Uncovering the Delicious Mystery: What Is St. Louis Sushi?

Sushi has become a beloved and popular dish in many parts of the world, with its origins rooted in Japan. However, its flavors and varieties have expanded far beyond traditional Japanese cuisine. One city in particular has taken the sushi scene by storm: St. Louis, Missouri. But what exactly is St. Louis sushi? Is it just another name for the classic rolls and sashimi we all know and love or does it have its own unique spin? In this article, we’ll delve into the delicious world of St. Louis sushi and discover what sets it apart from other types of sushi. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your curiosity!

Introduction

Sushi, one of the most popular Japanese dishes, has gained a significant following all over the world. It is a delicacy that has made its way to various countries, adopting local flavors and ingredients along the way. While it may have originated in Japan, it has evolved into different types and variations throughout the years. One of these variations is St Louis sushi.

St Louis sushi is a unique type of sushi that combines traditional Japanese techniques with local flavors. It offers a diverse selection of rolls, including some that are only found in this specific region. In this article, we will delve deeper into what exactly St Louis sushi is and what makes it stand out from other types of sushi.

History of Sushi in St Louis

The history of sushi in St Louis can be traced back to the mid-1980s when small Japanese restaurants began popping up in the city. However, it was not until the 1990s when it gained popularity and started evolving into its unique form. The first sushi restaurant to introduce St Louis-style sushi was Seki’s Japanese Restaurant, which opened its doors in 1991.

As more people started trying and enjoying sushi, new restaurants specializing in this cuisine started opening up all over St Louis. The diverse mix of cultures and ingredients in this city allowed for the creation of unique and tasty rolls that quickly became popular among locals.

What makes St Louis Sushi different?

St Louis sushi stands out from other types of sushi due to its fusion of traditional Japanese techniques and local flavors. Many St Louis-style rolls have a fusion twist, incorporating ingredients such as barbecue sauce, fried chicken, or even toasted ravioli.

One distinctive element that sets it apart from other styles is the use of provel cheese instead of traditional sushi rice vinegar. This cheese originated in St Louis and has become a staple ingredient in many local dishes, including sushi. It adds a tangy and creamy flavor to the rolls, making them unique and delicious.

Another factor that differentiates St Louis sushi from other types is the use of crispy tempura batter. While sushi traditionally uses raw fish, some St Louis rolls are made with fried chicken or shrimp, giving them a crispy texture and mouth-watering flavor.

Popular St Louis Sushi Rolls

St Louis sushi offers a wide variety of rolls that cater to different tastes and preferences. One of the most popular rolls is the “Toasted Ravioli Roll,” which is a tribute to St Louis’s famous toasted ravioli dish. This roll consists of tempura battered ravioli, crab meat, avocado, and provel cheese, topped with toasted breadcrumbs for added crunch.

Another crowd favorite is the “St Louis Dragon Roll,” which is a play on the traditional dragon roll found in other sushi styles. This roll features shrimp tempura, asparagus, eel, avocado, and provel cheese, wrapped in soy paper and topped with eel sauce.

For those looking for a taste of barbecue sauce in their sushi, there is the “St Louis BBQ Roll.” It includes smoked beef brisket combined with avocado, cucumber, cream cheese, rolled in bbq seasoned rice and topped with barbecue sauce.

Where to find St Louis Sushi

As mentioned earlier, ever since its introduction in the 1990s, St Louis-style sushi has gained popularity and can now be found in various restaurants across the city. Some popular spots include Blue Ocean Sushi & Asian Grill in Chesterfield Valley and Oishi Sushi & Steakhouse in Creve Coeur.

Several food trucks have also caught on to this unique style of sushi serving up inventive rolls all around St Louis. And for those who prefer to enjoy their meals at home, many local grocery stores offer pre-packaged St Louis sushi rolls in their sushi section.

Conclusion

St Louis sushi is a delicious and unique fusion of traditional Japanese techniques and local flavors. It has gained a significant following in the city, with many restaurants specializing in this style of sushi. Its use of provel cheese and tempura batter sets it apart from other types of sushi, giving it a distinct taste and texture. If you are a sushi lover, then St Louis sushi is definitely worth a try on your next visit to this vibrant city.

Sushi has become a popular dish worldwide and it’s no wonder why – the combination of fresh ingredients, beautiful presentation, and unique taste make it a favorite among food lovers. Whether you’re a seasoned sushi enthusiast or just starting to explore this Japanese delicacy, you may have heard of a specific type of sushi called St. Louis sushi.

So what exactly is St. Louis sushi? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a deep dive into this regional twist on traditional sushi and explore its history, ingredients, and unique characteristics that make it stand out from other types of sushi.

The History of St. Louis Sushi

St. Louis sushi originated in the city of St. Louis in Missouri, hence its name. Unlike traditional Japanese sushi that uses raw fish over rice with seaweed, St. Louis sushi was created as an American version of the popular Japanese dish.

The first mention of St. Louis sushi can be traced back to the 1990s when chef Toshinobu Kimura opened his restaurant “Taste of Tokyo” in the city’s trendy Central West End neighborhood. Kimura wanted to create a fusion between the flavors of Japan and the taste preferences of Americans, giving birth to St. Louis sushi.

At first, locals were hesitant about trying this new type of sushi that deviated from traditional recipes. However, with time and exposure to different flavor combinations, St. Louis sushi gained popularity and has become a staple on local menus.

Ingredients Used in St. Louis Sushi

St. Louis Sushi is traditionally made using cooked proteins such as shrimp tempura or grilled chicken instead of raw fish like in traditional Japanese-style sushi rolls. This difference is due to Americans’ preference for cooked meat over raw fish.

Other common ingredients used include cream cheese, avocado, cucumber, tempura flakes, and different sauces such as spicy mayo or teriyaki glaze. The ingredients are typically rolled with rice and seaweed and then sliced into bite-sized pieces.

Unique Characteristics of St. Louis Sushi

St. Louis sushi is known for its fusion of flavors and textures, making it a unique and tasty experience for sushi lovers. One of the distinct characteristics is the use of cream cheese, which adds a creamy and rich element to the roll.

Another unique aspect is the incorporation of American flavors such as BBQ sauce or ranch dressing in some variations of St. Louis sushi. This adds a tangy twist to the traditional Japanese taste, appealing to those who may not be fans of raw fish.

How to Enjoy St. Louis Sushi

St. Louis sushi can be enjoyed just like any other type of sushi – using chopsticks or by hand, dipping it in soy sauce or your favorite sauce, and savoring each bite with all its flavors.

If you’re new to St. Louis sushi, a good way to try it is through variety rolls that offer different combinations of ingredients so you can find your favorite flavor profile. Some popular rolls include “Dragon Roll” with shrimp tempura, avocado, cucumber, cream cheese topped with eel and avocado sauce, or “Phoenix Roll” with grilled chicken, avocado, asparagus wrapped in soy paper topped with spicy mayo and teriyaki glaze.

Where to Find St. Louis Sushi?

Due to its origins in St. Louis, this type of sushi can be found mainly in local restaurants in Missouri. However, as its popularity grows, some chains have started offering their versions of St. Louis sushi in other states.

You can also recreate your own version at home by getting creative with ingredients and incorporating new flavors that suit your taste buds.

St. Louis sushi may not be traditional Japanese sushi, but it has its own unique appeal and flavor profile that has gained a following among sushi lovers. With its fusion of ingredients and American influences, St. Louis sushi offers a tasty twist on the original dish that is definitely worth trying. So next time you’re in St. Louis, make sure to give this regional delicacy a try!

1. What is St. Louis sushi?
St. Louis sushi refers to Japanese cuisine that is prepared and served in the St. Louis area. It typically includes a variety of sushi rolls, sashimi, and other traditional Japanese dishes.

2. Where can I find the best St. Louis sushi?
There are many excellent Japanese restaurants in the St. Louis area that serve delicious sushi, such as Sushi Ai, Drunken Fish, and Kampai Sushi Bar. It is best to read reviews and ask for recommendations from locals to find your preferred spot.

3. What types of sushi are popular in St. Louis?
Some popular types of sushi in St. Louis include California rolls, spicy tuna rolls, salmon avocado rolls, and Philadelphia rolls. There are also unique creations like the Stlouisian roll, which contains toasted ravioli and provel cheese.

4. Is there a specific way to eat St. Louis sushi?
While there is no one right way to eat sushi, it is generally accepted to use chopsticks or your hands when eating nigiri (hand-pressed) sushi or sashimi (sliced raw fish). Rolls can be eaten with chopsticks or fingers.

5. Are there any vegan or vegetarian options for St. Louis sushi?
Yes, many Japanese restaurants in St. Louis offer vegetarian and vegan options for sushi lovers who do not consume meat or fish products. Some popular choices include cucumber rolls, avocado rolls, and vegetable tempura rolls.

6.What makes St.Louis sushi different from other types of sushi?
St.Louis sushi often incorporates local ingredients like toasted ravioli and provel cheese into their rolls, creating a unique fusion of traditional Japanese flavors with a touch of Midwest influence.The preparation techniques may also vary from other regions in Japan, resulting in a distinct taste.

In conclusion, St. Louis sushi offers a unique and delicious culinary experience that is influenced by both traditional Japanese techniques and local Midwestern ingredients. While sushi has become a global sensation, the city of St. Louis has put its own spin on this popular dish, creating a fusion of cultures and flavors.

The history of sushi in St. Louis dates back to the early 1900s, when Japanese immigrants brought their traditional cuisine to the city. Over time, it has evolved into a beloved staple in St. Louis’ food scene with various restaurants offering their own unique take on sushi.

One notable aspect of St. Louis sushi is the use of local ingredients such as barbecue sauce, toasted ravioli, and provel cheese – providing a distinct twist to traditional sushi flavors. This amalgamation of cultures has not only made St. Louis sushi stand out but also highlights the city’s diverse and dynamic food culture.

Moreover, the popularity of sushi in St. Louis continues to grow with more and more restaurants adding it to their menus and local chefs experimenting with new flavor combinations. This further showcases the city’s commitment to constantly evolve while paying homage to its roots.

Despite being landlocked, St. Louis has managed to carve its own place in the world of sushi by offering fresh and

Author Profile

Erick Benitez

In 2003, the Coast Sushi Bar was founded, quickly becoming a beloved fixture in its trendy neighborhood, appreciated for its exceptional sushi and vibrant BYOB atmosphere.

The chefs at Coast have developed a mastery in blending subtle yet intricate flavors, establishing a reputation for pioneering innovative New-Japanese cuisine with only the finest global ingredients.

Building on decades of culinary success, the founder launched a new endeavor in 2024—a blog focused on Japanese snacks. This blog marks a significant shift from restaurateur to food blogger, motivated by a desire to share comprehensive insights into Japanese culinary arts and snack culture. The content covers traditional snacks, the evolution of snack culture in Japan, and the global influence and adaptation of these snacks.

Each blog post reflects the founder's commitment to quality and attention to detail, mirroring the standards of Coast Sushi Bar.

Aimed at both aficionados and novices of Japanese cuisine, the blog serves as a resource for deepening readers’ knowledge and appreciation of Japan's rich and diverse food culture.