Sokyo’s Chase Kojima opens Gojima

Legendary Japanese chef, Chase Kojima of Sokyo in Sydney and Kiyomi on the Gold Coast, will open his much-anticipated casual restaurant, Gojima, in Sydney tomorrow.

Opening daily for lunch and dinner in the space opposite Momofuku Seiōbo at The Star Sydney, Gojima offers a contemporary taste of Japan with a unique range of premium Japanese rice burgers, sides and desserts available for dine-in or takeaway.

The menu features nine rice burgers made with Gojima’s signature Japanese sushi rice and nori bun, as well as tempting sides including Japanese-style southern fried chicken served with Gojima special sauce.

Remixing the classic hamburger, the Gojima Cheeseburger features a combination of 100% all natural Angus Beef, American cheese, tomato, Japanese pickles, onion, lettuce and Gojima special sauce. Other varieties include sustainably sourced Tasmanian salmon, yellowfin tuna, Hiramasa Kingfish, crispy chicken and crispy mushroom katsu.

The menu also features inviting frozen custards and thickshakes, including chocolate miso, green tea and strawberries and cream. The deluxe food selection is complemented by beverages including, Asahi on tap, saké, local and international bottled beer, Australian wine, and soft drinks.

Gojima is the first permanent casual dining restaurant venture for 34-year-old Kojima and his business partner, Jie Han, and takes its name from a play on Kojima’s surname and the Japanese word for rice, ‘gohan’ – the staple ingredient that forms the base of the deluxe rice buns.

Kojima said: “We’re excited to launch Gojima and take the exciting rice burger concept to the next level by marrying the delicate flavours of modern Japan with the rich American flavours from my childhood growing up in San Francisco, California.

“We’ve spent the last year developing our rice burgers, with a focus on the quality and integrity of ingredients to create the perfect taste and texture combination.”

The opening of Gojima follows the enormous success of Kojima’s casual Sokyo Ramen pop-up in The Star Café Court last year, which was extended by popular demand.

The Star General Manager of Food and Beverage, Andy North, said: “We’re excited to expand our relationship with the incredibly talented Chase Kojima to welcome Gojima to The Star, just moments from Sokyo. Gojima offers a burger experience like no other, using the same high-quality ingredients and meticulous execution seen at Sokyo and Kiyomi.”

The open-plan interior of the 70-seat eatery, designed by Luchetti Krelle, celebrates the experience of shared dining with a bright and energetic atmosphere. The inviting space features Gojima’s signature yellow, black and white colour palette features with blonde timber accents and striking origami-style features.

Born and raised in San Francisco, California, Kojima’s passion for food and exposure to life as a chef started at a young age under the tutelage of his father, Sachio Kojima, talented chef and owner of the renowned Kabuto Sushi Restaurant. Before opening Sokyo in November 2011 at just 29 years of age,

Kojima led kitchens all over the world for the iconic Nobu restaurant group. Gojima is located in The Star’s Café Court and is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner on Monday to Thursday 11.30am-10.00pm, Friday to Saturday at 11.30am-11.00pm and Sunday at

11.30am-9.00pm.

For more information, please visit www.gojima.com or follow @gojima_au on Instagram and @Gojima on Facebook #Gojima.

Sarah Shields, Access PR | 02 9292 7007 | +61 408 283 091 | sarah@accesspr.com.au

Rachael McKenzie, Access PR | 02 9292 7011 | +61 433 890 127 | rachaelm@accesspr.com.au