Review: Wasabi, Cambridge
Last night, I headed to the hotly anticipated launch of Wasabi in Cambridge. Since I’ve been running my giveaway for a £40 voucher to spend at any Wasabi, I’ve been itching to actually try this sushi I’ve been promoting and I wasn’t disappointed:
The Cambridge Wasabi has been hotly anticipated by everyone I’ve spoken to and as we arrived at the event, there were plenty of passers-by stopping and checking out the new restaurant. Rumour has it that over 120 people queued for the official opening today at midday but we were lucky enough to be treated to a sneak peak before the opening. The decor is futuristic and sleek and the eating area is full of light. The long wooden tables are communal, in a similar style to Wagamamas, but it doesn’t feel crowded or like a canteen. The location is fantastic, near Boots and the Lion Yard Shopping Centre and the fact that it is open til 9pm every day is a huge bonus – perfect for a lunch whilst shopping or a pre-cinema dinner.
Most importantly, however, what is the sushi like? Much fresher and tastier than other chain brands (I’m looking at you, Yo Sushi) and far more affordable than I was expecting too. For example, the ‘Harmony set’ features 18 pieces of sushi and is just £6.99, or you can mix and match your own sushi for as little as £1 for two avocado or cucumber hosomaki. It’s cheap enough to be brave with your choices and try something a little out of your comfort zone. Some of my favourites included the salmon nigiri, the crabmeat and avocado hosomaki and the chicken teriyaki roll. The Aloe Vera drink is also worth trying as I found it to be really refreshing and a little bit different. My only criticism would be that the soy sauce, pickled ginger and wasabi are all 5p a packet to add to your sushi, which seems a little stingy when I would argue that these are all necessities to accompany sushi.
I had created the ultimate test for Wasabi by bringing along a friend who had spent a year in Japan and is heading to Tokyo to teach in just a month’s time. If there was anyone who they needed to impress, she was the one to convince! However she was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the sushi and the affordability and gave it a thumbs up – success! We were both a little underwhelmed by some of the hot dishes, although the rice was deliciously sticky and full of flavour, but some of our fellow diners who weren’t too keen on sushi preferred these dishes. Therefore, I think these dishes are perfect for those who are perhaps a little wary of sushi, meaning there is an option for most people. Next time, I plan on trying the tempura prawns and the pumpkin croquette salad set – delicious!
If you want to try Wasabi, remember that there is one day left to enter my giveaway to win a £40 voucher to spend at any of the UK branches – that’s going to buy a lot of sushi! Have you tried the new Wasabi in Cambridge yet? Let me know what you thought!
