Maki Sushi in the Arbor Walk

Armed with $60 worth of Maki Sushi Groupons, a group of us (5 adults, 3 kids) set out to sample the sushi.  We placed $30 worth of orders online, choosing ingredients for each roll and setting the pickup time.  We ordered the rest of the food at Maki, and the process is much like customizing a sandwich at Subway.

Each roll begins with the choice of traditional nori (seaweed) or soy wrapper.  Unsure what the soy wrapper was, we ordered one roll with it, and the soy wrapper is just a thin sheet of highlighter green wrapper much like rice paper that is used to wrap traditional Asian candies.  The soy wrapper had no discernible taste, dissolving much like rice paper when eaten, so what we tasted was more or less just the seasoned rice and selected ingredients. We are all sushi purists so as interesting as the soy roll was, we all preferred the traditional.

Maki Sushi uses a machine that spreads and flattens the rice evenly on the selected wrapper.  This is one of the more time consuming parts of sushi making when doing by hand so using a mechanized device speeds up the process. The rice was also uniform throughout each roll.

The next step is to choose the meat(s), and that it the determining factor in pricing out the rolls.  The meats start at $1.95 for beef and chicken on up to $3.95 for soft shell crab so it is not all fish.  The online order did not have the option for market fish which was available if placing an order at Maki.  Vegetarian rolls start at $3.95 each.

The next step is to choose the vegetable ingredients.  The first three are included, and after that each additional veggie ingredient is 50¢ extra.  Tomago (sweet egg), strawberries, mango, and mandarin oranges are the more unusual choices in the veggie list.

The final step in customizing the roll is to choose the condiments.  There were the typical wasabi, miso dressing, sesame seeds, chili oil, and tempura crunch.  I was surprised to see masago (roe) as an option, but I suppose this is the least expensive of the sushi nigiri caviars so why not.  The only condiment which costs extra is the 3 crab mix at $1.75.

Each roll was then cut into 10 pieces.

We also ordered 2 of the children’s chicken teriyaki meals.  Each of these meals came with a side choice of miso soup or edamame, accompanied with rice, a drink, and a toy.  The kids like the rice, the miso soup, and the edamame.  All three passed on the chicken teriyaki, and when I took a quick nibble, it tasted a bit like the Tyson chicken breast with a little bit of teriyaki sauce on it.  The kids are accustomed to eating grandma and great grandma’s homemade teriyaki as their standard so take that with a grain of salt as to why they passed on this one.

As for the adults, we were all impressed with the sushi quality for the price.  We tried salmon+yellow tail, California, unagi, salmon+cream cheese, salmon+mandarin oranges to name a few.  The rice is a bit stickier than high end sushi bars and not as rice vinegar-y, but it is better than HEB’s, Randall’s, and Whole Food’s grab and go sushi packs for about the same price.

The restaurant is casual, modern, and bright.  The service was quick, and the online order was ready for pickup at the time we selected.  In all, we think that Maki would be a great place to introduce your kids and family to sushi without breaking the bank and because each person can customize a roll however one pleases.  It is not the best sushi in town certainly, but it would be a nice spot for a quick and fast sushi lunch.

By the way, they only make rolls here, no nigiri or sashimi, but you knew that already from the name “Maki.”  The wakame seaweed salad was good too.

Maki Sushi (Arbor Walk Shopping Center)
10515 N. Mopac Expy, Suite A165
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 243-8298

Mon- Sun: 11 am-9 pm

Related posts:

1. Mimi’s Cafe (north Austin, Arbor Walk)
2. Tomo Sushi (north Austin)
3. Momiji Hibachi and Sushi, northwest Austin
4. Sushi Koi (Triangle)
5. Date Night: Imperia Sushi (downtown Austin)