There's always that new eatery that creates a buzz, has people clamouring for a tasting and then slowly sizzles out with time. With its compact menu, modest pricing and fairly solid items, Tokyo Express may as well be able to ride the tides and hold their place as the go-to sushi joint for those of us looking for fair meals at average prices. However, only time will tell if they can place themselves above the rest (they already have) and remain there. Read on to find out our take on dishes that made the cut and didn’t.
Overall Rating: 3.75/5
The décor/ambience
While the average pricing may have us fooled to believe that this may must be another regular joint with a mediocre set up – quite the contrary is true. This casual dining establishment gives a modern flair to quirky, urban style décor. The black washed walls, the paper placemats and the simple seating arrangement gives you a feel of a hip, urban Japanese sushi joints that is alive and kicking. Mute extended spot lighting extend on each table and chopsticks are the order of the day.
The bang for buck
If you're looking for high end, top quality sushi, you almost always have to pay a hefty amount. For Tokyo Express, you can easily pack a filling meal for two with a little over Tk2,000 which includes drinks, a rice item, a meat dish and a sushi platter. It's important to not be deceived by the portion sizes – if you order two or three main dishes as well as rice and perhaps a sushi platter, there's always plenty to be shared and more left to be tried. All in all, one reason you'll want to go to Tokyo Express is because of their affordability and quality.
The breakdown
Devour it
A few favourites that deserve to be devoured time and again
Jumbo Prawn Tempura Tk550 Rated: 5/5
The Jumbo Prawn Tempura is one appetiser that will leave you with no complains. It is piece after piece of delectable goodness wrapped in a thin, crisp batter that begs to be devoured. Even when it comes to portion sizes, this appetiser is all deliciousness and generosity – there's seven large pieces, all hiding a plump, large shrimp. It's exactly how ideal tempura should be – crisp, delicious and grease-free.
Chicken Nanban Tk360 Rated: 5/5
If we'd like to attribute one item to the success of Tokyo Express, it definitely would go to the Chicken Nanban. The best bang-for-your-buck item on the menu, the Nanban is essentially a marinated fried chicken dish served hot and crisp. What makes the dish so magical is the hearty drizzling of the Nanban sauce that is hot, sweet and tangy – all at once. The pool of flavours offer an interesting contrast, easily making it a must-order item on their menu.
Grilled Octopus and Squid Tk590 Rated: 3.5/5
The Grilled Octopus and Squid are on the greasier side. It's quite rich, salty and a bit spicy. It comes with a clear, yet thick chilli sauce that makes a kicking accompaniment. Plated simply, it's more like a stir fried dish that is zealously thrown. If you're a fan of grilled squid – it's a dish that should be given a shot.
Try it
The ultimate middle ground for all things worthy of at least one tasting session
Assorted Sushi platter Tk590
Rated: 3.5/5
The assorted sushi platter features two pieces each of salmon sushi, cuttlefish sushi and prawn sushi. If you're looking to try a couple of their sushi's this platter is your best bet since it gives you a good assortment of their basic sushi's. When it comes to quality and taste, it's safe to say these aren't great examples of raw marvels, but they're certainly good for the price you're paying. The salmon easily triumphs over the cuttlefish, while the prawn remains as a last resort item you may feel reluctant to try. Don't expect overly thick slices of fresh fish though, there's are slightly thinner and meant for quicker bites. The platter tastes best when you have moderate expectations. For a more flavour packed alternative, we'd recommend trying the Spicy Salmon Maki and the Spicy Salmon Temaki – both taste exceptionally good in comparison.
California Maki Tk490 Rated: 4/5
As a popular choice for less daring sushi enthusiasts, the California Maki is perhaps a safe choice. This plain Jane maki consists of six pieces of rolls that are hard to go wrong with. With a good helping of soy sauce and wasabi, it makes for an easy no-nonsense order that will leave yourself sated. The wasabi may not pack the most punch, but it's got enough zing for people who aren't used to strong wasabi.
Osaka Spicy Beef Tk450 Rated: 3.5/5
Contrary to it's name, the Osaka beef isn't half as spicy as it claims to be. However, it does have a few redeeming qualities that may make you want to order it – especially if you want an accompaniment for their Tokyo fried rice. Served on a small platter, the Osaka Spicy Beef consists of small beef strips, chopped scallions and a hint of spice. Not overly tender, the strips are slightly on the sweeter side, and are doused with what tastes a lot like a combo of oyster and soy sauce.
Tokyo Fried Rice Tk180 Rated: 3.5/5
The Tokyo Fried Rice is just that - a simple fried rice that goes well with any of the main dishes. It's not overly impressive but it doesn’t need to be either. Moreover, it does the trick of playing prime partner to any of the items from the Meat lovers section of the menu.
Gulp it Beverages that refresh
Iced Lemon Tea Tk120 Rated: 4.5/5
You barely ever find an iced tea that has just the perfect amount of sweetness, tang and the hint of tea. Their iced tea is everything you want it to be and more. If there's only ONE thing you want to visit Tokyo Express for, it can easily be the iced tea. Yes, it's that good. Priced at a mere Tk120 it comes in a large mug that you takes a while to chug down. The only reason we're not giving it a 5/5 is perhaps because it is so utterly rich and dense with flavour, it's not meant for the lighthearted.
*All prices are exclusive of 15% VAT
