At Neko Darlinghurst, we believe that great sushi is a perfect harmony of tradition, innovation, and passion. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain to share some of our closely guarded secrets. Join us on a journey into the heart of our sushi kitchen, where we’ll reveal the artistry behind our most beloved rolls.
The Foundation: Perfect Sushi Rice
“The soul of great sushi lies in its rice,” says our head sushi chef, Master Tanaka. Here’s our secret recipe:
ingredients:
- 2 cups premium short-grain Japanese rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Method:
- Fan the rice to cool it quickly, giving it a glossy finish.
- Rinse rice until water runs clear.
- Cook rice in a rice cooker or on stovetop.
- Mix vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves.
- Spread cooked rice in a large wooden bowl. Sprinkle vinegar mixture over rice while gently folding.



The Star: Neko Darlinghurst Signature Roll
Our signature roll combines traditional elements with a unique Neko twist. Here’s how to recreate it at home:
Ingredients:
- Unagi sauce
- Sushi-grade tuna and salmon
- Ripe avocado
- Cucumber
- Tempura flakes
- Nori (seaweed sheets)
- Spicy mayo (recipe below)
Method
- Lay a sheet of nori on your bamboo mat.
- Spread a thin layer of sushi rice, leaving a 1-inch strip at the top.
- Flip the nori so the rice faces down on the mat.
- Layer thin slices of tuna, salmon, avocado, and cucumber across the center.
- Roll tightly, using the mat to guide you.
- Sprinkle tempura flakes over the roll.
- Slice into 8 pieces.
- Drizzle with spicy mayo and unagi sauce.
The sushi-making class at Neko Darlinghurst was incredible! Master Tanaka and his team are not just skilled chefs, but amazing teachers. Learning to make their Signature Roll was a highlight. They were so generous with their knowledge, and it’s given me a whole new appreciation for sushi-making. Now, I host sushi nights for my friends! If you love sushi, this experience is a must. It’s about understanding the craft, not just learning recipes. Thank you, Neko Darlinghurst!
-Sarah L
Spicy Mayo Recipe:
- 1/2 cup Japanese mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil Mix all ingredients until smooth.
The Vegetarian Delight: Neko Garden Roll
“We believe everyone should enjoy great sushi,” says our vegetarian specialist, Chef Yuki. Here’s our most popular veggie roll:

Ingredients:
- Tempura-fried sweet potato
- Cream cheese
- Asparagus
- Kanpyo (dried gourd strips)
- Avocado
- Cucumber
Method:
- Prepare sushi rice and nori as before.
- Layer sweet potato tempura, cream cheese, asparagus, and kanpyo.
- Roll tightly and slice.
- Top each piece with alternating slices of avocado and cucumber.
The Finishing Touch: Neko’s Secret Soy Dipping Sauce
Elevate your sushi experience with our unique dipping sauce:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 1 tablespoon sake
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 minced garlic clove
- A pinch of bonito flakes
Method: Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes, then strain. Allow to cool before serving.
Master Chef’s Tips:
- “Always use the freshest ingredients available,” advises Master Tanaka.
- “Don’t overwork the rice – gentle folding is key,” says Chef Yuki.
- “Sharpen your knife before every sushi-making session,” reminds our knife expert, Chef Hiro.
Bringing the Neko Experience Home
We hope these recipes and tips help you bring a taste of Neko Darlinghurst to your own kitchen. Remember, sushi-making is an art form that improves with practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect – even our master chefs spent years honing their craft.
Of course, if you’d prefer to leave it to the experts, we’d be honored to serve you at Neko Darlinghurst. Our chefs are always innovating, so you might discover a new favorite roll on your next visit!
Ready to roll? Grab your bamboo mat and start your sushi adventure today!