Ajisai

Discovered this place recently, I have to say it’s now my go-​to place for sushi in the CBD. I went into the Sussex Centre a couple of weeks ago for the purpose of using their loos, and noticed this tiny stall as I was about to leave, with a sign saying ‘all sushi $ 1′. Intrigued, I ventured over to the stall, and heard the staff speaking Japanese in the back. Always a good sign at a Japanese joint, a good indication that a place is something other than your regular suburban sushi joint, which more often than not are Chinese or Korean run, and hence the food isn’t as authentic as it could be. I looked at the sushi and sashimi in the glass cabinet, all of which cost $ 1, and it wasn’t just the usual Western style California rolls, it looked a lot fancier than most of the other sushi joints around town. I asked the Japanese bloke behind the counter for a couple of pieces of sashimi and he presented them to me in a little box, a nice touch. The sashimi tasted great, as good or better as sashimi from any sushi train, at a third of the price. Addicting taste as well, i’ve been back several times for salmon sashimi.
Ajisai also serves a range of bento boxes and Japanese curry meals, all of which are about $ 9 a pop, pretty good value and decent portion sizes too from what i’ve seen. On a couple of visits i’ve noticed a lot of people buying side snacks of sushi and sashimi to go with their ramens from Ramen Ikkyu, as well as people in the know venturing up the escalator for a quick snack. Definately one of Sydney’s hidden gems.

This place has found a niche in the sushi market, I just hope they’re profitable so they stay around as its really good!!!
The usual sushi market in sydney can be divided into three categories:
–cheap sushi rolls, take away
–expensive dine in date atmospheric restaurant sushi
–medium quality sushi train sushi
This place has carved out a niche in the market by offering date quality sushi at low prices in a food court setting. This really improves my life as I can now eat quality sushi at an affordable price without feeling sad that I have no friends at a sushi train. Game changer!
Ajisai is located next door to the thai place just to the right of when you exit the escalators. You will see a bright sign saying $ 8.90 everything. Under this $ 8.90 menu are many things such as a sushi set, teriyaki meals, curry and more, with rice and miso soup included. They also offer $ 1 sushi rolls that look super yummy.
After seeing lines with real japanese people and cheap prices, my brain said this must be good, must try it. So I ordered the sushi set. To my surprise, they did not just grab a plate and chuck the available at counter pieces on it, it was actually prepared fresh at the back for me. Also the presentation was just as presented in the picture, authentic japanese style.
To the tasting time, when I actually bit into my sushi OMG OMG, OIIIIIIISSHHHHHIIIIII desu!!! The salmon avocado had lots of avo and salmon with the rice complimenting not overpowering! Everything was great!!! As a binge eater who got told off for eating too much once at a sushi buffet, I actually felt full after 6 pieces of this places sushi, which is a shame as its so tasty I wanted to order more from the menu.
So anyone who loves japanese food at nice prices, skip the staples of happy chef or top choice sizzling give this place a try! Unilocalers please help me keep this place profitable and operating, otherwise risk having the quality segregated sushi market forever!!!