A 100k Sushitei dupe? I tried Tom Sushi's hits & misses for you
qponx
2026-03-06
Curious about the hype surrounding Tom Sushi, the so-called affordable Sushitei dupe? This review dives into the popular conveyor belt spot, exploring its hits and misses. Discover if the Kanimayo Lava Roll lives up to its fame and whether the 100k price tag is truly worth it. Get the real scoop on what to order, what to skip, and how to save money before you brave the queues for your next sushi fix.
Every time I pass by this Tom Sushi at Living World Pekanbaru, there's always a long queue at the entrance. It's so popular, it's Anjay! Everyone says it's the affordable version under the sushi giant Sushitei. I figured, since it's from the same group, how bad could it be? My sushi craving hit just right today, so I decided to check it out for my girls.
Immersive "Cloud" Experience
The restaurant's environment is quite bright and clean. The signature conveyor belt keeps going round and round, which is very friendly for families with kids; the little ones' eyes were glued to it. The pricing is simple and straightforward, just look at the plate colors: yellow plates are 10k, red plates are 15k, blue and black plates are 20k[1]. The prices are clearly marked, so it's easy on your wallet.
I started by grabbing a few plates from the belt to satisfy my craving. The officially recommended Kanimayo Lava Roll[2] was pretty good. The crispiness of the tempura paired with the crab stick and melted sauce created a nice variety of textures. My sashimi craving kicked in, so I also ordered my favorite, the Salmon Sashimi[3]. When it arrived, emmm… the portion was indeed not large, maybe about half the size of what you get at Sushitei, but the price is also cheaper, so it's a decent choice to satisfy a craving. Then I got a Seaweed Salad[4] to freshen up my palate. It was okay.
Real Talk Time (Listen up!)
Honestly, you can't hold it to the same standards as Sushitei. After all, the price is what it is. You can have a meal for around 100k per person, what more can you ask for? Taste is a very subjective thing. Some people think it's Mantap, but many others have complained that the salmon isn't fresh and the sushi rice is too cold, like eating leftovers`[5]`. I was pretty lucky this time and didn't run into any major disasters, but the flavor has definitely been modified to cater to Lokal tastes, losing a bit of the essence of authentic Japanese sushi. In summary: it's fine for a quick fix for your cravings, but if you're looking for the ultimate Japanese dining experience, just forget it.
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls / Save Money (Take it!)
- Don't just queue blindly: It gets super crowded during meal times, you could be waiting forever`[6]`! If you want to Nongkrong comfortably, remember to go during off-peak hours.
- Be proactive: The good stuff on the conveyor belt moves slowly, and the variety is limited. If there's something specific you want, just order it directly from the staff. It's much faster`[7]`!
- Money-saving hack: Order the Ocha (that's tea), you get unlimited free refills. It's the top choice for any savvy saver`[8]`.
- Follow their IG: Their Instagram often has promos! For example, special price events for red plates on certain days`[9]`. Check it before you go, you might be able to score a deal
- Kanimayo Lava Roll: Crispy tempura, savory crab stick, and rich lava sauce. A flavor trio in one bite that'll make you spin[1]!
- Order Ocha (tea) for unlimited free refills[2]. It's basically free—bargain hunters rejoice!
- Anjay, so popular there's always a line! Get Sushitei Group taste for affordable prices at Tom Sushi, Living World Pekanbaru[3].
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