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| - Hana-bi Sushi is a cozy little joint located in the First Markham Plaza. It is probably the smallest sushi venue I have ever been in, but I felt comfortable and was greeted kindly.
A fairly large menu was presented to me and I browsed through it whilst sipping green tea. I decided to take advantage of a lunch special as it contained a wide spread which would allow me to get a good feel of the chefs skills and quality of ingredients. My bento consisted of 2 salmon sushi, 2 red snapper sushi, 2 pieces of anonymous maki, 2 tempura rolls, a portion of bulgogi and some gyoza for $9.99.
I was excited to dig in, but disappointed that everything remained fairly at par. The sushi had more rice packed underneath then usual and there was no wasabi between the fish and rice. I like the temperature of my sushi to be cool and fresh, this was at room temperature and extra chewy. As for the bulgogi, I have eaten it almost everywhere and I have had much better. The gyoza was under and unevenly cooked and my bowl of rice was dry and I believe it was placed in the bowl long before it made it to my table.
I probably will not be returning to this restaurant, however this could have been just a one off experience I had. I have come across positive reviews online and some via word of mouth, I also feel the venue is homey and the service is good. Unfortunately, sushi can not hold a candle to other local gems like Tomo.
Dewa Mata.
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