Volcano Sushi

When I first heard about Volcano Sushi from Honoka Teriyaki Express in Norfolk, Virginia, my curiosity was immediately piqued. I mean, who can resist a dish with such an exciting name? I'm always on the hunt for delicious sushi, and a local spot offering something unique like this was definitely worth checking out. Honoka Teriyaki Express is one of those cozy, unassuming places you find in a strip mall, often a hidden gem for quick and tasty Asian fare. My visit was during a busy lunch hour, and the atmosphere was buzzing with people grabbing their takeout orders. The staff were efficient and friendly, which always makes for a pleasant experience, especially when you're craving something specific. Now, onto the star of the show: the Volcano Sushi. From what I've seen, Volcano Sushi often refers to a baked roll, usually topped with a creamy, sometimes spicy, seafood mixture that's then torched or baked to perfection, giving it that 'volcano' eruption look. This version definitely lived up to the visual! The roll itself was generously sized, packed with what I believe was imitation crab, avocado, and cucumber, which provided a nice crunch and freshness to balance the richness. What really stood out for me, and why I gave it an 8/10, was the 'cooked sushi' aspect. The topping, which seemed to be a mix of various baked seafood (perhaps some chopped scallops or white fish, mixed with a creamy sauce), was incredibly flavorful and perfectly cooked. It wasn't rubbery or overdone, which can sometimes happen with baked rolls. The warmth contrasted beautifully with the cooler rice and fresh ingredients inside the roll. It was savory, slightly rich, and had a wonderful texture. If you're someone who loves the comfort of cooked rolls or isn't quite ready for raw fish, this is absolutely a fantastic option. However, every volcano has its lava, and in this case, it was the Yum Yum sauce! While I generally enjoy Yum Yum sauce, I found that on this particular roll, it was applied with a very heavy hand. It was almost drowning the roll, making it a bit too saucy for my preference. The flavor of the sauce, while good on its own, really took over and masked some of the delicate nuances of the baked seafood topping and the fresh ingredients within the roll. Next time, I would definitely ask for the Yum Yum sauce on the side, or perhaps just a very light drizzle, so I could control the amount and truly savor the other components of the sushi. Despite the sauce situation, the overall experience was very positive. For the price point, which was quite reasonable for a specialty roll, the portion size and quality were excellent. It’s a hearty and satisfying roll that could easily make a full meal. If you're in Norfolk, Virginia, and looking for a delicious and comforting cooked sushi option, Honoka Teriyaki Express's Volcano Sushi is definitely worth a try. Just remember my tip about the sauce! It’s a great spot for a quick lunch or dinner, and I'm already thinking about what other cooked rolls or teriyaki dishes I might explore on my next visit. Overall, a solid choice for sushi lovers looking for something a little different from the usual.