Dining Guide: Nhinja Sushi & Wok
Just amid the landscape of casual dining emerges an alternative cuisine that has the potential to change the definition of “fast food.”
Nhinja Sushi & Wok, locally–owned and operated, opened for business in December 2010 by Kang Asian Bistro owners Kang and Mary Nhin. Nhinja balances high-quality food with a friendly environment that promises a dining experience worth repeating. “Our three boys – Mikey, Kobe and JoJo – were our inspiration for opening Nhinja,” Mary says. “We wanted an alternative in the fast food industry. We realized there wasn’t one for Asian sushi, so we created a place that is non-intimidating, casual and fun. People always tell us how wonderful it is to bring their children here. No one looks at them oddly; they fit right in.”
While Nhinja is an “order–at–the–counter” establishment with fast food and service, it is not a typical fast food restaurant. Nhinja offers an option of whole grain brown rice and gluten-free dishes. Kang says he uses only high-quality ingredients in the recipes he created.
The menu offers appetizers like Cream Cheese Puffs, Nhinja Poppers or Seared Ahi Tuna Salad. They boast wok dishes, soups, salads and an array of sushi rolls. “Nhinja is a good place for anyone wanting to try sushi. We have several cooked rolls made with chicken and steak as well as fresh sushi rolls,” Mary says. “We have lots of favorites, like the Nhinja and Kobe rolls, too.”
The Nhinja consists of salmon, jalapeno and cream cheese. The Kobe, named after their son, is made with steak, cream cheese, scallions and spicy mayo.
On the Chinese side, healthy options like shrimp with broccoli and Mongolian beef “receive new fans every day,” Mary says. One of the favorite menu items among the children is the Japanese marble sodas called Ramune. “It’s like a toy and a drink all in one,” Mary says.
“Kang and I have a vision for what we want the restaurant to become. We’re not a franchise or nationally–owned company. We’re lucky to have Edmond as our hometown. We want to create a place that’s fast, fresh and fun. That’s what we want to be in the Asian niche. This is how we share our culture, how we keep it alive.”
Nhinja is located at 13905 N. May Avenue. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.Call 463-6622 to place an order for pick up, or you can place an order online at www.nhinja.com/menu.
