Kenbu Sushi

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Hello, Oregon food adventurers! When it comes to discovering unique culinary gems in Portland, our city's vibrant food cart scene often leads the way. Today, we're shining a spotlight on Kenbu Sushi, a highly-rated sushi cart located in Southeast Portland that has captured the attention of many locals. This article is designed to give you an honest and thorough overview of what makes Kenbu Sushi a noteworthy spot for your next Japanese food craving, highlighting its innovative offerings and the experiences of fellow Oregonians.

In a city celebrated for its diverse and inventive food landscape, Kenbu Sushi stands out for bringing quality sushi to the convenient and dynamic food cart format. While not every experience can be universally perfect, the overwhelming positive feedback for Kenbu Sushi suggests a consistent dedication to flavor and creativity. We'll explore their unique "B-rotto" creations, delve into what customers love, and provide all the essential information you need to plan your visit to this intriguing local establishment.

Kenbu Sushi is located at 9320 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, OR 97266, USA. This address places it within a bustling area of Southeast Portland, known for its diverse community and accessible amenities. SE Woodstock Boulevard is a well-traveled street, making the food cart easily findable for those coming from various parts of the city.

As a food cart, Kenbu Sushi offers a casual and convenient dining experience. While dedicated parking might vary depending on its exact spot within a pod, street parking is generally available in the surrounding neighborhood. For those relying on public transportation, SE Woodstock Boulevard is served by TriMet bus lines (such as the 19), offering straightforward access from different Portland neighborhoods. Its location in a lively part of Southeast Portland means it's a great stop if you're in the area, whether you're running errands or simply exploring the local scene.

Kenbu Sushi, despite being a food cart, boasts a surprisingly extensive and creative menu that goes beyond typical sushi rolls. They specialize in fresh ingredients and innovative presentations. Here's a look at what they offer:

• Sushi Rolls (Makizushi): A wide variety of classic and special rolls, including California, Spicy Tuna, Salmon, Shrimp Tempura, J.B. (Salmon, cream cheese, scallion), Eel Roll, and more.
• Special Makizushi Rolls: Unique and larger rolls (often 10 pieces) like Yummy Roll, Rainbow Roll, Ocean Roll, Dragon Roll, Red Dragon Roll, and the creatively named Sushi Bomb and Cube Tower.
• Nigiri Sushi: Traditional two-piece nigiri options including Salmon, Tuna, Eel, Shrimp, Octopus, Seared Salmon, Seared Tuna, Tobiko, Inari (fried tofu), and Tamago (sweet egg omelette).
• Sushi B-Rittos: A highlight and often praised innovation, these are large, burrito-style sushi rolls, with popular options like:
  • Paradise B-rotto: Featuring eel, salmon, crab, avocado, cucumber, and spicy sauce.
  • Spider Man B-rotto: Made with tempura soft shell crab, crab, avocado, cucumber, green leaf tempura crispy, spicy, and eel sauce.
  • Samurai B-Rito: Including tuna, eel, cucumber, green leaf fried, onion, and wasabi sauce.
• Termaki Hand Rolls: Cone-shaped hand rolls for a quick and easy bite, with various fillings.
• Appetizers: Starters such as Edamame, Takoyaki (deep-fried octopus balls), Tuna Tataki, Fried Calamari, and Gyoza.
• Sushi Rice Bowls (Donburi): Including Chirashi Bowl (assorted fish), Unagi Don (BBQ eel), and Tekka Don (Tuna and Salmon).
• Teriyaki / Katsu: Hot Japanese dishes like Salmon Teriyaki and Chicken Teriyaki, often served with steamed rice and mixed vegetables.
• Noodle Soup: Options like Tempura Udon Soup and Miso Butter Pork Ramen Soup.
• Vegetarian & Vegan Options: A selection of rolls and dishes catering to plant-based diets, such as Cucumber Avocado Roll and a dedicated Vegan Roll.
• Takeout Service: As a food cart, Kenbu Sushi is primarily designed for convenient takeout, perfect for enjoying high-quality sushi on the go or at home. They are available on popular delivery platforms like Uber Eats and Grubhub.

Kenbu Sushi has earned its reputation in Portland's competitive food scene through several distinguishing features and consistent highlights that resonate with its customer base. However, it's also important to acknowledge varied experiences to provide a comprehensive view:

• High Ratings and Consistent Quality (for many): Despite being a food cart, Kenbu Sushi boasts "very high ratings," which many customers confirm are "deservedly so." Numerous reviews consistently describe the food as "delicious," "fresh," and "high quality."
• Ingenuity of a Food Cart: Patrons are often "stoked" and impressed by the ability to get such delicious and high-quality Japanese food from a mobile cart, showcasing the unique ingenuity of Oregon's food cart culture.
• Standout Sushi B-Rottos: The "Paradise B-rotto" is frequently highlighted as a favorite item, praised for its fresh ingredients (eel, salmon, crab, avocado, cucumber) and well-balanced spicy kick. The "Spider Man B-rotto" also receives positive mentions for its perfectly cooked tempura soft shell crab. These unique items offer a fun and satisfying alternative to traditional rolls.
• Fresh Ingredients (for many): Many reviews emphasize the freshness of the fish, real crab (where used), and tuna that "resembles tuna," which are crucial aspects for quality sushi.
• Generous Portions (for some): Some customers are "stoked about the large portions," indicating good value for the price point.
• Unique Menu Items: Beyond traditional sushi, items like the "Panini" (a non-bread, perhaps keto-friendly, crispy rice creation) showcase their culinary inventiveness and willingness to experiment.

However, it's also important to note dissenting experiences, as transparency is key:

• Inconsistent Quality Concerns: One review specifically mentioned that the sushi was "a bit off temperature," the "crab meat didn't taste like it should," and overall, they "didn't feel good or safe eating this sushi."
• Cleanliness and Pest Issues: The same reviewer described the restaurant feeling "a little bit dirty" and being "constantly bombarded... by tiny little flies," which "ruined my entire evening." This particular experience ended with the customer finding a fly in their teeth, leading to a strong statement of not returning.

Given the wide disparity in reviews, with many strongly positive and one very strong negative, it suggests that experiences can vary. However, the high overall ratings across multiple platforms indicate that many customers consistently have positive experiences with both food quality and the innovative offerings.

As a popular food cart in Portland, Kenbu Sushi may offer various promotions, though specific deals are not detailed in the provided reviews. Food carts in Portland often utilize social media and online ordering platforms to announce specials. To find out about any current promotions, Oregon residents should consider:

• Checking Kenbu Sushi's presence on popular food delivery apps like Uber Eats or Grubhub, as they often list daily deals or discounts.
• Visiting their official website or social media pages (if available) for announcements on seasonal specials, limited-time offers, or potential loyalty programs.
• Given their innovative menu, they might introduce new "B-rotto" flavors or special combo deals that are announced periodically.

Keeping an eye on these channels is the best way to ensure you don't miss out on any opportunities to enjoy Kenbu Sushi's unique offerings.

Ready to try the unique sushi creations at Kenbu Sushi?

Address: 9320 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, OR 97266, USA

Phone: (503) 660-6621

You can use this phone number for any inquiries or to place a takeout order. Their location is easily accessible in the heart of Southeast Portland.

For residents across Oregon, especially those in the Portland metropolitan area, Kenbu Sushi presents a unique and often highly rewarding option for Japanese cuisine. Its nature as a food cart on SE Woodstock Boulevard aligns perfectly with Portland's distinctive and beloved food culture. This accessibility makes it a convenient choice for a quick, high-quality meal on the go, fitting seamlessly into the busy lives of locals.

The primary appeal for many locals lies in Kenbu Sushi's commitment to innovation and perceived quality, as evidenced by numerous "stoked" and "highly recommended" reviews. The concept of a "Sushi Burrito" that truly "knocks it out of the park" is a testament to the ingenuity that Oregonians appreciate. Dishes like the "Paradise B-rotto" and "Spider Man B-rotto," with their fresh ingredients and well-executed flavors, offer a creative twist on traditional sushi that many find delightful and satisfying. The emphasis on freshness from a food cart is a significant highlight, with many patrons confirming the quality of the fish and other components.

While it is crucial to acknowledge the serious concerns raised by one reviewer regarding food temperature, crab quality, cleanliness, and the presence of flies, it is also important to note that this stands in stark contrast to the vast majority of positive reviews that praise the food as "delicious," "fresh," and of "high quality." The fact that the cart consistently receives high ratings across various platforms suggests that positive experiences are widespread, and perhaps the negative experience was an isolated incident. For many, Kenbu Sushi represents the best of Portland's food cart scene: accessible, inventive, and often surprisingly high in quality for its casual setting.

Ultimately, Kenbu Sushi is suitable for Oregon locals who appreciate inventive culinary concepts, desire fresh ingredients, and enjoy the convenience and unique charm of Portland's food cart culture. It’s a place that, for many, delivers on its promise of delicious and high-quality Japanese food, making it a worthy stop for those in search of their next favorite local bite.

Kenbu Sushi

9320 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, OR 97266, USA