The latest sushi restaurant in Doha brings an interesting fusion concept to the Qatar F&B market. The team at Cactus Senshi have chosen to mix popular Japanese sushi with Arabic flavours such as Biryani and Makbous.
But is this a step too far for sushi enthusiasts?
Cactus Senshi Doha
The concept story is based upon the friendship of two characters Japanese Sushi Master Senshi and Cactus Farmer Miguel. The bright decor of this C Ring Road restaurant showcases this story with images of its cactus ninja warrior. One slight downside of this interior is that the vast internal space can make for a noisy dining environment.
Cactus Senshi Sushi – Menu Review
The menu is extensive and features sushi rolls, sashimi, soups, yakitori and noodles. The Seafood and Vegetable Tempura was perfectly crisp – a winner.
Most menu items are traditionally Japanese but the Arabic Sushi is a nice twist. The Arabic Sushi Rolls have been inspired by local flavours. Diners can choose from varied offerings including Shrimp Biryani, Lamb Maklouba, Chicken Makbous and Daoud Basha. Vegetarian and spicy options are clearly indicated on the menu.
Everything is freshly prepared in the restaurant kitchen, with some of the Arabic marinades taking days to make. For those of you looking for traditional sushi and sashimi you can find the usual suspects including California Roll and Rainbow Roll.
There is a section of the menu dedicated to Asian flavours with one-dish items representing Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. Whilst the Bento Box options have the potential to appeal to the lunch crowd.
For the Bubble Tea aficionados you will be pleased to know that they have 11 different flavours of Bubble Tea (28QAR) including Fig, Peanut Butter and Karak!
Sushi – An Afternoon Tea Concept?
One of the interesting menu concepts is the “Taste of Sushi” experience. Diners can choose between traditional Cactus Senshi sushi or Arabic sushi, which is then presented afternoon tea-style. The sushi selection is paired with bubble teas that have been chosen to compliment the flavours.
The idea is fun and the introduction of bubble teas is picking up on a Doha food trend. The Hibiscus Bubble Tea was excellent. You do get a variety of sushi to try and it is a great way to try the Arabic sushi.
The standouts included the Falafel Spiced Sushi, Dukkah Spiced Beetroot Sushi, and the Bukhar salmon with a babaganoush puree and paprika butter. Whilst the BBQ Eel and Alaskan Snow Crab Leg Nigiris were delicious.
Confused or Inspired?
It is a concern that there may just be too many ideas here potentially confusing diners. There is the Arabic Sushi, but there is the Mexican element coming in with the El Paso Beef Chili and Dulce De Leche Churros. Then there’s this Sushi Afternoon Tea Experience. And where does the unnamed cactus warrior come into it all?
On a positive the team was well-versed on the menu and very open to customer feedback. It is important to note that the pricing is a little on the high side, however it has yet to officially open and there is lots of potential here. We look forward to the concept settling in – theme nights or pocket-friendly promotions will help to bring in the family crowd.
Ultimately, we found the concept to be fun with some inspired dishes, and there are plenty of dishes for diners not keen on Arabic flavours. The restaurant staff are friendly, informative, and most importantly can play a mean game of table football!
Cactus Senshi Sushi
Al Shoumoukh Towers, C Ring Rd, Doha
For more information and reservations call +974 4436 9711
Opening Times: Sun – Sat 12.00pm – 12.00am
Cactus Senshi Sushi – Menu
Prices correct as of Sept 2016
Pic Credits: Cactus Senshi and E&R Walker