Samurai Sushi
http://samuraisushiashburn.com/
43150 Broadlands Center Plz. #163
Ashburn, VA • 703-724-9696
Let’s clarify one thing right away: I am not a connoisseur of all types of sushi and by NO MEANS an expert. I’ve tried all, and don’t like most- types of sushi. Nigiri: filleted raw or cooked fish atop rice- naaah- too much fish for me. Sashimi: raw fish typically served with a side of daikon, again- more fish than I enjoy. Maki is the type of sushi I truly enjoy- tightly wrapped rolls in seaweed with a smaller portion of fish and a combination of ingredients that complement each other. So if you are serious about Nigiri or Sashimi, skip this review… unless- you know a Maki-sushi lover or want to introduce sushi to a newbie- then, read on- Samurai Sushi will easily satisfy all levels of sushi enthusiasts.
For my husband and me, a sushi meal has 4 primary facets aside from S.A.M.: the presentation, the balance, the ingredients’ freshness, and the quality of the wasabi. When you enter Samurai Sushi, you instantly know that the A. in S.A.M.- Atmosphere- is guaranteed to be delightful- the lights are pleasantly dim, the very Japanese décor transports you from a strip mall in the Broadlands to a chic, metropolitan sushi bar. The only thing that may seem slightly out of place is the high-def flat screen television next to the bar, but the volume is low and I’m sure lone diners appreciate the distraction. At the bar, the friendly chefs take a moment to greet you with “con-ni-chi-wa!” (hello in Japanese) while they create edible works of art: tightly wrapped sushi rolls made with fine ingredients in a pristine, spotless atmosphere. Your demure, polite waitress waits patiently until she sees that you are ready to order, and will efficiently appear to take care of you.
The miso soup is quite possibly the best I’ve ever had in Virginia. It’s a hearty broth- normally it’s a thin broth- emboldened with fresh green onion slivers, herbs, and small tofu chunks – steaming hot and full of flavor. Order the manage-ably sized salad to try the zesty ginger dressing over fresh lettuce and shredded carrots- the dressing is not only rich yet light, robust yet nor overpowering- but it is also an excellent digestive aid to help you handle the wasabi to come….!
The true treat arrives when you receive your sushi rolls- beautifully presented on platters, sometimes with a drizzle of special sauce- always with the gorgeous fresh ginger rosette and a generous dollop of spicy, freshly made wasabi. Why is Samurai Sushi better than several other sushi bars in Ashburn? Balance. The difference from the other 4 sushi bars I’ve tried in this area is that Samurai doesn’t “cheat” you by filling your roll with rice or other cheaper ingredients instead of a generous portion of fish in each bite. Your palate experiences a balance of fish, seaweed, rice, and whatever else you’ve chosen (roe, avocado, cucumber, etc.!) and with a slice of ginger and dollop of that amazing wasabi- oh delish.
Not in the mood for sushi? Their Japanese Ramen is a generous bowl of noodle soup with plenty of beef and vegetables to warm you up on a chilly day. They have tempura, chicken dishes, a scallion pancake that overflows with flavor, and several other non-sushi dishes that will satisfy the not-quite-ready-for-sushi friends that tag along with you to Samurai. If you live in Ashburn, you don’t have to go far for superior sushi in an inviting, authentic atmosphere.
Oh- I almost forgot the sake! Hot or cold- they have a high quality sake menu with a range of prices for all comfort levels. From light and fragrant to deep and complex- there’s a sake for everyone on Samurai’s menu. I still have several other sushi bars to try in this area- but it is always hard resist heading back to Samurai to my favorite Philly Roll, California Roll or Jazz Roll. I vow to try them all, and while several other may make the grade, none of them will change the fact that~
Samurai Sushi Passes with Flying Colors!
