Opened in September 2015 and located on the top of where Jawatte Road meets Thimbirigasyaya Road, this Japanese fusion restaurant will really surprise you. With a large menu offering traditional favourites as well as some of their own creation, the restaurant comes highly recommended for a quick and filling lunch or a laid back dinner. 

Taste and value for money – 4.5 stars 

Sushi Kai serves a variety of beverages which include the refreshing and cooling Kai Glass (Rs 320) made using the juice of fresh ginger, lemongrass and lime. We also loved their Cinnamon Iced Tea and Lemon Iced Tea (Rs 180 each). 

Among the many dishes we tried last week were the Sushi Burrito (Rs 990 – Vegetarian and Rs 1,500 – Salmon or Tuna). We tasted the former which was one filling dish and I am sure the salmon and tuna options will be super too. 

Another interesting creation was their Snake Gourd Salad (Rs 470), that of three pieces of Lankan snake gourd stuffed with crispy tuna salad served with ponzu sauce. The crunchy salad and the ponzu sauce were a beautiful match to this fresh and crunchy dish. 

We also loved the Kai House Salad (Rs 580). This very filling salad consisted generous amount of grilled chicken, corn, iceberg lettuce, carrots, avocado, tenkasu and blueberries (or strawberries, depending on the availability). It was served with a tangy Mustard Vinaigrette while you can opt for the following dressings; Honey Lime, Soy Chilli, Wasabi Kewpie or Yuzu. 

Among the various rolls, we tried out their Flaming Sunrise (Rs 850) and the Rainbow Roll (Rs 780). The former was stuffed with tuna, salmon, crab, carrot, tobiko and shichimi chilli sauce. It is brought to your table and then using a blow torch, the top of the sushi is burned, therefore the tobiko starts to crackle and pop which is quite interesting on the senses. While the latter which was so colourful to look at, was stuffed with salmon, tuna, avocado, crab, cucumber, spring onion and kewpie mayonnaise, tasted pretty damn good. 

One of our favourites was the Ramen Burger (Rs 790), which, as the name suggests, was a burger made using ramen and stuffed with a chicken patty, a slice of cheese, lettuce and a medium done egg. It was absolutely filling while also having those Japanese flavours coming through with the meat patty. 

Something that I have found lacking among the Japanese restaurants (the affordable ones at least) is the lack of interesting desserts but Sushi Kai seems to have some pretty good ones of which the Deconstructed Citrus Cheesecake (450) was delicious. Served in a large glass with a biscuit crumb base and topped with the usual cream cheese filling, whipped cream and topped with blueberries, this dessert was welcome treat.  Depending on the availability the dessert will be topped with blueberries, raspberries or strawberries. 

The only downside, for me was the unavailability of pork, (which is generally a staple in Japanese cuisine) on the menu due to circumstances beyond their control. 

Note: They offer delivery which is free within a one kilometre radius but no more than Rs 350 will be charge once that radius is exceeded. 

Toilets – 3.5 stars 

The toilet is clean and has all the amenities but the wet floor needs to be attended to. 

Parking – 4 stars 

During the day you can park at the designated parking area close to the restaurant but you may have to move your car out if you park behind someone. But in the evening there is plenty of parking available at the same spot and down Jawatte Road at the Lanka Tiles Showroom next to Java Lounge. 

Hours of operation : 11am to 11pm (Monday to Sunday) 

Address : 143A, Jawatte Road, Thimbirigasyaya 

Tel : 0771566568 

Facebook : www.facebook.com/SushiKaiSrilanka/ 

Email : [email protected] 

By Natasha Fernandopulle
Photographs by Kanishke Ganewatte