Sushi Secrets

Where we most often see the rich diversity of the Bay Area is not always on the streets, but rather on our plates. Fusion foods bring innovation to the kitchen. They highlight the best parts of their parent cultures while creating unexpected new culinary experiences. It seems that there’s never a shortage of bizarre new food creations to try—from fusion crepes to Korean BBQ tacos to ramen burgers and, of course, the sushi burrito.

The sushi burrito is an oxymoron; it’s composed of the elegant ingredients of a traditional Japanese sushi roll but with the shamelessly oversized profile of a burrito. Japanese components, Mexican inspiration—the best of both cultures.

The concept was originally developed by Yo Pratioto, a sushi chef and owner of the LA-based Jogasaki Sushi Burrito food truck. This hybrid food item eventually made its way into the Bay Area (most notably Sushirrito in San Francisco), and now, settled quietly on the corner of Addison and Shattuck is Berkeley’s own version of this modern-day fusion experience—Sushi Secrets.

Their most popular burritos? For those who don’t mind spicy, there’s B3: the Chichibun roll made with spicy tuna, salmon, and assorted veggies with a Japanese kimchi and wasabi sauce. On the sweeter side is B8: the Hokushita burrito with salmon, tamago, and sweet corn with a sweet honey avocado and mango aioli. To settle your fried-food cravings, there’s B1: the Amabuki roll with imitation crab, cream cheese, avocado, and shrimp tempura. Two local favorites are the Bijoubu roll and the Takoyaki, a plate consisting of delicately battered octopus balls. And if none of these sound appealing, you can always opt for the “make your own burrito” option.

Sushi Secrets has a modest interior and limited space for seating. The preparation is fast and while seemingly understaffed, the service is surprisingly amiable. Prices at Sushi Secrets range from $7.99 to $8.99—not bad considering Sushirrito charges $9.00-$12.00. The drink menu includes “potted” (cream, Oreo, and mint-topped) smoothies and milk teas with flavors such as honeydew, kiwi, cantaloupe, avocado, and Thai.

When it’s busy, the sushi chef goes down the line of patrons, taking orders while the seaweed, rice, and fillings are assembled on the other side of a clear glass window. Although Sushi Secrets resembles more of a fast-food joint than a traditional sushi bar where chefs craft each roll as if it were fine art, the burritos don’t disappoint. Each is sliced at a generous angle for that Instagram-worthy foodie photo and perfect first bite.

The burritos have a well-balanced contrast of textures and flavors and because of the size, each individual ingredient is showcased—the generous portions of fresh tuna or salmon against the refreshing crunch of the julienned carrots and cucumber, all complemented by an array of sweet and spicy sauces liberally coating each bite. While the seaweed wrap is slightly chewy, the veggies are non-traditional, and the last inch or so falls apart in a crumbling mess, overall, it’s a satisfying and nutritionally balanced meal.

You might not find the high-class service or refined preparation of a gourmet sushi restaurant, but at Sushi Secrets, you will satisfy your gluttonous side in a very unconventional, Berkeley kind of way.