In its essence, Oribu is a portal to a culinary dreamscape, where every dish whispers stories of the season, of heritage, and of reinvention.
Nestled in the heart of Parramatta’s historic Heritage Precinct, Oribu opens its doors to a dining experience where Japanese flavors are reimagined under the artistic alchemy of three masterful chefs: Jay Lee, Jaybert Teves, and Bryan Paul Nery.
Their latest seasonal menu, Natsu no Yume (Summer Dream), isn’t merely a collection of dishes; it’s an unfolding symphony, a refreshing and unpredictable dance of flavors as fleeting and vibrant as the summer rain.
The Culinary Trio: A Harmonized Haiku of Flavor
Imagine a single canvas, painted by three different artists, each bringing their own strokes and shades. That’s what Oribu offers in its kitchen, where Jay, Jaybert, and Bryan harmonize their unique culinary philosophies in the way lines of a haiku balance each other—each a melody of its own, together creating something unforgettable.
Jaybert Teves is the poet of the sea, summoning the essence of summer into every sashimi plate. His dishes are gentle whispers from the ocean itself, like cherry blossoms afloat on a serene pond. His watermelon-cured snapper and mango-dressed tuna aren’t just sashimi; they’re memories of summer distilled into moments, as fleeting and beautiful as fireflies lighting up a warm night.
Jay Lee, on the other hand, is the philosopher of fire. His hot dishes are bold brushstrokes on a quiet canvas, an intensity that lingers like the sunset on the horizon. His lobster tail with charred lemon and miso beurre blanc is a love letter to umami, with the miso’s depth folding into the lobster’s sweetness as effortlessly as waves lapping against the shore.
Bryan Paul Nery, the trickster in the trio, brings a Southeast Asian twist to the table. Like a mischievous fox darting through a bamboo forest, Bryan’s flavors add a playful unpredictability, reimagining Japanese traditions with creativity and finesse. His tempura prawn tacos are unexpected delights, while his spicy tuna maki reveals layers of flavor as joyful as a spring breeze after winter’s cold.
Together, this culinary trio creates a menu that feels like an epic poem, with each dish a stanza, each bite a carefully chosen word.
The Oribu Tasting Menu: A Pilgrimage of Flavor
Dining at Oribu is more than a meal; it’s a journey, an immersive path where flavors unfold like the pages of an ancient story.
Oribu’s tasting menus are two diverging paths, both promising adventure. The Signature Tasting takes you along a scenic route through refined Japanese flavors, each dish as meticulously arranged as stones in a Zen garden.
The Japanese Artistry Tasting is the summit trail—a decadent trek for those seeking luxury, with moments like Oscietra Black Caviar-topped oysters and a choice between Hida A5 Wagyu or lobster tail as the main dish.
Whichever path you choose, the journey becomes a mosaic of flavors, resonating long after the last bite.
The Signature Journey: An Artful Culinary Adventure
Choosing The Signature Journey tasting menu is like slipping into a cool, crystalline lake—refreshing, soothing, yet awakening each sense to new possibilities with every course.
Entrees: A Prelude of Elegance
The journey begins like the soft notes of an overture, each dish a gentle promise of the wonders ahead.
Royal Miyagi Oysters - Smooth, briny, and delicate, these oysters are like a taste of the ocean's pure beauty, as vast and mysterious as the sea itself.
Mini Sashimi - Jaybert’s delicate cuts of fish gleam like jewels on porcelain, each piece a tender story of the sea’s bounty.
Hiramasa Kingfish Carpaccio - Citrusy and bright, this carpaccio feels like a splash of sunlight on a misty morning, illuminating the fish’s natural richness.
Oribu Ceviche - This ceviche is a lively tango between Latin American zest and Japanese finesse, bringing a spirited twist to the course.
Signature Crispy Rice Quartet - Crunchy and savory, these bites pulse with the heartbeat of the restaurant, where flavor and texture dance in perfect sync.
Lotus Chips & Popcorn Prawn - Crisp and airy, these bites are like the satisfying crunch of autumn leaves, each one a celebration of texture.
Mains: The Soul of the Experience
The main course offers a moment of choice, a branching path on the journey, where each dish brings new depth.
Angus Tenderloin Brochettes - Grilled to tender perfection, the smokiness wraps around each bite like twilight shadows, warm and rich.
Glacier 51 Cured Sweet Miso - This toothfish, sweet and velvety, melts on the tongue, its flavors building in a slow, graceful crescendo to a lingering, soulful finish.
Sides: Nature’s Flourish
Each side dish, be it Charred Sweet Corn, Grilled Asparagus, Pan-Fried Broccolini, or Crispy Eggplant, like a supporting cast, adds dimension and depth to the main performance.
Each vegetable brings out its essence—earthy, bright, crisp—like nature itself, reminding us of the season’s bounty.
Desserts: A Sweet Farewell
The final course is a bittersweet parting, a reminder of the journey’s beauty, leaving you with a lingering sense of wonder.
Oribu Panna Cotta - Silky and soft, this panna cotta is like a gentle whisper, a closing note that lingers sweetly on the palate.
Matcha & Red Bean Parfait - An homage to Japan’s beloved matcha, the parfait is as refreshing as an afternoon tea, grounding you in a moment of serenity.
Apple Crumble Cheesecake - Familiar and warm, this cheesecake is a final embrace, a cozy farewell as comforting as a fireside on a winter’s evening.
À La Carte: A Symphony of Singular Notes
For those who prefer to meander, Oribu’s à la carte menu offers a selection of dishes, each a standalone masterpiece. From the fiery burst of Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice to the delicate richness of King Crab Caviar Spoon, each dish carries the precision of a haiku and the vibrant touch of a watercolor painting.
In its newest chapter, Oribu is more than just a dining destination; it’s a gallery where flavor, texture, and aroma converge to create a feast for the senses. Natsu no Yume isn’t simply a menu; it’s a vision brought to life, a seamless blend of Japanese tradition and Australian innovation. It’s a summer dream in every sense, capturing the beauty of fleeting moments and inviting us to savor each one.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of AW & Oribu.