There is no greater love than the love for food. Gastronomes, gluttons and Lahoris will all testify to that! So no matter how big or small or whichever nook or corner in the city an eating joint opens up Lahoris must go and conquer. So even as humble a restaurant like Shun that recently opened up at Mahmood Kasuri Road, across the road to the famed Espresso, has a house full at peak meal times. This modest restaurant is a Far-Eastern potpourri replete not only with a sushi bar, but offering Japanese, Thai and Chinese food as well - a truly Asian cuisine that serves a small yet diverse menu.

Shun has certainly chosen the best location to get noticed, and although it is perched atop the Berlitz language centre, it catches the attention of onlookers from its small side way entrance: the large pillars supporting the restaurant's sign are written on in traditional Japanese calligraphy and the stairs leading up and covered with thick green creepers to give the impression of entering a rain forest. The décor is imbibed in the Japanese Zen philosophy: minimal embellishments, straight and sharp lines for the furniture- takht like seating along with chairs and a rectangular center table. Even the cutlery is reflective of the theme: chopsticks, wooden holders, straw table runners; and an interlace of bamboo sticks false ceiling through which lighting shoots through to create a soft mellow atmosphere. The walls, a funky and soft mint green with cherry blossom murals, adorn frames with traditional carving and images.  The staff, comprising mostly of Filipinos and a few local additions, are dressed in traditional kimonos and they treat each customer like a family member, with such demure humility and diffidence, it puts one to shame to even call them out to place an order. From the moment one steps in, one can sense the meticulous care that has been taken to ensure that customers have a truly authentic experience.

However most customers have felt that perhaps the taste of the food was far too authentic for them to enjoy. Certain flavours are not easily adjusted to our local palate. Those who have recently visited the Far East would agree with this assessment. Although very reasonably priced, the foods in general, and the Teppenyaki and Chinese in specific, were slightly bland. Nonetheless, Shun has already garnered quite a fan base considering it has only been a few months since they opened. This success could be attributed to the quality of their food and the exceedingly polite and hospitable management that seems to have the right attitude towards their customers.

Numerous Chinese and Thai haunts exit in the city from the thela walas selling corn soup and Manchurian, to medium range family restaurants and upscale places claiming authenticity of taste, but hardly any are pertaining to specifically Japanese food - certainly a speciality at Shun. Perhaps it would do well for Shun to focus on expanding their Japanese cuisine and the sushi bar, even include a sushi belt for instance, than try to be a jack of all food Far Eastern. If anything though, the ambience, attitude and décor at Shun do transport one to the Far East, and one should definitely give the luxurious prawn tempura and their sushi and sashimi a try. You won't regret this gastronomical experiment - that's certain!