Think Japan, and one of the first things that will likely come to mind is sushi. In an earlier post, I shared about my first encounter with this quintessential Japanese food IN Japan when I hunted for Genki Sushi. That was an experience I enjoyed immensely, but that did not stop me from wanting to try a kaiten sushi place. And I’m glad I got to try it when I was in Osaka, right in the middle of Dotonbori.
Kaitensushi is literally translated as “rotation sushi”, and is basically a “conveyor belt sushi”. Diners get to sit around a counter, and sushi in small plates will be on continuous parade before them. Behind the counter are the chefs, who are so energetic… and by energetic, I mean LOUD.
My friend and I were literally going around in circles the evening we went to Dotonbori because we were looking for some place to eat. With so many options available, it was hard to pick one! And then we stumbled on this sign, and I just fuh-reaked out.
I think I may have even pushed (or dragged, same diff) my friend towards the place.
The place is called Daiki Suisan Kaiten Sushi. Other popular names include Daiki Suisan Sushi-Go-Round. The brochure I picked up from the cashier had “Daiki Suisan Conveyor Sushi” written on it.
The first level was wide, with three counters. We were led to the second counter, with corner seats. There’s a second level and a third level, too, and the third level has private rooms. Customers can reserve the private rooms and enjoy private party menus of Daiki Suisan’s sushi selections. I think they even have shows featuring their expert chefs work their way around Bluefin tuna. At the time, we didn’t know about this, so we just decided to stick to the conveyor sushi on the first level.
From the very second you step inside, you will be assaulted by the aroma of good food and the noise of the chefs’ booming voices welcoming customers, or saying their thanks to leaving diners, or simply calling out orders as they quickly work behind the counter to keep the conveyor belt “occupied” and filled with sushi plates.
The place was so clean and, maybe because of the noise, very welcoming.
I have grown enamoured of the tables every time I am seated in any dining place in Japan. You already have access to hot/cold water, green tea, and pickled ginger!
When we got seated, we were handed menus. Of course, we decided to skip ordering any sushi off the menu and just play what’s-this-who-cares-let’s-just-grab-it with the plates passing by. We ordered drinks, though. Of course, I have acquired an addiction to chu-hai, so I went with that.
There were labels with price tags indicating the price of the sushi parading in front of you. What you do is just grab whatever you want when they are within reach. Let the empty plates pile in front of you (and trust me, they will!). When you are done and ask for the tab later, the staff will simply count the number of plates stacked and calculate your bill.
How do they do it, you ask? See, the sushi come in plates of specific designs/colors, with each one assigned a corresponding price. Pretty ingenious, if you ask me.
I couldn’t really remember all the details, but I listed down what we ate, and they are….. *drumroll*
Let me point out, though, that there were two of us, so please let me not be accused of being a glutton. Haha!
Here goes:
Spear squid
Salmon small roll
Boiled Snow Crab (nigiri)
Squid Fisherman Structure
Flying Fish Roe
Conger Eel (loved this!)
Minced Tuna & Scallion with Yam
Rapana Venosa Shellfish
Whale Meat (i really really liked this)
Salmon Roe
It was really difficult taking a photo of the moving sushi, especially when you are eating. And, at the time, my priority was eating. But here are some photos of the “parade”.
Between the two of us, I think we spent close to 3,000 yen. ZOMG. I know, right?!
But they were sooooooo fresh, and unbelievably tasty, and… and…. and resistance was futile.
We stepped out, I think, more than an hour after we came in, sated and fully satisfied.
If you are going to look for this place, look for the building with a large fish in front.
Store hours are 11am until 11pm.
Address: Shikairow Dotonbori Building 1-7-24 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Telephone Number: 06-6214-1055
Leave a Reply