Manekineko, Rio de Janeiro

There is certainly no shortage of Japanese restaurants in Rio de Janeiro, and each needs to have its unique selling point if it is to survive in a crowded market. Manekineko's advantage is that it changes its entire menu every three months, ensuring the best use of seasonal ingredients, as well as making sure that diners never grow tired of the food here. Also, the Japanese dishes at Manekineko have been given a little brush of Brazilian influence, with native ingredients such as aipim (a root vegetable similar to potato) making an appearance alongside the more traditional salmon, tuna, seasoned rice and seaweed. The restaurant has also developed its own take on the California Roll, Laos Rolls, which combine tartar sauce, salmon and a chilli pepper jam to surprisingly tasty effect. - Lucy Bryson

Write a Review