Sushi trains have always been a guilty pleasure for me. In Singapore, they are associated with low quality sushi, as the price wars for who can offer up the cheapest plate takes its toll. But does it stop me? No, not really, because just like an addict, I NEED MY FIX.
Now I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs with sushi trains in Sydney, but when I’m promised authentic sushi in this convenient delivery format?
Well, we’ve established that I’m an addict right?
First sign that we were going to have a good relationship? KEWPIE SACHETS.
Yes you heard me. Little sachets of delicious tangy Japanese mayonnaise just circling the sushi train conveyor belt, beckoning you with its siren’s call of creamy decadence. If nothing else, this has sold me.
But it didn’t actually need the kewpie to up the ante. (Who am I kidding, we all need kewpie.) The sushi was fresh and well balanced, and actually fairly good value for money.
No, they didn’t skimp on the good stuff, like some trains out there.
They even had the more creative items like Seared Scallops with Miso Garlic. Crunchy shards of fried garlic add a whole new dimension to an otherwise light and fresh sushi roll, and created moreish bites that kept me coming back for more.
But maybe, uh, keep a few mints on hand?
But if the fried garlic isn’t your thing, there’s also the usual favourites on hand, like the various nigiris, maki rolls and gunkans.
For the hot food lovers amongst us, there are options like
gyozas and agedashi eggplant, but be warned, it doesnt quite compare to the amazing sushi.
Other than it being slightly out of the way, Sushi Train in Neutral Bay actually makes for a great date night destination. Lush dark wood fills the interior, and the food is slightly exotic but not too intimidating. The staff are friendly and non-intrusive, and you know that everything is going to be of consistently good quality. Is it the best selection of sushi I’ve ever had? No. But it sure strikes a fantastic balance between quality, value for money, ambience and accessibility.
And I would know, because I eat A LOT of sushi.
What strikes me as odd is that it’s not quite the same as other Sushi Train outlets that I’ve been to – there is a very marked difference in standards, and it almost seems like this one is a different restaurant entirely to the rest. In a good way, of course.
But who am I to question it? Just pass me the next plate!
Washoku Lovers is a free membership programme that gives you perks to many Japanese restaurants in Sydney! If you have your black Washoku Lovers card, flash it at Sushi Train Neutral Bay to get a free serving of sake! We also have visited other restaurants participating in the Washoku Lovers programme, like Suminoya and Oiden! To find out more about the programme and sign up, visit www.washokulovers.com.
Insatiable Munchies dined as guests of Sushi Train Neutral Bay and Washoku Lovers.
Sushi Train
306-308 Military Road
Cremorne, NSW
Phone: (02) 9908 8891
Website: www.sushitrain.com.au/