The Byron Shire is spoilt for choice when it comes to good food.
Thanks to the bounty of fresh local produce grown by local farmers and a host of talented foodies and chefs, locals and visitors enjoy food that’s right up there with some of the best in the world in terms of freshness, quality and flavour.
Doma Cafe at Federal is a prime example of what happens when you take some highly talented international chefs and mix it with some of the region’s vibrant local produce.
The New York Times recently gave Doma a glowing online review, describing it as “an exemplar of the great Australian cafe — international in its scope, wonderfully casual, but blessed with quality and creativity worthy of fine dining.”
Many do not realise it, but Doma’s beginnings were at a stall at the Mullumbimby Farmers Market. The Japanese Kitchen was where former Byron Bay O-Sushi chefs Takayuki Kuramoto and Takashi Yaghucho took a chance on creating something for themselves, and encouraged by the popularity of their stall, went on to open Doma.
Although Doma has since become a busy and hugely successful cafe, Takayuki has ensured The Japanese Kitchen Mullumbimby Farmers Market stall has continued, as he says he wants to respect the place where it all began.
The Japanese Kitchen is still going strong at the market and continuing to make the temaki sushi cones that started it all, combining market fresh produce with Japanese flavours and flair.
Based on biodynamic brown rice, the breakfast sushi cones are filled with combinations that aren’t exactly your standard sushi fare, but somehow they all work perfectly. There’s sautéed mushroom and black olives; local pumpkin and sweet potato tempura; local organic free range eggs omelette; roasted organic pumpkin and Nimbin Valley Goats Cheese; and the haloumi cheese tempura – along with some more familiar fillings like salmon sashimi and salmon tempura.
Many of the menu choices are gluten free and vegetarian, and in winter, there is an incredible hearty country style miso soup.
• Find The Japanese Kitchen at the Mullumbimby Farmers Market every Friday.
