Alternative sushi (a.k.a. anything BUT Sushi Tei)

I love Sushi Tei as much as the other guy, but lately I've beginning to notice that the quality is declining. The sushi rolls are starting to get smaller, and... well basically to me quantity directly reflects quality. Hahaha. I don't have to mention having to endure the crazy queue. Plus lately I've been such a loner with my books and modules and I need a place to eat sushi alone without the hogging crowd. Thankfully, I found two "alternative" sushi joint in Kelapa Gading.

Daisho Sushi
Mall Artha Gading, 2nd Floor
(errr... didn't take notes of exact location, it's behind Solaria and in front of A&W)

When I stepped in, the place was empty. While I usually take this as a suspicious sign, I was thankful because I could have my dinner in peace with my books, test module, and my first crappy test result :( . Hahaha. I ordered half portion of Manhattan Roll and a hand-rolled unagi sushi, and a cup of hot green tea (refillable - IDR 6000).


Manhattan Roll (1/2 portion IDR 37,500) - sushi with fillings of shrimp tempura, kyuri, kani, topped with blowtorched salmon, mayo, and tobiko.



Unagi temaki (IDR 18,500)

The temaki was nice, but the Manhattan Roll was AWESOME! A bit pricey, but I think it's a little cheaper than Sushi Tei (without the queue!). I must try their other rolls before they close down for business. It's very dreary in there, I guess Gading-ers but me are not THAT fond of sushi.

Ichiban Sushi
Food Court Mall Kelapa Gading 3

Opening sushi booth in a tween-packed food court is a gamble, and I hope it's paying well for Ichiban. I rarely see their booth marauded by people (compared to the KFC next to them), maybe (again) Gading-ers are not that into sushi (other than the very hyped Sushi Tei). I like to sit alone listening to music in my iPod, observing the surroundings after gym, and eating their sushi is like my portion control system. I once tried their California Roll (standard, forgot the price) and wanted to have them again last Sunday, but to my surprise, they're hawking their freshly made Dragon Ball Roll.


Dragon Ball Roll (IDR 25,000) - sushi roll with fried salmon skin and kyuri filling, with unagi on top.

The rolls were warm, which was great since sometimes they only sell the pre-packaged sushis that have been sitting in their display fridge for God knows how long. To my surprise, the soy sauce drizzled on top is that sweet-savory soy sauce I thought is only available in Sushi Tei. I must ask what brand it is the next time I eat there! PS: Their freshly-grated wasabi is a KILLER!