Kura Sushi takes a unique approach to Japan’s iconic conveyor belt sushi concept by cleverly incorporating technology with old traditions.
Kura Sushi is arguably the biggest sushi train restaurant in Japan, expanding to a global scale with stores in Taiwan and the United States.
Perhaps the greatest rival to popular sushi franchise Sushiro, Kura Sushi offers even lower prices and unique dining experiences you won’t get anywhere else.
Traditional Meets Modern
Traditionally, conveyor belt sushi restaurants consist of an assembly line of sushi plates in constant rotation for customers to pick up and eat.
Japan has long since outgrown this tradition, offering made-to-order touchscreen systems that enable a fresher sushi experience where you always get what you want.
Part of the motivation for this movement stemmed from reports of customers touching sushi plates and putting them back on the conveyor belt.
Naturally, this triggered the emergence of new ordering technology that would forever shape the world of conveyor belt sushi in Japan.
However, something special was lost during the abolishment of traditional conveyor belt sushi systems.
The feeling of watching each sushi plate pass by and judging whether it’s good enough for your stomach is an experience that makes us feel empowered.
It’s also nice to be able to grab what you want when you see it, rather than waiting a few minutes every time you order a plate on the system.
Kura Sushi is the only chain I’ve been to that gives you the best of both worlds (though I’m sure there are others out there), combining traditional and modern sushi restaurant experiences.
For those that don’t trust the quality of the rotating sushi, there is a touchscreen for you to order from, and for those that want the traditional sushi train experience, there is plenty of that going around!
Huge Selection Of Sushi Varieties
Kura Sushi offers every type of sushi imaginable, from rolled seaweed sushi to tuna, salmon, shrimp, egg, and more!
There is also a range of “western-style” sushi options that combine beef and chicken with mayonnaise and cheese, a great option if you don’t like raw fish.
I personally love anything with tuna, salmon, and eggs, as I feel these options are more in line with what gives Kura Sushi its amazing reputation across Japan.
They also offer a range of side menu options including hot foods such as noodle soups (udon, soba, ramen), fried chicken, french fries, ebi tempura (battered shrimp), steamed rice, and fried corn.
Incredible Budget Items
This is where Kura Sushi trumps the iconic Sushiro, and that is by offering dishes at an even lower price than its already affordable competitor.
Sushiro is known for its affordable salmon and maguro (raw tuna) options which can be as cheap as 150 yen (1 USD).
Kura Sushi takes this down a notch, with salmon and tuna plates starting as low as 115 yen (0.82 USD).
On top of that, Kura Sushi offers a huge range of 115 yen sushi plates including ebi tempura, fried squid, hamburg (Japanese meat patty), and beef strips.
I found the fried shrimp options to be especially filling, with pieces so large it made me reminiscent of eating a big plate of battered fish and chips.
Amazing Dessert Options
Last but certainly not least, Kura Sushi has an amazing drink and dessert menu that trumps any sushi train establishment I’ve been to.
From ice creams to jellies to parfaits, it was hard to choose just one dessert to try.
I opted for the “honey ice cream with fried sweet potato” option for 330 yen, and needless to say, it was money well spent!
I don’t know what kind of honey that was, but the density and thickness were off the charts, delivering a flavor so rich it stays lingering in your mouth long after you’ve left the restaurant.
And there you have it! For just 1480 yen (about 10 USD), I was able to feast on 10 plates of delicious (and filling) sushi and indulge in an amazing after-dinner dessert.
Now that’s value for money!
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