Sushi Nova (Ballarat)
Unit 8/1-3 Eastwood St, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
03 4343 1983
Uncategorized
$
Food
- Spicy Mayo Karaage Chicken Don
- Spicy Mayo Karaage Chicken Don
The Good
Nothing.
The Mediocre
Spicy Mayo Karaage Chicken Don was the relative “winner” of the meal, purely because the chicken hadn’t been completely obliterated in the fryer, though several pieces were still frustratingly chewy. However it featured a batter that just didn’t feel right and lacked that signature crisp, craggy texture that defines a good karaage, landing somewhere in the territory of “damp breading.”
The Bad
Chicken Katsu Curry Don was a massive disappointment. The chicken was severely over-fried to the point of being dry, stringy, and genuinely difficult to chew. Paired with a curry sauce that tasted suspiciously like a standard, low-effort packet mix, offering zero depth or house-made personality. Itย felt like a chore to finish rather than a treat, which is a cardinal sin for a dish that should be pure soul food.
The Verdict
How do you even mess up fried chicken? Itโs the bread and butter of casual Japanese dining, yet Sushi Nova managed to turn a simple comfort staple into a jaw workout.
When the “better” of the two dishes is still described as “chewy,” you know you’re in trouble. Unless youโre looking to test the strength of your molars, Iโd suggest looking elsewhere for your katsu fix in Ballarat.
Would Penguin Eat Again?
No.