Making sushi is an art form (if you’ve ever had the privilege of watching a master sushi chef at work, you’d agree). The rice has to be cooked to fluffy, sticky perfection; the fish fresh and delicately sliced; the toppings carefully assembled. Mastering the art takes time — some sushi chefs train for years before even getting to touch the rice — and requires serious dedication. It’s all something that Mikyoung Lee, one of the expert makers at Chatswood Chase’s new sushi counter, Tamon Sushi, has in spades.

“My family knew I had a passion for cooking since I was young,” Lee explains, “so they were really supportive and encouraging when it came to me pursuing a career in food.” Though the iconic California roll was the first one she mastered, now her days are spent crafting all kinds of sushi and nigiri at Tamon’s new outpost. Having served sushi at Chatswood Chase since 2009, Tamon has become known for its flavourful rolls, with fillings that span from classic to creative. “Every filling idea I have, I always try to incorporate it into my sushi in some way,” Lee says. “One filling I think could work — that I actually haven’t tried yet — is yakisoba noodles. A yakisoba noodle roll might be my next invention!”

One look at Tamon’s counter — pyramids of rolls stuffed with creamy avocado, crisp tempura prawns and sticky teriyaki tofu alongside rainbow bowls and bento boxes — is enough to leave you in a fit of indecision. “The chicken katsu and avocado roll, grilled salmon roll and teriyaki chicken rice bowl are probably our most popular, but to be honest, most items sell very well,” Lee notes. As for her favourite sushi? “I’d have to say the rainbow bento would be my favourite one to make. It’s so colourful and looks so fun!”

If you peek over Tamon’s countertop and manage to spy Lee and her team rolling sushi, you’d be surprised at how easy they make it look. “People don’t normally know this, but good hand and eye coordination is essential when making sushi as it helps ensure an even proportion of rice to filling,” Lee reveals. One look at Tamon Sushi’s carefully prepared rolls is the ultimate proof of this, but you better taste them to be sure too.