Sushi Ya

Several locations throughout the city

5$-20$ per person with soft drink

 

Fast n’ Furious Sushi

 

The name really does say it all: Sushi YA (which translates to sushi NOW). Qualified as a fast food sushi, you could conclude falsely that the sushi is no good, but this is definitely not the case. With a smaller menu than another sushi chain in the capital, their view seems to be “less but better”, executing every single one of their dishes well and consistently. There are the classic rolls like the Spicy Tuna (wrapped in sheets of delicate, sweet, creamy avocado), or their pure inventions like the standout Fiesta Shrimp (delectable panko fried shrimp with ripe plantains and avocado). Their rice tasted fresh, the sauces were good and complemented the dishes perfectly and weren’t overpowering of the delicate flavours.


One of their triumphs, for me, is getting the seasoning for the wakame salad just right, although they are overly generous with the avocado, making the dish a touch too heavy (option to ask for it with none or half of the normal amount of avocado). The dressing is zingy while still being earthy. The seaweed tastes crunchy and ozony. The shades of brilliant greens excites the palate and prepares you for every bite of salty-sweet, crunchy, slippery goodness.

Their menu is not very long, but well thought out, even with a child’s section (although regrettably, it is never available!). The decor is a modern mcdonald’s type take on a sushi house, with every table neat, small, yet perfectly formed. Food is relatively cheap, yet good, the ingredients are fresh, the only thing that left a lot to be desired is the service. Clumsy and a little slow, it left me wishing that they paid their staff a little more.

If you are going to be 2 or more (or want more than one meal out of it), I highly recommend sharing a sushi platter, which includes 2 rolls (California and spicy tuna, although I usually change out the uninspiring California for another roll, costing me a mere 50 pesos extra), a generous portion of tuna and salmon sashimi on top of shredded carrot along with a solitary nigiri. The value is incredible at a mere 315 pesos + tax (about $10), and you can quite easily share it between two hungry souls and have a little left over for snack.


All in all, it has swayed me as my sushi place of choice, winning my taste buds over Yokomo, which of late have been getting cocky with their success, churning out less-than-best dishes and an overly elaborate menu, poorly executed.


If only they offered more comfortable chairs, I would spend many a weeknight nursing a beer, with a couple of friends, regaling ourselves with tasty morsels.


Until next time: be good, be merry and most important of all, happy.