Ocean Basket have added Mediterrasian Sushi to their menu. This will precede the opening of its second location in June at the Hub Karen. The introduction of the new menu is a first step to changing their entire food and drinks menu.
As part of adding Mediterrasian Sushi to their menu, Ocean Basket have flown in Swedish born and Cyprus based Sushi Master, Pepi Anevski. Pepi is the 2013 World Sushi Champion and Winner of the 2014 Most Creative Sushi Chef at the World Cup in Japan and the brains behind this new menu. He is also training the Ocean Basket Sushi Chefs for this exciting new roll out.
When asked on his opinion on consumption of Sushi by Kenyans, Pepi says that there is a market that wants to enjoy sushi but there is fear of unknown and the common myth that Sushi is raw fish keeps many from trying the delicacy. Broken down to its basic ingredients, sushi is seaweed, rice, wasabi, soy sauce and ginger. But that’s where the sushi rules end. Pepi has taken the sushi basics and added Ocean Basket’s Mediterranean flavours to create a Mediterrasian Sushi Revolution. The Ocean Basket team conducted a preview of the new menu at their branch at the Oval Westlands. Here is what to expect from the new menu.
1. Kypro Prawn Roll
Kypro Prawn Roll, A futomaki with rice, fresh prawn, lettuce & soy oregano sauce
This is for you if you are daring and not scared to try something new. Many of my colleagues shied away after the first bite. The fish in it is very elaborate and goes well with some white wine.
2. Tarama Gunkan
Tarama Gunkan, A boat-shaped sushi with rice wrapped in zucchini, topped with tarama & fried calamari
The flavours in this one give it a unique fusion that is cooled down by the Zucchini. This is good for anyone who wants something subtle. It would not be my first choice.
3. Wasabi Prawn
Left to Right Tarama Gunkan , Wasabi Prawn and Calamari Gunkan
I loved the Wasabi Prawn, may be its the colour or the twist of the spicy flavours combined with the sweetness of the carrot that did it for me. The plates were wiped out as soon as they were served as many in the crowd loved it.
4. Calamari Gunkan
Left to Right Tarama Gunkan , Wasabi Prawn and Calamari Gunkan
This was very close to the Tarama Gunkan but milder. It was softer in your mouth but the prawn gave it a kick making it preferable to the Tarama Gunkan.
5. Lemon Salmon Roll
Lemon Salmon Roll, A California roll-style sushi with rice, fresh salmon & zesty lemon mayo.
Oh thee that love tangy feeling of lemon this is the sushi for you. I personally loved the taste of salmon and lemon in one roll giving it two extremes . A bit more lemon and I would have had the whole plate by myself.
6. Salmon Tomato Roll
Salmon Tomato Roll, A California roll-style sushi with rice, fresh salmon, onion & tomato
Pepi, the chef mentioned that their goal is to incorporate local flavours in the different places that he visits so as to make sushi more local. Nothing says Kenyan than the Salmon Tomato Roll. It is sushi with Kachumbari (salsa) and who does not love Kachumbari?
7. Crunchy Athena Roll
Crunchy Athena Roll, A California roll-style sushi with rice prawn & pickled red onion
This for me felt like playful sushi.Very crunchy and dainty. It was easy on the flavours which made me enjoy the crunchiness.
With this new menu there is a variety for you to finally find your sushi personality. The Kypro Prawn Roll takes the number spot for me. Pepi also mentioned that the launch of this menu is part of a tour to different countries so that more people can enjoy sushi. Forget all the myths you have heard and head out to Ocean Basket and enjoy some Sushi.