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Sushi, it ain’t just for breakfast any more: Philadelphia Sushi Guide

Sushi. It ain’t just for crazy health nuts any more either. Now get back here! I mean it. Don’t you dare click away just because you think I’m going to force feed you a bunch of raw fish. Here’s a little secret. Outside of Japan, the word sushi is sometimes construed to mean the raw fish itself. Actually sliced raw fish alone is called sashimi. Sushi merely means vinegared rice, usually topped with other ingredients like fish, various meats, and vegetables.

There are different types of sushi, many of them yummy enough to make you howl like a happy puppy if you give them half a chance, but I’m not going to tell you about all that right now. You can find out more than you’ll ever need to know. The main idea in the preparation of sushi is the preservation and fermentation of fish and rice. Let me tell you, I used to be a sushi avoider until my brother shamed me into giving it a fair try.

Right now, as I’m sitting down to prepare for you a list of the superstar places in Philadelphia to eat sushi, I’m so gaga wanting to eat some myself I’m barely able to form coherent sentences.

Please, give it a try. If not for me, do it for the children. All right. That’s enough of my begging and pleading. I’m not going to grovel like a beaten dog. Whatever sushi you don’t eat simply leaves more for me. Let’s roll…

Genji Japanese Restaurant (1720 Sansom Street, Philadelphia)
Genji is a premiere provider of all natural sushi and Japanese cuisine. The mission they have chosen to accept is to help customers achieve a healthy daily lifestyle. Genji serves the highest quality Japanese-inspired cuisine with all natural, fresh, nutritious ingredients. Strict food safety and environmentally friendly sources are always observed.

Morimoto (723 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia)
You may already know him from the cooking show Iron Chef. Chef Morimoto, born and raised in Hiroshima, Japan, learned the art of sushi during his tutelage under several of the country’s Master Chefs. After five years as chef/owner of his own restaurant in Japan, Morimoto moved to the United States to explore western style cooking. You might say he’s doing pretty good so far.

Shiroi Hana (222 South 15th St, Philadelphia)
Established in 1984 in the heart of Center City. “Shiroi” defines white and “hana” defines flower. The Japanese consider their cuisine to be more than something you gobble down. It should stimulate all five senses. Shiroi Hana offers impeccably fresh fish at the full-scale sushi bar. Begin with an excellent selection of appetizers, then move on to flavorful teriyaki, crispy tempura, or one of the famous special maki.

Fuji Mountain (2030 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia)
Consistently rated “Best Sushi in Philadelphia”, they dare you to come find out why. Of course the menu is insanely scrumptious, and you can even get yourself up to the fourth floor karaoke room for private parties of up to 30 people with the same full food selection as the rest of the restaurant.

Kisso Sushi Bar (205 North Fourth Street, Philadelphia)
Warm intimate atmosphere with jazz music, friendly staff, and a dedication to creative and delicious sushi. Family friendly if you want to take the kids but not deafening if you don’t. Kisso is also BYOB, so save a little money on drinks. The reviews are in and it’s looking good!

Moshi Moshi (108 South 18th Street, Philadelphia)
Quiet, minimalist décor with lots of bamboo and paper lanterns. A good spot for great sushi if you’re looking for something less crowded and pricey than others. Lots of sushi, teriyaki, tempura, and sukiyaki made with beef, chicken, lobster, or shrimp. If you like the added danger of fire with your dessert, don’t miss the tempura ice cream on a plate of flaming sake.

There you have it. Don’t go to the same old place and eat the same old thing every time until the day you die. Try something different for a change. Fried catfish nuggets aren’t the only fish in the sea. Where exactly is the part of the fish called a nugget anyway? I have my suspicions I’d rather not know. Go Philly, eat sushi!

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