, in particular the eggplant and also pork ones. Their seafood and beef curries are yummy too. On the slightly expensive side as for two people it cost about $120, with no dessert and one drink each. Definitely worth trying for the lovely service and food.
Came here for dinner. It’s a small place so probably have been better if we had booked but as we came when they opened there was space.
We ordered a chicken salad, their famous salmon sushi roll and a crockpot chicken (forgot the photo) as well as a bowl of rice.
Everything was really really tasty. But there wasn’t enough food for the price we paid. The salmon roll was $19.50 but the salmon was very thin as well as the avocado slices and most of the inside of the roll was cheap vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage.
Overall it was a good experience , just probably would have to order more next time and be prepared to spend over $70 for two people. Maybe around $100 would be able to get us full. Definitely a special night dinner, not a casual dinner.
As a gluten free vegan I usually don't get to choose from many options on a menu, however, the Janken menu is amazing. I will definitely be back as soon as possible!
This is a favourite local breakfast spot. They specialise in vegetarian and vegan Japanese inspired food. A lot of the produce is organic with an emphasis on no added gluten and diary free. The Imo Mochi Tofu Benedict is especially good!
This place is divine!
The staff is really friendly and caring, the service is super fast, good choice of music ..nice and relaxing ...not crazy overwhelming like many places in the city!
I love the atmosphere, the plants in the cafe ...
And the most important thing ..
THE FOOD IS AWESOME!
from organic super good made with love coffee to many various creative dishes, dairy free, gluten free, healthy fermented food, yummy salmon or chicken and the desserts are very yummy... Try the chocolate mousse! I love it
We were very lucky to find this gem of a Japanese eatery. Very impressed with the quality of the food and novel touches. The mochi rolls, chicken donabe hotpot and sake vegan truffle were highlights but the food was all outstanding. Arigato!
Delicious homemade style Japanese food & many vegan options!
Recommend: Vegan curry bowl.
I am usually non-vegan, but this vegan curry bowl was absolutely delicious. Caramelized onion within the curry made it that much special. Along with alot of fresh vegetables.
They take bookings, so if you are planning to group eating definitely make a booking as it gets quite full.
Beautiful environment with decorations of flowers and plants around.
Friendly staff who served us.
Highly recommend!
Sheryl Leonard-Schlitter
+5
Gorgeous food, loads of delicious gluten free, vegan options here.
The buckwheat GF waffles, both savoury (tofu & tempeh) & sweet (creme brulee) are amazing. Also the chocolate tofu mousse 🤤😋
Staff wonderful and such a lovely space to eat
Highly recommend
Spot on, brilliant food. Vegan friendly.
I consider myself more on the negative side of reviewing BUT Janken has shocked me. There is nothing to complain about. The staff were gracious and swift. The food came out quickly and was beautiful. Seasoning was on point, the staff confirmed whether or not my party was expecting vegan or fish in their food and there was no errors made on arrival.
I would recommend this place for smaller groups 2-5, price is moderate however food exceeds expectations.
Amazing. The vegan options here are out of this world. The food is delicious, the staff are friendly, the vibe is great, and I always look forward to my next visit.
It's the only restaurant I know where the menu says which drinks and wines are vegan 😭❤️. The miso is vegan too and it's phenomenal. Whether it's a casual sushi lunch or a hotpot and drinks for dinner, Janken does it all. Easy 5/5
Have been longing to come to this authentic Japanese restaurant. Brought the whole family plus 2 friends. Ordered kid menu for our children. My sushi/sashimi special was superb, soft and tasty. My wife chose the salmon teriyaki, which was amazing as well. Space is well decorated with Japanese anime stuff and heaps of Japanese sakes to try another day. Worth coming and looking forward to the next time! Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!
Very lucky to find this gem of a Japanese Cafe. Very impressed with the quality of the food.
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