Festivals

In the BTC City shopping center, at Italijanska ulica 7, there is a small but culinary powerhouse of Japanese food , known as Matsuri. This establishment, run by Japanese chef Taiki Otsuka, has quickly established itself as one of the most highly regarded spots for lovers of authentic flavors of the Land of the Rising Sun, as confirmed by the extremely high average rating of 4.9, given to it by numerous satisfied guests. Matsuri is not a classic restaurant in terms of space and ambiance, but rather a kiosk that focuses exclusively on the quality and authenticity of food, creating a unique culinary experience .

Emphasis on authentic Japanese street food

Matsuri specializes in preparing dishes found on Japanese streets and festivals. The menu is not adapted to local tastes, but remains faithful to the original recipes, which is appreciated by both Slovenians and Japanese living in Slovenia. The central star of their menu is undoubtedly takoyaki , a specialty from Osaka. These are fried dough balls filled with pieces of octopus, ginger and spring onions, served with various sauces and thin slices of dried bonito fish, which slightly "dance" due to the heat of the dish. This dish has become synonymous with Matsuri and is the reason why many guests return regularly.

In addition to takoyaki, the catering offer is extremely diverse and includes a wide range of other popular Japanese dishes. Among them, the following stand out:

• Rice Bowls (Donburi): They offer different variations such as Katsudon (rice bowl with crispy fried pork or chicken steak in egg sauce), Oyakodon (with chicken in egg sauce), Butadon (with thinly sliced pork in a special sauce) and the popular Karaage bento (with fried marinated chicken).
• Noodle dishes: Among the most sought-after are Yakisoba , fried noodles with cabbage and bacon, and Curry Udon .
• Fried specialties: In addition to the aforementioned Karaage chicken, which is a twice-fried marinated chicken thigh, they also offer Okonomiyaki , a savory Japanese pancake.
• Curry: Their Katsu Curry , a Japanese curry with fried steak, is considered one of the most filling and delicious dishes on the menu.
• Soups and drinks: Traditional Sumashijiru soup is available to warm you up, and the offer is rounded out by Kirin Ichiban Japanese beer, sake, and various unsweetened Japanese teas.

What guests say: Benefits that convince

Almost all visitors agree on the exceptional quality and freshness of the food. The head chef prepares all dishes on the spot, to order, ensuring that the food is freshly prepared and full of flavors. Many emphasize that the flavors are truly authentic, which is also confirmed by those who have lived in Japan and describe Matsuri as a "hidden gem" that reminds them of home cooking. According to guests, the portions are generous, often large enough to feed two people from one, offering excellent value for money.

The friendliness of the staff is another point that guests often highlight. Despite the fact that the chef mostly works alone and the work can be tiring, the service is fast and efficient. This combination of great food and friendly attitude is key to the extremely high rating and customer loyalty. And the options for personal pickup, delivery and on-site dining ensure that everyone can enjoy their delicacies, regardless of their circumstances.

Reality of the ambience: The only drawback

Despite all the praise, there is one aspect that some guests mention as less positive – the ambiance. Matsuri operates as a kiosk or small stand in the BTC market, opposite one of the entrances to Eurospin. Seating is limited to a few bar stools in front of the kiosk and a few simple tables in the back. Therefore, it is important for potential visitors to know that this is not the place for a romantic dinner or a formal business lunch . As one guest wrote: “Come for the food, not the atmosphere.” But this shortcoming is also part of its charm – it is an unpretentious experience, where all the attention is focused on the plate. The location, which is slightly removed from the main group of street food providers, can also mean that it is overlooked.

For whom is Matsuri the right choice?

Matsuri is an ideal choice for anyone looking for authentic, delicious and freshly prepared Asian food in Ljubljana. If you are a fan of Japanese specialties such as takoyaki or katsudon and value the quality of ingredients more than a stylish interior, you will definitely enjoy it here. Due to the fast preparation and location in BTC, it is a great stop for a quick and quality lunch in Ljubljana during shopping or a work break. Although some reviews complained about the texture of the dishes, the vast majority of experiences confirm that Matsuri offers one of the best and most authentic Japanese culinary experiences in Slovenia, where every bite is worth a visit.