Nestling on rue Jourdan, a stone’s throw from avenue Louise, Nami is more than just a Japanese handroll bar. Carefully designed, this establishment combines the elegance of a classic restaurant with the convivial atmosphere of a Japanese izakaya. Behind this innovative concept is Lara Dratwa, famous for having founded the Poké House brand.
The handroll: a Japanese tradition reinvented
Japanese handrolls, derived from temaki, have recently made their way to Brussels. Unlike traditional sushi, it is eaten with the hands, and takes the form of a cylinder of nori filled with fish tartare and vinegared rice. At Nami, this dish is served in the pure tradition of Japanese handroll bars. Here, guests sit around a central kitchen to enjoy a unique interactive experience.
To adapt this Japanese specialty to the Belgian palate, Nami teamed up with chef Mathieu Vande Velde, of the prestigious Michelin-starred restaurant Le Roannay and former Top Chef contestant. Together, they created a diversified menu. It includes 14 varieties of handroll, from traditional Wagyu to delicate flamed salmon, as well as vegetarian options such as shiitake and tamagoyaki.
An Interactive Culinary Experience
At Nami, the experience is not limited to tasting: customers are invited to compose their menu by filling in special sheets, which they hand directly to the chefs. This playful approach reinforces the interaction between guests and chefs. What’s more, it makes every meal as memorable as it is tasty!
To complete the experience, Nami offers a selection of authentic accompaniments. For example, sashimi, miso soup, crispy chicken and shrimp tempura. Each handroll is also served with a unique sauce, specially developed to enhance its subtle flavors.
📍 Address: Rue Jourdan 1, 1060 Brussels