Huge news: Chef Hashi from Jun finds a new home at Hayashi

About once a week (and normally just before lunch), someone in the Perth is OK! will remark, their voice overcome with sadness: “Remember Jun? Remember that karaage?”

The closure of the Perth institution (and our frequent lunchtime spot) was perhaps our most devastating hospitality loss in years – there was just so much to love about the underground izakaya hidden down a slightly dodgy CBD laneway, where the karaage was always crispy and the Asahi always ice-cold.

While we’ll always have a soft spot in our hearts for Jun, we were positively thrilled to discover that Chef Tadashi Hashiguchi (or Chef Hashi, as he’s known) has found a new home at Applecross neighbourhood Japanese joint, Hayashi.

In keeping with the izakaya vibes, the menu has plenty in the way of snacky bites – like golden gyoza or takoyaki, fried skewers of savoury omelette, onigiri stuffed with flaked salmon or homemade jikasei korokke (homemade chicken and potato croquets): one of Chef Hashi’s signature bites… Not to mention, of course, that crowd-favourite chicken karaage!

Fancy something fresh? A selection of sashimi moriawase makes a stunning centrepiece for sharing.

For more substantial plates, expect to see offerings like classic teriyaki or comforting bowls of soba – and speaking of comforting… What beats a warm bowl of salmon chazuke on a cold night?

And while dinners looks stunning, we’re planning our next WFH days around their lunch sets, which come with rice, miso soup, salad and pickles (although we’re eyeing off the Japanese-style potato salad as an extra side…).

“I have always been passionate about bringing traditional, quality Japanese food to Australia, ever since I first arrived,” said Chef Hashi.

“I am pleased to have joined the team at Hayashi and look forward to providing an opportunity for people to experience a taste of Japanese culture when they visit us.”

Hayashi is located at 2/15 Ogilvie Road, Applecross.