New + Noted: Maki-San

Story by SARAH CHANG

#B1-17/18 The Cathay. Tel: 6737-8772

If you want to order a maki sushi off a menu, you may be better off at Sushi Tei. At this 30-seat casual diner started by two former ad men, you customise your maki sushi right down to the sauce. Here, it’s all about individuality. And pretty packaging. The lovely takeaway box slides open like an old-school pencil box. There are two serving sizes: the Little San ($6.90) or Mega San ($9.90). First, choose either seaweed or soy sesame beancurd wrap, and Japanese vinegar rice or brown rice. Next, pick three (or five, for Mega San) ingredients from over 30. The Mega San also entitles you to one special item, like grilled unagi or roast beef. Then, decide on the ‘sprinkle’ like sesame seeds, almond flakes or bonito. Finally, dress your sushi up with a homemade garlic aioli or ponzu sauce. You can also customise a salad there as well. But be warned: all this ‘customising’ aka form-filling can be tedious and time-consuming.