Wasai Japanese Kitchen & Chinatown | Adelaide | Review

Authentic Japanese flavours, family-friendly vibes, and a post-dinner wander through Chinatown made for the perfect Adelaide evening.

Review by Carla Caruso

They had us at “simple, fresh, authentic Japanese food”.

When it comes to eating out, our family of four can always agree on Japanese favourites like sushi and karaage chicken. So, when we were searching for a spot for a casual birthday dinner, one name kept popping up: Wasai Japanese Kitchen.

Tucked away on Field Street, just off Gouger Street and steps from the Adelaide Central Market, Wasai has long been an Adelaide favourite – proudly family owned and operated since 2007. Recently renovated, the restaurant is known for its fresh flavours, quick service, and value for money.

Owner and chef Tsuyoshi Yumita brings more than 25 years of experience to the kitchen, and it shows in every dish.

The menu is extensive, from sushi and tempura to udon, hotpots, and daily chef’s specials. We settled into a cosy booth (a score in itself!) and were instantly impressed by the welcoming service and relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

What we shared:

• Aburi sushi set – flame-seared nigiri and rolls with fried leek, onion, house-made tartare, mayo, and sweet soy. One of my sons declared it the best sushi he’s ever had!
• Karaage chicken – marinated in ginger and garlic, perfectly crispy, served with lettuce, onion, and ponzu. Absolutely divine.
• Chicken katsu curry – our first ever (how had we waited this long?). With cabbage, radish, and rice, it instantly converted us into fans.
• Nasu Dengaku – deep-fried eggplant with miso, spring onion, and sesame. Heaven on a plate.
• OG soba salad – a Wasai classic since 2007, featuring buckwheat noodles, baby spinach, avocado, tomato, red onion, and soy dressing.

All up, the feast came to just over $100 (August 2025), offering generous portions and plenty to take home.

What’s on our list for next time? The tofu donuts and coffee jelly for dessert, pork shabu-shabu salad, agedashi tofu, and (of course) more sushi. Wasai also offers banquet options designed for groups of four, as well as takeaway.

Following dinner, we took a wander through nearby Chinatown, with its main hub on Moonta Street, indulging in:

• A Biscoff waffle from Eggette, a Hong Kong–inspired hole-in-the-wall dessert spot
• A round at the Million-Life arcade, and
• A TikTok trend we couldn’t resist: Tanghulu (Chinese candied fruit) from a street vendor.

It was the perfect end to a relaxed evening. For a few hours, it felt like we were on holiday interstate – a reminder of the treasures waiting in our own backyard.

What we like about Wasai

• Tasty food, speedy service, and value for money
• Relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere
• Proximity to Chinatown and Adelaide Central Market

Things to consider

• You may have to pay for parking if you can’t find a street park near the city eatery.
• If you’re not great with chopsticks (like me), don’t be shy about asking for cutlery.

Coffee and food options nearby

• There are plenty of after-dinner options along nearby Gouger Street (or enjoy dessert and drinks at Wasai). 

Location:

Wasai Japanese Kitchen is located at 9–15 Field Street, Adelaide.  You can check their menu, opening hours and book a table via their website.

Find Wasai on Instagram and Facebook. 

See our Top Parks & Playgrounds Around Adelaide

For more information and all enquiries, please visit the Wasai Japanese Kitchen website.

All photos by James Elsby for Play & Go Adelaide 

At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.

As per all our Play & Go reviews, this is not a sponsored post and our review is done completely independently. All photos are by Play & Go (unless specified).

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