Kinpaji Sushi
1 / 6Super funky sushi café located half an hour outside Udon Thani city!
- A small cafe with delicious sushi and a funky atmosphere
- Renovated building with graffiti and art on the facade, in a small rural town
- Sushi in the middle of rural Sakon Nakhon, at local prices
Table of Contents
Where I Went #
I didn’t quite make it all the way back to Udon Thani and decided to stay at a truck stop hotel near Nong Han. Feeling famished and unwilling to settle for room service, I hopped back on my bike and ventured into the town centre, just a 10-minute ride away.
Scattered through this quaint, older rural town were traditional cafés, worn by time. Just as I was about to choose one at random, my eyes caught sight of a café that stood out from the rest. Recently renovated, it boasted vibrant graffiti and captivating artwork adorning its facade.
Upon entering, I discovered it was a Japanese sushi café called Kinpaji Sushi. Being a lover of Japanese cuisine, my excitement grew, yet I reminded myself to temper my expectations, realising I was still in a small rural town, far removed from abundant sources of fresh, large fish.
What I Loved #
- Awe-inspiring decor with a great artwork, with a hipster vibe
- Extensive selection of sushi and sashimi options
- A café that truly stood out in this ancient town
- Incredibly friendly and attentive staff
Culinary Delights #
I found a cosy booth and ordered a delectable assortment of sushi rolls as an appetiser, followed by a piping hot katsudon as my main course. Throughout the meal, I had to constantly remind myself to manage my expectations.
To say that the sushi was spectacular would be an understatement. Each piece boasted impeccably fresh and flavoursome fish, delicately wrapped in perfectly cooked rice, complemented by a rich and frothy sauce. Caught off guard by its remarkable quality, I unintentionally let out an audible groan of pure satisfaction. It was an otherworldly experience. Snapping back to reality, I made a conscious effort to savour each bite, relishing in the extraordinary flavours as I slowly savoured the dish.
Soon after, my main course arrived. While it was satisfying in its own right, there was simply no way to surpass the sushi that preceded it. Kinpaji sushi has forever ruined sushi for me! :)
If you are in the area, it is worth stopping off at this incredible restaurant. Great food, funky atmosphere and genuinely friendly people. If you are in Udon Thani town and have a spare afternoon, I would recommend coming out for an extended lunch, it is that good.