Wasabi Restaurant quietly opened in MOM Park earlier this year. Like the two established ‘Running Wok and Sushi’ eateries in Budapest, this fresh venue offers a choice of Japanese, Thai and Korean specialties.The new Wasabi location is growing in popularity. That’s partly due to the chain’s trendy conveyer-belt feature that serves guests with hot and cold Asian delights, yet what makes this place special is the large outdoor terrace.
Seated outside in spring; summer and during a warm autumn, diners can choose from an a la carte menu that includes meat and fish dishes not available at the Wasabi locations in Buda (III. Szépvölgyi út 15) or Pest (VI. Podmaniczky u. 2).
The a la carte menu is individually priced, while one fee still gets you as many courses as you'd like from the double-decker ‘running sushi bar’. At Wasabi MOM lunch is served from 11.30am and it’s less than HUF 4000, after 5pm the fee for dinner is just below HUF 5000, plus drinks and any extras.
Kids seem to love the new place too, with the cool conveyer belt silently tempting them to sample up to 60 dim sum style snacks. Tasty treats range from chicken satay; to sushi rolls; and exotic fruit. Diners can ask about items not on display, such as a Sashimi. The fish is flown in fresh, and there is a good selection on offer.
Service is downright excellent, with many of the staff speaking English - they’re family friendly too, providing high-chairs and extra serviettes to any children in need. Plus kids under three eat for free, and those aged between 3-12 years old get a 40% reduction from the all-you-can eat option.
You can liven up a dull day by visiting any of the Wasabi restaurants in Budapest. During family celebrations, for example, parties can rely on a fun time thanks to the running sushi bar that constantly whisks fancy dishes to diners.
While the novelty value of the glass enclosed conveyer-belt is high, so is value for money as the quality of the cuisine is well above the average Oriental fare in Budapest. The choice of eating Asian delicacies on the terrace really makes the MOM Park location a winner.
I’m ready to admit I love the Wasabi concept, and their new restaurant is a great place to meet friends and enjoy a special meal together, outside whenever possible. After all, somehow food tastes better al fresco, including sushi and wok delights.
By Scott Daniels for XpatLoop.com
Wasabi Running Wok and Sushi Restaurant
MOM Park Shopping Center
1123 Budapest, Alkotás u. 53.
Reservations: 225-3518
04.09.2008