‘Must visit’: Aussie’s most unexpected find in Japan

An Aussie tourist visiting Japan has uncovered an iconic eatery that is “the same” as one that closed its doors Down Under five years ago.

An Australian tourist visiting Japan has uncovered an iconic eatery that is “the same” as one that sadly closed its doors Down Under five years ago.

Don Nguyen, from Sydney, was “totally surprised” after he had finished climbing the Landmark Tower in Yokohama and came across a Sizzler.

The Sizzler chain closed permanently in Australia in November 2020 after 35 years of trading, shutting the doors of its last nine restaurants after feeling the impacts of the pandemic.

But, in its glory days the popular buffet-style venue was known for its all-you-can-eat salad bars, featuring soups, pastas, fruits and desserts. There was also a menu where people could order classic pub-style steak and chicken dishes.

And, of course, the iconic cheese toast that nobody has been able to perfectly recreate with its flavour and density.

Don Nguyen found a Sizzler in Japan. Picture: Supplied

But, little did many people know that Sizzler also opened in Japan in 1991 and, as of August 2021, still had 10 restaurants. The chain is owned by Royal Holdings Co., Ltd.

Mr Nguyen told news.com.au he decided to have dinner at the Sizzler he found “without hesitation”.

“Not many differences, the steak tasted the same, given it was labelled ‘Aussie made’, and the salad bar was mostly the same as it was back home,” he said.

“They sadly didn’t have the Malibu chicken supreme which was my favourite dish back in the day.”

He did confirm the venue had the iconic cheese bread, saying it was “so good”.

Mr Nguyen shared images of his incredible find on an Australian 90s 00s Nostalgia Facebook group, with the post clocking close to 1000 comments.

“Any excuse will do, to go to Japan for Sizzler dinner with cheese bread,” one social media user commented.

He shared images of the food. Picture: Supplied

Sizzler closed in Australia in 2020. Picture: Supplied

One added: “Went to the one in Odaiba. Felt like it tasted better/fresher in JP than in AUS tbh.”

“As if we all needed even more encouragement to add Japan to the ‘bucket list’,” one commented.

Another social media user lamented: “I do miss Sizzler when I was a kid, because I love their chips and ice cream.”

“All their western style family restaurants are awesome hahaha,” one said.

Someone else commented: “You sir, have just lived the dream.”

It was very similar to Australia, however it didn't have his favourite dish. Picture: Supplied

Mr Nguyen said he didn’t expect the post to get as much of a reaction as it did, but he did know how popular the chain was.

“Many have been begging for the chain to return to Australia and I’m with them on that,” he said.

He added that Japan was a destination he’d always wanted to go to, and Sizzler was an “absolute must”.

The brand was originally created in California in 1958 by Del and Helen Johnson, who had learned about the unusual concept of a “self service budget steak house”.

After gaining popularity and expanding its options to prawns, the chain found some diners were choosing to eat only from the buffet bar to save cash.

The first Sizzler opened in Australia in 1985, in Annerley in Brisbane — that restaurant continued trading for 31 years before ultimately closing in 2017.