Satoya Japanese: Authentic Japanese takeaway delights foodies in Townsville CBD

Sitting in the heart of Townsville City, among rows of corporate buildings is a takeaway shop that offers hungry, busy workers a genuine, authentic Japanese food experience ‘to go’.

Satoya Japanese, Hiroko Watanabe and Satoshi Watanabe. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Sitting in the heart of Townsville City, among rows of corporate buildings is a takeaway shop that offers hungry, busy workers a genuine, authentic Japanese food experience ‘to go’.

It’s been almost two years since Satoshi and Hiroko Watanabe opened the doors to Satoya Japanese on Sturt Street, following a delay due to Covid-19.

Satoshi, a former chef at Gyo Japanese restaurant had dreams of opening his own business with wife Hiroko and despite being experienced in all cuisines, wanted to bring a genuine Asian experience to Townsville.

Hiroko said since its origin, the takeaway store had exceeded their expectations with reoccurring customers in the bustling city who have taken a liking to the Karaage rice bowl in particular.

“Some customers buy it every day,” she said.

“They’ve said ‘It’s so addictive, it’s so nice’.

Satoya Japanese

“I have regular customers, I remember their names and orders. If someone learns my name and says ‘Hi Hiroko’ it makes me so happy, so I always ask their name and ask how their dish was last time.”

The mother and business owner said recommending new foods to customers was one of her favourite parts of running the business.

“I love talking to customers about Japanese food,” she said.

She said for those who have never tried authentic Japanese food, they will begin with more mainstream dishes and she helps them decide what to taste test next.

“With our sushi for example, chicken teriyaki and avocado is the most popular but when we go back to Japan it’s not,” she said.

Satoya Japanese

“For most people who have never tried Japanese food the (chicken teriyaki roll) is easier to try.”

“We want all customers to enjoy our food knowing the traditional way, but we don’t want to push traditional on people, it gives them the option.”

Hiroko said it is her husband’s goal to one day open a Japanese restaurant so he can provide North Queenslanders with a sit-down style experience and display his authentic dishes on a plate.

“He is a very good chef,” she said.

“He wants to serve with a plate, his presentation of food is so fantastic that’s another dream.”

The business is open for lunch between 11:30am to 2pm and for dinner between 5pm and 8pm.

Originally published as Satoya Japanese: Authentic Japanese takeaway delights foodies in Townsville CBD