Nishiki Ramen & Sushi — Restaurant in Gaithersburg

Nishiki is a special restaurant to me. The first time I stopped by was on a miserably cold, rainy day. I just had a rough move to the area, and some comfort food I didn't have to prep was about all I wanted.

Spotting a place serving ramen was enough for me to shuffle in on auto-pilot. My waitress was attentive and smiling, and the atmosphere was warm. The prep area is open like most ramen & sushi joints, and was keeping up with a steady stream of to-go orders late in the afternoon. Nonetheless, my tea was out fast (fresh, piping hot, and kept topped up for the entirety of my dining experience), adjustments to my ramen were of no consequence, and I had the entirety of my order before I knew it.

The food was perfect. The generous portion of avocado & mango sushi was incredibly fresh and rejuvenating. The veggie ramen was similarly wonderful, with my side of fried tofu being delightfully crispy and filling. Despite how ravenous I was, I found myself taking home leftovers at the end of my late lunch – right along another cup of hot tea to-go that my waitress insisted I take with me (complete with a lemon wedge!). In all, I spent less than $15 w/o tip for the experience. I was floored.

Since then, I routinely find myself back here. I think I've dragged most of my friends and family to this little shop, and pointed every neighbor and coworker their way. That doesn't stop me from dropping by whenever I need a pick-me-up. The atmosphere is just so welcoming and cozy, with staff that makes you feel like you're home. The food being as filling and affordable as it is really seals the deal for me.

Though I'm lukewarm on sushi, I highly recommend their unagi rolls. The rice is just perfect here, and the eel really melts in your mouth. Their ramen is truly some of the best in the area, too. While the tonkatsu is absolutely the star (and I'm very fond of the thick noodle karaage ramen), the vegetable ramen is also incredible for veggies and omnis alike.

If you haven't given Nishiki a try, they're more than worth the visit. I would highly recommend...

Nishiki Ramen is a culinary gem that transports you straight to the streets of Tokyo with its authentic flavors and vibrant atmosphere. The moment you step in, the warm welcome by the staff sets the tone for a delightful dining experience.

The takoyaki here is a revelation – perfectly crispy on the outside while being delightfully gooey on the inside, each bite is a burst of umami goodness, complemented by the tangy sauce and delicate bonito flakes that dance on top. It's a must-try appetizer that primes your palate for more.

Moving on to the kaarage, Nishiki Ramen's rendition of this classic Japanese fried chicken dish is nothing short of perfection. The chicken is marinated to the bone, ensuring each piece is succulent and flavorful. The golden-brown crust is audibly crisp, making it an irresistible treat that pairs wonderfully with their array of dipping sauces.

But the star of the show is undoubtedly their eel dish. The eel is grilled to a smoky tenderness, glazed with a sweet and savory sauce that enhances its natural flavors without overpowering them. It's a delicate balance that Nishiki Ramen masters, offering a dish that's both comforting and luxurious.

Whether you're a ramen aficionado or a curious foodie, Nishiki Ramen's dedication to quality and flavor shines through in every dish. It's a culinary experience that leaves you planning your next visit before you've even left your seat. Highly recommended for anyone looking to indulge in the best of Japanese...

One of the best sushi places that's off the proverbial beaten path.

People tend to ignore this one and literally pay 2X the price for the place on main street. While that location is popular, this sushi is simply the superior quality and much much more affordable. There's also a great place across the street. However, since the 2020 pandemic they have been carry out only. Meanwhile Nishiki has plenty of space inside without being crowded.

Do not be fooled thinking that affordability = lower quality. No, this is simply superb quality raw fish. The Tuna is succulent, Salmon is flavourful, Yellow Tail is almost sweet, Red Snapper is unique in taste, Eel is cooked to perfection, etc. are all unmatched in quality. They even have the usual tempura, donburi, dragon rolls, and other specials expected at a quality joint.

Then there's the Ramen. It's rare for an excellent sushi place to offer good quality ramen, granted, you should come here for the sushi. But it's good to know that once in a while you can enjoy a good Ramen.

Give this place a chance, and you will not regret having tried one of the best sushi 🍣 this side of Japan (ok that that...