Sumi Sushi | SJSU’s Hidden Anime-Themed Sushi Spot
🍣 Sumi Sushi | SJSU’s Hidden Anime-Themed Sushi Spot 📍 First Impressions A brand-new hole-in-the-wall near SJSU campus, where: • Decor: Walls plastered with vintage anime posters (Naruto + Sailor Moon) • Vibe: Late-night student hangout meets chef’s passion project • Owner: Ex-Osaka chef "Qingdao Mike" hand-rolls between telling dad jokes Pro Tip: Sit at the bar counter – Mike does free sake shots for Instagram check-ins 📸 🍱 Roll-by-Roll Breakdown 1. Big Blue Ocean ($14.99) 🌊 • Star Ingredient: Bluefin tuna (real deal – not "tuna salad" mush) • Genius Twist: Pineapple slice cuts through mayo richness • Texture Play: Crispy tempura flakes vs. creamy spicy crab 2. Trojan Roll ($12.99) ⚔️ • Layers: 1. Fried shrimp core 2. Avocado wrap 3. Tobiko bomb topping • Best Bite: Dip in sriracha aioli (unlisted sauce – ask!) 3. Lobster Tower ($21.99) 🦞 • Stack: • Base: Crab mix • Mid: Seared lobster tail • Crown: Gold leaf (yes, really) • Value: Beats $40+ downtown versions 📊 Price Check Roll Price Comparable to Big Blue 15 22 at Kuma Trojan 13 18 at Sushi Maru Lobster 22 45 at Santana Row Winner: 50% cheaper than SJ "fancy" spots 🍜 Side Quest Standouts 1. Lion King Bake ($10.99) 🔥 • What It Is: California roll + baked salmon + dynamite sauce • Americanized? Yes. Delicious? Also yes. 2. 20-Piece Sashimi ($28) 🐟 • Fish Notes: • Salmon: Norway farmed (thick-cut) • "White fish": Actually buttery escolar (eat sparingly) 3. Vegan Love ($9.99) 🌱 • Inside: Mango + crispy sweet potato • Pro Move: Add spicy cashew cream (+$1) 💡 Insider Tips 1. Parking: 2hr free at 3rd/St. John garage 2. Timing: • 3-5pm: 20% off rolls (student happy hour) • Avoid 12pm – SJSU lunch rush! 3. Secret Menu: • "Mike’s Dragon": Spicy tuna inside, eel on top • Miso Butter Ramen: Off-menu chef’s special 🎌 Anime Easter Eggs • Chopsticks: Sailor Moon sleeves • Playlist: Studio Ghibli jazz covers • Wall Art: Totoro mural in restroom SanJoseEats #SushiLovers #AnimeFood #BayAreaFoodie