Zen Japanese restaurant opens at Buderim, Sunshine Coast

An authentic Japanese restaurant has opened on the Sunshine Coast, offering locals a taste of traditional cuisine along with westernised favourites for those not so fond of raw fish.

Owner Nori Hatakeyama has open a new Japanese restaurant Zen in Buderim. Pictured with head chef Natsumi. Patrick Woods.

An authentic Japanese restaurant has opened on the Sunshine Coast, offering locals a taste of traditional cuisine along with westernised favourites for those not so fond of raw fish.

Owner Nori Hatakeyama, 33, and head chef Natsumi, 42, opened Zen Japanese with a vision of offering residents authentic Japanese dishes crafted with care in Buderim, their hometown.

It was a culinary dream in the making for more than six years.

Natsumi and Nori met on the Sunshine Coast when they were working at a since closed Asian-fusion restaurant at Bli Bli.

That’s when the pair discovered a shared vision of crafting exceptional, tradition Japanese cuisine.

Natsumi has more than 20 years experience working as a chef and was born and raised in Japan.

Inside Zen in Buderim. Picture: Patrick Woods.

She has lived in Australia for nearly 20 years, and on the Sunshine Coast for six years.

Nori moved to Australia about 13 years ago from North Japan and fell in love with the country folk and their kind hearted natures, he said.

“I was dreaming to open my own restaurant and was looking for the perfect place,” Nori said.

“I wanted somewhere in Buderim and this spot became available.”

The pair worked tirelessly on the menu together - wanting to provide authentic food but still have westernised options for everyone.

“The food is fresh and authentic,” Nori said.

“Lots of raw and fresh seafood.

Raw and fresh seafod is a major part of the menu. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“We try not to use too many sauces or flavours.”

Natsumi said she put a lot of her passion for cooking into the menu.

“It’s mainly sushi and raw dishes,” she said.

“But we also have options for vegetarians, vegans, and hot food for Australians who don’t love sushi or raw fish.

“But we still try to use traditional Japanese flavours.

“Then our dinner menu is different again and more Teppanyaki style.”

Her current favourite on the menu is the cooked salmon miso parcel - which she said was a very traditional dish from her hometown.

“Not many restaurants offer it,” Natsumi said.

There’s something for everyone on the menu. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“The salmon is cooked so it's not as fishy but it’s nice when colder and still very traditional.”

Nori said his favourite item on the menu was the carpaccio with yuzu sauce - because he loved the fresh seafood.

The pair said they’ve been booked out most Fridays and over the weekends for their first month of business.

Nori said he was incredibly grateful and was excited for what was to come.

“We appreciate your patience and we’re truly grateful for the kind words and support we have received from so many of you,” he said.

Originally published as Zen Japanese restaurant opens at Buderim, Sunshine Coast