If you want to try the best sushi in the United States, you may have to travel a bit outside the continent to reach a famous food truck, but the trip is worth it.
According to Yelp, Kaua’i Sushi Station, located on the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i, has been named the best sushi in the country, for the second year in a row.
Yelp recently named Kaua’i Sushi Station as the number one choice on their list of the 100 Best Sushi Places of 2024, and despite being located some 2,500 miles from the continental United States, it may be worth the trip.
The food truck, which opened four years ago in Līhu’e on the east side of Garden Isle, also took the top spot for best sushi on Yelp’s 2023 list.
“We were very excited. We are proud because we worked very hard,” said owner and chef James Jithitikunchai. told Kauai Now News.
According to Yelp, Kaua’i Sushi Station, located on the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i, has been named the best sushi in the country, for the second year in a row.
The food truck, which opened four years ago in Līhu’e on the east side of Garden Isle, also took the top spot for best sushi on Yelp’s 2023 list.
“We do it with our hearts… We care about our food,” he continued.
He describes sushi making as an “art,” which contributes to the popularity of his food truck.
“I like to make something beautiful,” James described how he makes sushi.
“Sushi is a culinary art, did you know that?” he added.
Haru and James say that using fresh, authentic ingredients is what makes their sushi so popular.
They use freshly caught yellowfin tuna from local fishermen and many of their other ingredients are imported from Japan.
The couple also periodically visits Nāwiliwili Harbor to harvest sea urchins, squid and otoro, which is the belly cut of bluefin tuna.
According to Yelp, Kaua’i Sushi Station’s most popular items are the Ginger Crazy Roll and the Godzilla Roll.
They purchase freshly caught yellowfin tuna from local fishermen and many of their other ingredients are imported from Japan.
Yelp reviewers can’t stop talking about this unique food truck and leave rave reviews on the website.
According to reviews on the site, Kaua’i Sushi Station stands out because its sushi is presented on plates and decorated with organic edible flowers.
James previously worked as a sushi chef at Japanese Grandma’s, a Japanese cafe in Hanapēpē, but decided to open his own establishment with his wife Haru Assawaprayukul.
Both James and Haru are from Bangkok, but met in the United States while he was making sushi at restaurants in Chicago.
According to Yelp, the food truck has a 4.8 out of five rating from customers, with many glowing reviews.
“Delicious food with fantastic flavor. This is a hidden gem with really friendly workers. Overall, one of the best dining experiences we’ve had in Kauai!” wrote one customer.
“I know what you’re thinking because I thought that too at first. Sushi from a food truck? It looks like gas station sushi, but trust me when I say it’s the best of the best,” another commented.
“Five stars well deserved!” said another satisfied customer, calling it a “work of art.”
‘Overall, the rolls were well balanced, the fish was fresh, and the price was good. The service was excellent. There was parking available and plenty of outdoor seating.’