There’ s no denying the fact that Abu Dhabi loves sushi, and what Abu Dhabi loves best of all is high-end sushi. With that in mind, it comes as a bit of a surprise that Samurai actually exists. A little rough around the edges – both in terms of decor and food preparation – this café-meets-diner lacks the finesse that you pay for in the likes of, say, Kazu or Toki, but there is still something intensely charming about the whole affair. The inside is a Japanese-themed tourist trap; every inch packed with brightly coloured origami cranes, samurai swords and pictures of Fujisan. A little tacky, perhaps, but it is at least welcoming; from the gently swaying red paper lantern that lights the entrance to the appetisers that are served up in mismatched crockery, everything makes you feel at home – especially the part where you get to cook your own food.
We opted for the Samurai sushi selection to start, followed by mixed yakiniku and seafood yakiniku with garlic rice. The sushi was an unrefined affair, with large slabs of raw fish resting weightily on roughly formed blocks of rice. Still, it did at least include some interesting choices such as saba and unagi alongside the usual tuna and salmon pieces.
The raw meat arrived as our tabletop grill was still heating. There was no explanation as to what sort of meat or fish we were given to cook, and no instructions. So we dived right in, guessing our way through most of the affair. We later found out that the mixed yakiniku was a variety of beef cuts, whereas the seafood yakiniku comprised prawns, cuttlefish and red snapper. The meat was tender and smothered in a sweet barbecue sauce, and of course we couldn’t fault the cooking; in fact, there was something rather satisfying about playing such a hands-on role in our meal.
If you’re after perfectly cut morsels of fish in minimalist surroundings, then Samurai is not for you. However, if you’re after a cheap Japanese feed in a relaxed and friendly environment, or a novel night out, then it’s well worth stopping by.
The bill (for two)
Samurai sushi platter Dhs65
Mixed yakiniku Dhs60
Seafood yakiniku Dhs45
2x garlic rice Dhs34
Total (excluding service) Dhs204
