Starting off as a home based business turned delivery concept in the neighborhood of Shaab, Oishii’s development and evolution in Kuwait is a proud example of how small ideas can turn into great realities. With the recent opening of its sleek doors in the urbane district of Salhiya, Oishii presents the dine-in rendition, a tribute to the restaurants flourishing success in the realm of innovative Japanese dining.
Nestled in a quieter district of Salhiya, Oishii provides a haven away from the noise and bustle of the city. Minimalist and chic, one can enjoy dining in the outdoor area in comfortable wicker chairs, watching the occasional car whiz by while enjoying a complimentary refreshing cup of green tea flavored with locally grown organic lemongrass. If you’re craving a little more privacy, the design of the indoor area will leave you with the view of the sushi bar, appetizing the senses even further. Envision an environment that’s loud yet unspoken, where muted shades of grey pop against the colorful dishes that arrive promptly to your table.
After you’ve sipped on that refreshing lemongrass green tea, swipe through the digital menu on your personal iPad mini for a visually sumptuous experience. An eminent characteristic of Oishii is that its innovative menu is contemporary in both presentation and taste. Expect a classic Japanese rendition with a worldly twist, which makes for the perfect fix for fusion seeking diners always on the hunt for challenging their taste palates with new flavors.
Deciding to sample Oishii’s take on fusion in full swing, we were eager to try the daring menu creations from appetizers to rolls. We tried out the Lollipop, an unexpected concoction of Breaded rice with mixed crabsticks. Expecting to see a rounded lollipop, we were surprised by the appetizer’s artful presentation, the rice cake perfectly squared then fried to a delicious crisp, and the shredded crabsticks atop were bursting with a zesty marinade. Moving on to another Oishii signature, or as we like to call it, an American take on Japanese, enter the mini sushi burgers. Where the mini patty sits comfortably between two grilled sushi rice patties, dried mushroom, rocca leaves for an added crunch, and the ever-so-addictive sweet potato chips that could also be ordered individually to munch on between plates. Mind you, edamame is aplenty at Oishii, and dressed in garlic and spicy sauces as an option. However in the endless battle of potato versus bean, the sweet potato chips at Oishii are sinfully delicious, especially if you order them drizzled in spicy mayo and Teriyaki sauce! Fear not, you can also get your fill on healthy salads, and we reverted to the classic choice of their Crunchy Salad, with mixed lettuce, crabsticks, avocado and crispy tempura for that addictive crunch.
Moving on to the sushi rolls, we were equally surprised by menu creations like the Chicken Caesar roll, with breaded chicken and lettuce rolled in potato chips and cheese with a classic Caesar flavor, yet in the form of a Japanese roll! For the avid sushi enthusiast, we highly recommend both the Lava roll and the spicy mix sushi nigiri. Starting off with the Lava roll, it is presented as such, an impeccably constructed sushi roll with fillings atop that stream a trail of delicious diced salmon and tuna which expertly complement the crunchy filling of carrots, celery, spring onions, cream cheese and crispy bits. We especially enjoyed the spicy mix sushi nigiri, with salmon, tuna, shrimp and crabsticks, each piece drizzled in a secret spicy sauce, where we sensed a hint of red pepper and enjoyed the crunch of fresh chilies that gave this menu choice an edgy kick. For vegetarians, there are plenty of other sushi rolls to suit a variety of tastes, including the Cheezy Avocado Maki with black sesame seeds that is both tasteful and filling. For the utterly hungry, we recommend you try out the special rolls at Oishii. We’re positive that the Godzilla will live up to its namesake and leave you satisfied; this special roll is a protein triple play with salmon, shrimp, crabsticks, cucumber, avocado, spring onion, tobiko, tongarashi and crispy.
As far as Teriyaki fans are concerned, Oishii provides you with the option of grilled boneless chicken legs, grilled beef tenderloin, grilled salmon, succulent hammour, and our pick of deep fried shrimp. With a side of coleslaw to fill you up, you’ll also enjoy dipping the sweet potato sides in the sweet Teriyaki sauce.
Whether you choose rice or noodles to side with your Teriyaki choices, we highly recommend that you enjoy the Spanish twist of Oishii’s signature seafood Paella. Steamed or fried to the offering of your choice, all rice dishes at Oishi are sided with onions, potatoes, and mushrooms. If the craving of the day is noodle-centric, we recommend the Shrimp Yaki Soba, as the tangy sauce will expertly complement the crunch of the deep fried shrimp and sautéed vegetables.
Oishii is located in Salhiya, in Aljawhara Tower, for reservations, please call 6963 7195. Oishii also operates a delivery location in the seaside area of Al Shaab. For delivery please call 2264 4440. Log on to www.oishii-kw.com for more information and follow them on Instagram @oishiikw.
