By Alice Chen
Oshi sushi (also known as pressed sushi, box sushi, or battera) is made by placing the ingredients in a box and pressing down on them.
This traditional sushi style comes from Osaka and is developed from the timeworn method of preserving fish by packing it tightly in boxes with rice. Oshi sushi is often served aburi-style – a technique of lightly searing the sushi with flames.
Here are eight places in Vancouver when you can enjoy oshi sushi.
Miku
Credited for introducing Vancouver to aburi sushi, Miku is one of the go-to places for oshi sushi in Vancouver and offers melt-in-your-mouth Japanese delicacies. Among their most popular dishes is the Aburi Salmon Oshi. Miku is located right by the waterfront so patrons can enjoy the heavenly cuisine along with a view.
Address: 70-200 Granville Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @mikurestaurant
Kishimoto
Kishimoto calls Commercial Drive home and attracts a devout following; the restaurant is frequently lined up. Their enticing Salmon Oshisushi is one of their oft-ordered plates. All of their dishes are meticulously decorated so their oshi sushi is appetizing for both the stomach and the eyes.
Address: 2054 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Instagram: @kishimoto.restaurant
See also
- 6 best places for ice cream cakes in Metro Vancouver
- Where to get authentic tiki cocktails in Vancouver
Minami
Yaletown’s Minami is the sister restaurant of Miku, so they offer the same high quality aburi oshi sushi. Minami is high-end, trendy Japanese dining. They serve up innovative and modern Japanese food composed by traditionally trained chefs with global influences – including elevated, mouthwatering oshi sushi.
Address: 1118 Mainland Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @minamiyaletown
Green Leaf Sushi
Kitsilano’s Green Leaf Sushi is a small sushi restaurant making waves with their Aburi Platter of oshi sushi. Served on a wooden platter, the Aburi Platter takes about half an hour to order so plan accordingly. The platter comes with six different rolls (five oshi sushi and one roll), totalling 38 pieces of scrumptious sushi.
Address: 3416 West Broadway, Vancouver
Ajisai Sushi Bar
Located in Kerrisdale, Ajisai Sushi Bar serves up authentic, expertly-executed sushi. Their oshi sushi is super fresh and generously portioned. The restaurant is small, so it’s best to go early to avoid a long wait.
Address: 2081 West 42nd Avenue, Vancouver
Sushi Loku
A quintessential neighbourhood joint, Sushi Loku is a no-frills sushi place that lets the food shine. Converted from a café, the restaurant offers a solid menu of appetizing oshi sushi and creative rolls that won’t break the bank
Address: 592 East Broadway, Vancouver
Bistro Sakana
Another Yaletown destination for oshi sushi is Bistro Sakana. Much like the nearby Minami, Bistro Sakana offers innovative, West Coast-inspired sushi. Their Sockeye Jalapeno Aburi and Shiro Miso Toro Aburi are packed with flavour and freshness.
Address: 1123 Mainland Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @bistrosakana
Raisu
A Japanese izakaya in Kitsilano, Raisu is the latest sister restaurant of Suika, Kingyo, and Rajio (all three also offer oshi sushi). An alluring draw of Raisu is their Oceans Offerings box which is comprised of 12 square-shaped pressed sushi. But act fast – they only make 10 boxes a day.
Address: 3763 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver
Instagram: @raisu2340
Alice Chen is a freelancer writer, content marketer, and chocolate consumer. Twitter: @_alicechen
Follow Channels and Categories