Who says Pekanbaru is a Japanese food desert? This chain is the first to clap back
qponx
2026-03-06
Think Pekanbaru is a Japanese food desert? This article challenges that notion with a review of Sushi Tei. Discover a spacious, MUI Halal certified restaurant serving up surprisingly solid Japanese cuisine. Key highlights include the ultra-fresh Salmon Sashimi and the addictive Tuna Salad Crispy Mentai. While it can be pricey and crowded, the piece offers essential tips on booking ahead, saving money with promotions, and getting the most out of your visit to this popular spot.
Every time I come to Pekanbaru for a business trip, someone always complains to me that this place is a desert for Japanese food. Honestly, I didn't have high expectations for a chain sushi restaurant, thinking, isn't it just standardized, assembly-line stuff? But this time I went to Sushi Tei, and well... I admit I was proven wrong, and I was completely convinced! 🤣
Solid, It's Really Solid!
As soon as I walked in, the Japanese atmosphere was on full display. The space is spacious and clean, perfect for a family meal or for Nongkrong with friends. What surprised me the most was that the restaurant is actually MUI Halal certified[1]! Muslim friends can go for it without any worries, and this definitely deserves a thumbs-up.
Enough talk, let's get to the food. The moment the Salmon Sashimi[2] was served, I knew it was going to be good. The texture was fresh and tender, with absolutely no fishy smell, living up to its reputation as "the best in town"[3]. But what really got me hooked was the Tuna Salad Crispy Mentai[4]! One bite, and the crispy outer layer filled with creamy tuna salad, combined with the savory flavor of the Mentai sauce exploding in my mouth—the layers of flavor were incredible, Mantap!
Let's Get Real...
Of course, it's not without its flaws. To be fair, the prices are indeed on the high side[5], so it'll hurt your wallet a bit. Also, it gets crazy crowded during weekend meal times. The staff are running off their feet, so the serving speed slows down[6], which can be really frustrating if you're impatient, anjay!
A Heartfelt Guide 📝
Finally, here are some money-saving and pitfall-avoiding tips I've put together for you. You're welcome:
- Book in advance: It's super crowded on weekends and during dinner hours, so if you don't want to wait forever, be sure to book ahead[7].
- Avoid the window seats if you can't stand the heat: The air conditioning isn't very strong in some of the window seats, so for my friends who are sensitive to heat, be mindful when choosing your seat[8].
- Order Ocha: It's Japanese green tea with free refills[9], definitely the king of value for money.
- Ask about promotions: Before paying, just casually ask if there are any credit card promotions[10]. You might be pleasantly surprised, and every little bit saved counts!
- Plenty of parking: Their parking lot is huge[11], so friends who are driving don't have to worry about parking at all.
- This sushi spot is MUI Halal certified[1]! Great news for Muslim friends—enjoy Japanese flavors worry-free.
- The Tuna Salad Crispy Mentai is a must-try! A crispy, creamy, savory explosion of tuna and Mentai sauce. So Mantap![2]
- Enjoy free-flow[3] Ocha, a budget-friendly palate cleanser. Perfect for sipping iced tea in hot Pekanbaru to chill.
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