Shalom Japan: fusing flavors and cultures
Julian Rocha/The Hofstra Chronicle
Located deep in the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is Shalom Japan. Rather unassuming from the outside, without a prominent sign or detailed features, when my friends and I first went to the restaurant, we nearly walked past it. However, as with many establishments in such a dense area, first impressions can be deceiving.
I first learned about Shalom Japan from a travel page on Instagram, which will usually show egregious stunt foods and places with very unreasonable prices. To my surprise, Shalom Japan was neither of these, so my friends and I jumped upon the opportunity to visit it.
When we stepped through the door, the environment was very serene, with dim lighting and soft music – perfect for a date night. After a long afternoon of bouncing from one bookstore to another, my friends and I were promptly greeted.
To start off, my friends and I split the sake kasu challah, and as a self-proclaimed bread snob, I was thoroughly impressed. Served with raisin butter, the pairing was savory yet sweet, and more than enough to hold us off until our entrees arrived.
Looking around the restaurant, the most common dish on the table was the matzah ball ramen. Conveniently, this was also the dish which first piqued my interest on Instagram. Combining staples of Jewish and Japanese cuisine, I had high hopes for this dish, and I definitely was not let down.
The best part about eating at such a small establishment is that each dish is prepared with such care that it is almost homemade. The chicken broth was warm and hearty, with a rich color and smooth texture. As far as the noodles themselves, they were plentiful and soaked up the flavor of the broth. Sprinkled on top were scallions and seaweed, adding complex texture to an otherwise very soft dish.
Up until visiting Shalom Japan, I had never eaten a matzah ball before, so I am not going to pretend to be a qualified judge. However, it certainly brought the dish over the top, as it added yet another layer to an already complex dish.
As hungry as I was, my meal was certainly filling enough. Although $19 is a bit more than I would typically spend on a dinner, the experience certainly made up for the price. The customer service was impeccable; although the employees were not breathing down our necks, they were very responsive and timely with the food.
Next time I go, I will be sure to try something new. With items such as lox rice bowls, wagyu pastrami and wagyu hot pot, I am excited to taste all that the restaurant has to offer.
Shalom Japan is a must-visit for anyone in search of a sophisticated fusion cuisine experience. With a calm environment, satisfying food and excellent service, this is an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Shalom Japan can be found at 310 S 4th St in Brooklyn, NY.
