Tsunami: New sushi joint might break the Baehler curse

Aside from being an architectural jewel, Zamalek’s twin Baehler's Mansions have long been an attraction for fancy boutiques, fine dining establishments and Drinkies. But if you have been around this part of the island since the 1980s, you would know that only the buildings themselves and Masoud Bookshop have made it to the new millennium; all the other shops quickly come and go.

Tsunami Sushi is the newest addition to Baehler's Maison. The last time this particular space was rented and actually made profit was in the early 80s when it was Margaret, a small posh boutique selling top-notch, Egypt-made merchandise. It was a huge success among classy Zamalek fashionistas. But after the preppy boutique closed its doors, the place remained deserted for years. When it finally was rented out again, the tenants changed several times in rapid succession, as if the shop was marked by an invisible curse.

Tsunami, despite the horrors the name may evoke, seems to be breaking the Baehler's Maison curse. It has been open for a month now and believe it or not, people do eat there. I was very excited to try out the new sushi eatery to the extent that I waited by the door for 20 minutes until they opened at 6 pm.

Somehow, the place looks smaller than I remember; but the last time I set foot in there I was five, accompanying my aunt to buy one of those Margaret fashion finds. Thirty years later, I walked in for a crispy roll.

The interior design is tacky and executed hastily. Big polyester posters cover the walls — one depicts some skyscrapers in New York and the other is of an Asian monument. The diner couches are comfy, but somehow feel alien inside a sushi place. The place is gloomy and the blasting sound of Elvis's “Fools Rush In” almost made me get up and run for my life.

The moment I made my order, I was approached by a friendly waiter with a welcome drink. Michel was very knowledgeable and helpful. He recommended the sashimi salad, which was the best dish I had that night — a fresh and watery selection of iceberg lettuce, arugula, peppers and fresh seaweed. The combo is exhilarating; the chewiness and deep taste of the seaweed compliments the lightness of the lettuce. The veggie platter is accentuated by a few pieces of salmon, tuna and sea bass sashimi and flavorsome, thick and pungent ginger sauce. The salad is epic and highly recommended.

As for the soup, I went with the “spicy tsunami”: a passable bowl of watery and almost fishless fish broth. The tsunami seasoning is zingy and spicy which served me right, keeping me warm and content despite the lack of fish meat.             

The sushi, the rolls and sashimi menu is classic and basic, nothing outside of the sushi box: crispy rolls, dynamite — the usual. What I liked the most was the hot, fried spider roll. Although I typically hate everything fried, the cheesy roll — a warm mayo and cheese roll enveloping shrimp tempura — was heartwarming and innovative. As for the dynamite roll, I must say I have had better; it simply tasted like a ball of rice and mayo.

But if you want to know what Tsunami does best, it’s the vegetarian rolls, especially the cucumber and papaya roll — they are light, tasty, fresh, fat-free and healthy. The spiced up mayo balances out the blandness of the steamed rice and vegetables … completely recommended.

Tsunami delivers inside Zamalek. Opening hours are currently 6 pm to 1 am until the sushi joint is fully operational.   

Tsunami Sushi: 159 Baehler's Mansion, July 26 Street, Zamalek. +20 2 27365609