Taste Test: Sushi Roll Call

Deep-fried or topped with fish eggs, these dolled-up versions turn two simple components—fish and rice—into an edible art form.
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Four Treasure
Bu Da Lounge
148 E. Market St., 822-8522, budalounge.com

A delicate tempura crust locks in the core flavors, but the double saucing and tumble of raw fish on top take the decadence up a notch. Eat it all in one bite to fully appreciate the complex, almost buttery combination of flavors. And don’t you dare ask for soy sauce. 148 E. Market St., 822-8522, budalounge.com

TIP: Eat it all in one bite to fully appreciate the complex, almost buttery combination of flavors.

 

 

 

Pink Dragon
Ichiban Sushi Bar & Sammy’s Asian Cuisine
8265 U.S. 31 N, 883-1888, ichiban31.com

A cool mixture of chopped seafood held together with seasoned mayo gives way to the deep-fried crunch and the center of this chewy, savory favorite.

This roll is crowned with a cool mix of seafood and mayo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rocket Roll
Naked Tchopstix
6253 N. College Ave., 252-5555, tchopstix.com

More than just a gimmick, the topping of exploding candy on this sweet creation (dessert sushi?) ensures that you taste the crab’s spicy notes deep in your sinuses.

A topping of exploding candy accentuates the crab’s spicy notes.

 

 

 

Indy 500 Roll
Izakaya Japanese Bar & Grill
7325 E. 96th St., 915-8988, indyizakaya.com

Topped with shards of fried tempura batter, this extra-crunchy roll with a core of fat shrimp tastes like a deconstructed fish fry.

This extra-crispy roll tastes like a deconstructed fish fry.

Photos by Tony Valainis

This article appeared in the March 2013 issue.