NYC Gets Its First Tempura-Focused Restaurant

Christine Gallary
Christine GallarySenior Recipe Editor at The Kitchn
After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, I worked at Cook's Illustrated and CHOW's test kitchens. I've edited and tested recipes for more than 15 years, including developing recipes for the James Beard-award winning Mister Jiu's in Chinatown cookbook. My favorite taste testers are my husband, Hayden, and daughter, Sophie.
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published Jul 13, 2015
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I used to think tempura was just an obligatory menu item for Japanese restaurants here in the U.S., sitting alongside chicken teriyaki and miso soup. Then friends took me out to a dedicated tempura restaurant in Tokyo, and the experience blew me away.

Tempura there was elevated to an art form. We sat and watched as the chef carefully fried each piece of food to order; the whole experience turned tempura into a delicious multi-course meal.

Those living in or visiting New York City will now be able to try this dedicated approach to tempura with the opening of Tempura Mitsui. A 65-year old tempura master is helming the fryer. Check it out if you want to experience true, authentic tempura! I know it’s on my list for the next time I’m in NYC.

→ Read more: With Tempura Matsui, Fine Tempura Dining Arrives in New York from The New York Times