Restaurant Review: Rolltation
ROLLTATION
207 Dundas Street West ~ rolltation.com Instagram: @rolltationtoronto ~ Twitter: @rolltation Co-Diner: Tim Golem
Have you heard of sushi burritos and are you obsessed? They're the hot new thing that has been around for a couple of years now. Some say that they were invented in San Francisco in 2011 but they're still fairly new to Toronto. They call them a "hybrid food" but what we're really talking about here is a big sushi roll (maki) that hasn't been sliced into circles. It's being called a "burrito" so that you feel like you're eating something acceptable. Personally, I have no issue with eating a full-on sushi roll in my hand. In fact, that's really the only thing that I've ever wanted. It's similar to poke in the sense that they're just coming up with new and wonderful ways to aid in your sushi consumption. And I'm here for it. Opened by actual Torontonians, the owners of Rolltation like the idea of fusion foods because nothing encapsulates Toronto more than its unique multicultural diversity. Now with five locations around the city, it's clear that everyone else has been wanting a roll of sushi in their hands too. blogTO named them the #1 Best Sushi Burritos in town and I definitely wanted that in my life. I visited their small shop near Yonge-Dundas Square on a Saturday evening and noted the simplicity of the space. It's similar to most sandwich shops and there is only a small amount of counter seating by the window. The shop still manages to feel hip with white subway tile on the walls, neon lighting, and a big mural of their logo. All of their ingredients are laid out in front of you in a dazzling rainbow array and the friendly staff members are quick to roll up your creation. I should also mention that they serve more than just sushi burritos. They also do poke bowls (makes sense), salads, rice burgers, and even takoyaki. But I was certainly only there for a burrito. I also noticed that I could order Miso Soup for only $1 with the purchase of any sushi burrito, poke or salad. As a fan of miso soup this seemed like an ideal plan. We placed our order at the counter and grabbed a couple of stools by the window.
This was a perfect cup of miso soup. Classic and straight forward, the serving size is exactly the right amount. I loved the tofu and seaweed and general umami flavour that brings the hype to my taste buds. There are six "Signatures" to choose from that can be made into either a sushi burrito, poke bowl or a salad. There's also the option to "roll your own" where you can customize your meal with the exact ingredients of your choice. I personally really enjoy creating my own, ensuring that all of my favourite flavours and textures are included. But since this was my first visit I thought that I should try one of their signature combos. I tend to prefer tuna over salmon, which landed me on #2, the Wasabi Tuna ($13.99 for regular size).
Yep, it's rolled up just like a burrito! Except that you won't find a tortilla here. Instead a jacket of seaweed (nori) and white sushi rice envelops your chosen ingredients. It truly is just a big maki roll. Also, the regular size was huge so I have no idea how massive (and unnecessary) the large size would be! I chomped straight in and was pleased immediately. If you love sushi rolls (like I do) this really is an ideal situation. Everything tasted wonderfully fresh and I loved the distinct melt-in-your-mouth flavour of the raw tuna. The vegetables added a ton of colour and texture, making the entire burrito feel quite healthful. I especially enjoyed the sweetness from the tamago (Japanese omelette) and the incredible crunch from the lotus chips. The wasabi mayo was delicious, however I found it extra strong. My sinuses were being blasted the entire time that I was eating! The more that I think about this burrito, the more that I love it. Rolltation is great because it's quick and casual, the prices are reasonable, and the food tastes great. I would say that I prefer their sushi burrito to any poke bowl that I have tried in Toronto so far. (Which makes me curious about how their poke is.) I absolutely must return to "roll my own." The sooner the better. I've put some real thought into my perfect sushi burrito and I think that it would include; tuna AND shrimp tempura, cabbage, tomatoes, edamame, avocado, tobiko, tangerine, tamago, lotus chips, sriracha mayo and spicy sesame sauce. I need this in my life and I need it now.
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