Oiden

Located on George Street between the city's Chinatown and the well-knowned Events Cinema, tucks a small Japanese eating spot, called "Oiden". While in Sydney, I was a regular at the place because of two things: the price and the taste.

I lived in Japan for six years, so my experience with Japanese food is quite right-on. At oiden, you could pay around $3-4 for a small bowl of rice with various toppings, or for $7-9, a larger porition of all things delicious. 

My pick of the bunch - and what I ordered every single visit, no exception - in this bad boy. Grilled chicken on top, drizzled with house terriyaki-like sauce, onsen tamago (that's Japanese medium-poached egg), spring onions, and of course, mandatory for me but a choice for others, loads and loads of tempura crumbs. 

To go with the food, there are sides such as potato salad, wakame seaweed salad, various pickled veggies, miso soup, deep-fried and panko-crumbed chicken, pork, fish, potato croquette.. the list goes and go but it's best you check it out with your own eyes!

Other than the great food, there is also a selection of Japanese drinks, like green tea, calpis water, bottled tea, etc. 

The atmosphere is also second to none; as you walk in, the Japanese team members welcome you in Japanese - that's a clear sign that the place is gonna be good! The seats may be a bit hard to find during peak hours of lunch and dinner, ohh, and be informed, you pay a bit more if you want to take away your food.. with the world being eco-friendly and all these days! Otherwise, I'm sure you will not regret sparing a meal at Oiden, since you'll most likely find time to go back again!

TIPS:

1. Oiden belongs to a bigger chain of a Japanese restauranting brand in Sydney. They have sister-properties that offer other unique areas of Japanese cuisine: next door (udon), opposite (hot dog, katsudon, curries, fried-food), and Menya in Chinatown which I personally feel offers the best ramen in Sydney (8/8 Quay St, Haymarket NSW 2000, Australia). 

2. Oiden's website: http://www.oiden.com.au/

3. Go in with an empty, stomach, you won't be disppointed! Enjoy!