Feeling overwhelmed by the world of sushi? Don’t panic! Just like the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy advises, a little guidance can go a long way. The biggest misconception is that sushi is all about raw fish. This is not the case. Sushi refers to vinegared rice, often served with other ingredients, some of which may be raw. Whether you’re a seasoned sushi aficionado or a curious newbie, prepare for a culinary adventure through the vibrant sushi scene of Roanoke Valley, complete with a fitting “don’t panic gif hitchhiker’s guide” for your journey.
Roanoke Valley Sushi Restaurant Reviews
Ben Gui Sushi
4353 Starkey Road | Roanoke | 540-772-6888
Ben Gui is a place that may go by different names and has a great atmosphere. The restaurant features Japanese culture with its modern and not-so-modern images. They also had a clock where the numerals had all been replaced by images of different sushi dishes. The service at Ben Gui’s is excellent. Their waitress, Jane, provided great service and directed us to a special appetizer consisting of slices of chilled snapper served with cucumber and avocado slices in a dark vinegar sauce. Another appetizer was the wasabi shumai, steamed pork dumplings with plenty of juicy pork and a wasabi-flavored coating. For dinner, the Red Dragon maki (tempura shrimp with avocado and eel) was recommended. The texture of the eel was softer than anticipated, but the flavor was mild and pleasant. My wife chose the “Dynamite” roll, which consisted of spicy mixed fish and masago (another type of fish).
Wasabi’s
214 Market Street | Downtown Roanoke | 540-904-6254
Wasabi’s offers a narrow and cozy dining room with a high ceiling, and the dark red and black décor gives off a warm and comfortable vibe. Our spicy tuna appetizer was delicious, though a bit lacking in spice. They offered habanero roe, which was really tasty as well, though the heat from the peppers thoroughly dominated the mild flavor of the roe. I had asked about the “Volcano” maki on the recommendation of a bike-riding buddy who haunts the place. My wife ordered this and enjoyed it a lot: tempura shrimp topped with a spicy sauce, this was a delicious selection. My “Lover’s” maki featured more of the spicy tuna, fresh avocado, and a mild sauce.
Formosa Lounge Restaurant
125 Campbell Avenue | Downtown Roanoke | 540-400-8728
Formosa Lounge Restaurant on Campbell blends old with new in its décor; the exposed brick indigenous to Downtown Roanoke blending with the modernist furniture and Asian design elements. Owner Sam Hsu is opening his restaurant to new things and sample his varieties of sake. Formosa is half sushi bar and half Japanese grill. The smoked salmon nigiri had a firm flesh of the fish, delicious, with just enough smokiness to complement the flavor of the meat. The “Joker” maki – scallops, spicy tuna, and avocado topped with eel sauce and flying fish roe – was very nice as well, all very fresh and light.
Metro!
14 Campbell Avenue SE | Downtown Roanoke | 540-345-6645
Metro! has a “Sushi Hour!” every day from 5:30 to 6:30! Their sushi menu is inventive and accessible: more of their maki feature cooked items than raw ones. Items like the Crispy Beef Roll and the Sweet Potato Roll take seafood out of the equation. We opted for the Crispy Beef Roll with stir-fry vegetables and scallions and the Cabo Tuna Roll, which was a real stand-out. Seared tuna and fresh cilantro and jalapeños with thin-sliced roasted garlic, all wrapped up in a thin, yellow soy sheet. Everything was a riot of colors and flavors.
Sake House
1560 South Main Street | Blacksburg | 540-951-0068
Sake House features austere white walls enveloped much of the room. The food had enough color and flavor to make up for this. They feature 19 specialty maki, along with a broad assortment of sashimi, nigiri and tempura. For an appetizer, the Wasabi Shrimp were pretty fantastic. Huge, sweet shrimp, battered and fried, and served smothered with a sweet and tangy wasabi sauce. I got a little crazy and decided to try two pieces of ika nigiri. Now I figured if I love calamari, and I’m thinking of stepping outside my comfort zone, this is a perfect place to try it!
The “Christina” maki (why Christina?) was very tasty; spicy shredded tuna and ripe avocado with a sweet tangy sauce. The “Hawaiian” maki, coconut shrimp with mango, avocado and “our sweet home-made sauce” was also a hit.
Sushi Newbie Glossary: Don’t Panic!
Navigating a sushi menu can feel like deciphering an alien language. Fear not! Here’s a handy glossary to help you on your journey:
- Sushi: Sticky rice cooked with vinegar.
- Sashimi: Very fresh raw fish, sliced thin.
- Nigiri: Sashimi laid on an oblong mound of sushi rice.
- Maki: Cylindrical roll of rice with seafood, meats, and/or vegetables wrapped in seaweed.
- California Roll: Maki containing imitation crab, cucumber and avocado; a good beginner sushi dish.
- Wasabi: Japanese horseradish, a green paste to be used sparingly.
- Roe: Fish eggs.
- Sake: Rice-based wine, served hot or cold.
- Tempura: Anything battered and deep-fried.
So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish!
From the inventive rolls at Metro! to the traditional flavors at Formosa, Roanoke’s sushi scene offers something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking a familiar favorite or daring to try something new, remember Douglas Adams’ wise words: “Don’t Panic!” Embrace the adventure, explore the diverse flavors, and discover your own perfect sushi experience. Now go forth and conquer your sushi fears – and maybe grab a “don’t panic gif hitchhiker’s guide” to share with your friends.
