Despite it being a lot further out of the way since moving out from my parents’ place, I still make the trek out to Derrimut Gym in Caroline Springs at least once a week. Or rather, did… back in those pre-iso days. These treks doubled as a two for one - a sweat sesh plus some quality time spent with my parents and siblings. I’d often have a tasty home-cooked meal waiting for me by the time class finished. But that didn’t stop me from eyeing off Kimasu when they opened up across the road from Derrimut. I love my poke bowls, and as I discovered on a few occasions when I caved to temptation, the light and fresh flavours of a tuna+salmon sashimi bowl makes for a superb, tasty post-gym feed.

Following the closure of dine-in services during the state’s stage three covid restrictions, Kimasu have remained open for pick up and delivery to select Western suburbs. While Footscray wasn’t on this list, I tried my luck and was able to get delivery out my way for $13, and made sure to order extras to sort out some extra meals and fuel those cravings. And support local. In addition to my regular order of the Aloha salmon+tuna poke bowl, I couldn’t NOT order the seared sashimi bowl (a special) which was just screaming my name, while the hubby tried the spicy shoyu ahi (also a special) and a chicken katsu sando.

Chicken katsu sando.

This is a dish that has been gathering quite a bit of traction in Melbourne over the past year, popping up on the menu of eateries left, right and centre. Fans of the chicken katsu sando will not be disappointed with Kimasu’s - juicy, succulent chicken in a crispy coat, balanced out perfectly with drizzle of mayo and some fresh crunch from the coleslaw. Winner, winner, chicken dinner.

Seared sashimi bowl - with layers of salmon seared on top of rice, tobiko, mayo and seasoning.

What can I say other than this was love at first bite, and I have my fingers and toes crossed that this will land on their permanent menu. It’s either that, or I’m going to fast track buying myself a blow torch for home… Silky, lusciously rich pieces of salmon adorned with a beautiful char. The lashings of mayo further amplified the rich mouthfeel, while the salad leaves and juicy bursts of tobiko provided some balance in texture and taste.

Aloha salmon+tuna poke bowl - with light soya sauce, cucumbers, radish, spring onions, red onions, fried shallot, light chilli, seaweed salad and edamame beans.

This one has long been a favourite of mine, although the newly landed seared salmon bowl certainly gives this one a run for its money. It’s a classic and light flavour combination that really highlights the freshness and natural flavours of the salmon and tuna. Everything you’d want in a poke bowl.

Spicy shoyu ahi (tuna) - tuna sashimi marinated with special fish (dashi) soy sauce, chilli, red onions, spring onions & yuzu citrus.

I tried a bite of this, and must admit that of the three bowls, this one was my least favourite. The spice and saltiness was somewhat heavy handed and overshadowed the tuna.

Kimasu remains open for pick up and delivery to select Western suburbs during the state’s stage three covid restrictions. Check their Facebook and Instagram for opening hours and more information.

Kimasu

4/1042 Western Hwy,

Caroline Springs, Victoria, 3023.

+61 412 347 929