Cafe Oriental - Review - Kendall - Miami - The Infatuation

"Cafe Oriental is a small (mostly) takeout Japanese restaurant in Kendall that makes really good pork katsu, onigiri, and tonkotsu ramen. There are three picnic tables outside, but both will feel like a stove if it’s hot out. So if you’re trying to eat there, come on a day that’s overcast or chilly and order a bunch of onigiri (our favorite is the spicy cod), curry croquettes, and have yourself a little ramen party—complete with fizzy Ramune to wash it all down. Whether you decide to eat here or at home, everything you order will come in a takeout container. photo credit: CLEVELAND JENNINGS / @EATTHECANVASLLC Food Rundown Onigiri Mentaiko This is our favorite onigiri of the bunch (and there are nine). The spicy-cod-to-rice ratio is even and the onigiri holds its shape well after the third bite. photo credit: CLEVELAND JENNINGS / @EATTHECANVASLLC Curry Croquette It’s about the size of your hand and if you stuck a handle in it you could use it as a ping-pong paddle. The creamy curry vegetable mixture inside makes you want to curl up in the nearest nook and listen to your moodiest playlist. You know, the one with Frank Ocean’s most heartbreaking tracks. photo credit: CLEVELAND JENNINGS / @EATTHECANVASLLC Tonkotsu Ramen Even if your eyebrows are sweating, order this. The cloudy broth is so rich, it’s like slurping liquid meat. Since you can’t see beyond the pork slivers and jammy egg, you don’t realize just how large this portion is. It also comes with a tiny packet of spice. Don’t be scared of it. It just gives this hot bowl a good kick. photo credit: CLEVELAND JENNINGS / @EATTHECANVASLLC Pork Katsu It’s objectively good and pretty straightforward. The strips of pork are crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Don’t be afraid to ask for extra katsu sauce for some extra tang. photo credit: CLEVELAND JENNINGS / @EATTHECANVASLLC" - Mariana Trabanino