Menu of Empire Sushi Johor Bahru City Square in Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Menu Overview

Empire Sushi Johor Bahru City Square stands out as a vibrant sushi takeaway spot nestled in the heart of Johor Bahru. Located on the third floor of City Square, this brand delivers a uniquely Malaysian twist on traditional sushi. Their menu reflects both creativity and accessibility, making it a strong contender for those looking for a quick, flavorful sushi experience with a local spin.

The highlights of the menu speak volumes about their culinary direction. The Fish Roe Sushi bursts with fresh, briny notes, perfectly balanced by subtly vinegared rice that has received praise for its almost omakase-level quality. Their Vege Sushi options offer a refreshing lightness, with crisp textures and clean flavors that appeal to vegetarian diners without compromising on taste.

One of the most intriguing creations is the Unagi Cheese Sushi. This dish cleverly marries the rich, smoky flavor of grilled eel with the creamy indulgence of melted cheese. The fusion is unexpected but well-executed, demonstrating the brand’s willingness to innovate while respecting the umami depth inherent in classic unagi.

The Salmon Roll is another standout—the salmon is fresh and savory, wrapped around perfectly vinegared rice and nori, maintaining a simple yet satisfying profile. For heartier appetites, the Tempura Unagi Donburi offers a comforting bowl experience. The crispy tempura eel layered over rice strikes a harmonious balance between crunchy texture and savory sweetness, evocative of genuine Japanese donburi but with an added local charm.

The Inari section is a delightful adventure in flavor and texture. The Inari + Potato Mayo features crispy tofu pockets filled with creamy potato mayo, rounded out by fresh herbs and sesame seeds—it’s a perfect marriage of soft and crunchy. The Inari + Unagi showcases a sweet, smoky eel filling that enhances the naturally sweet tofu wrapper. Meanwhile, the Inari + Tempura Ebi delights with crispy shrimp tempura tucked inside, creating a dynamic bite of textures.

For those craving more handheld options, the hand rolls and onigiri — especially the Octopus Onigiri and Unagi Onigiri — provide satisfying umami-packed rice balls wrapped in nori. Each bite is rich with savory fillings that elevate the basic rice ball into a fulfilling snack or meal component.

Empire Sushi's combo boxes are perfect for group sharing or sampling a variety of flavors. Combos like Empire Combo 3 and Combo 4 offer an abundant spread of spicy kani, grilled lobster, aburi salmon, and more, all meticulously prepared. These combos underscore the brand’s versatility and attention to variety, allowing customers to explore both classic and innovative sushi options.

From a customer perspective, Empire Sushi Johor Bahru City Square has shown consistent improvement in both quality and service. Reviews highlight that the sushi rice is now excellently seasoned with vinegar, and the ingredient quality has significantly risen, affording a fresh, authentic taste even if the sushi deviates slightly from traditional expectations. The staff's efficiency and dedication further enhance the overall experience.

In conclusion, Empire Sushi Johor Bahru City Square offers a compelling fusion of traditional sushi elements with Malaysian-inspired creativity. It is an accessible, affordable destination for sushi lovers who appreciate fresh ingredients and bold flavor explorations. While it may challenge purist definitions of sushi, its charm lies in its playful reinterpretations that invite diners to enjoy sushi in a novel, satisfying way.