I remember when the Sushi Shop burst into the fast food sushi scene in Montréal about 15 years ago. It was all the rage. In 2007 it was acquired by the MTY Food Group(yes, of Tiki Ming and Thai Express fame) and exploded further. However, it took a while for them to open any locations in Ottawa. The first was on Sparks Street, I believe about 5 years ago, and then at the World Exchange Plaza. I think they had a kiosk at Place d’Orleans but it closed. Now they have opened up a new one at the South Keys Mall(next to Mucho Burrito). I was shopping at South Keys recently and at the end of my shopping adventures stopped at the Sushi Shop for some takeout. This location is shared with Thai Express. Even though it’s a fast food chain, the inside is really pretty. It’s very modern looking and clean. I ordered the Lion Roll($ 7.95 — 5 pieces) and the California Roll($ 5.95 — 5 pieces). The Lion Roll was phenomenal! It had shrimp tempura, deep-fried sweet potato strings, cucumber, red masago, teriyaki sauce, and Japanese mayo. The sweet potato strings were awesome. They are super thin, like angel hair! The texture of the roll was amazing(the tiny popping of the masago, the crunch of the sweet potato strings, the crispness of the cucumber, the creamy mayo, yum yum yum). I can’t wait to eat this again. The California Roll was good. It had imitation crab, avocado, tamago, cucumber, orange masago, lettuce, and Japanese mayo. I don’t know why I didn’t go with something more adventurous or creative, but it was good, albeit a little boring(my fault for ordering it though). Service was very friendly, but I asked them to make my rolls without sesame seeds(and I saw the cashier write«no sesame seeds» on the stub he gave to the chef) and then I watched the chef put sesame seeds on my rolls. So I had to remind him no sesame seeds. He apologized and re-made the rolls. I’m glad that I watched him otherwise I may have only realized when I got home! Anyway, overall this place is great. Ingredients were fresh and the sushi tasted good. Full disclosure: I don’t eat raw fish, so I can’t tell you how fresh or tasty their sashimi or raw fish items are. Now that I have outed myself as what purists would consider«not a true sushi connoisseur», you can take my review as you see fit. I am unashamedly exclusively a maki lover. Oh wait, I also love the sacrilegious creation that is the Sushi Pizza!
