The small yet perfectly sized Masaki Sushi Wok restaurant in Cartagena’s old town creates a good first impression. The light and clean decor is punctuated with splashes of colour and tastefully painted murals of fish and cherry blossom. It would be difficult to mistake Masaki for being anything other than a Japanese restaurant, even in country where finding Eastern cuisine is few and far between.
You might be wondering why I’m writing about a Japanese restaurant in Cartagena. I know what you’re probably thinking. It’s not very cultural or authentic of me, and I supposed you’re right. But there’s a little twist – Masaki also serves ceviche along with a few other typically Colombian flavours.
The waitress greeted me with a warm and welcoming smile and, to my left were the chefs, busy slicing, dicing and rolling in the open kitchen at the front of the restaurant. With the place being fairly empty at 4pm, I decided to strategically sit inside a comfy booth opposite the chefs.
After the waitress handed me the menu I began studying my options. I’d been sauntering around under the heat in Cartagena and had worked up quite an appetite for myself. Everything I read sounded delicious and I found myself going back and fourth between various dishes.
What I really loved about Masaki’s menu was the fusion of South American elements. There’s a small section for ceviche and, more surprising, the use of plantain to wrap around some sushi options instead of typical ways like seaweed and cucumber.
The use of local ingredients fused with Japanese cooking and other options like ‘sushi pizza’ really made me smile. In the end I opted for whitefish ceviche for starters and a type of sushi listed under the specials as Yokosuma for my main.
The waitress asked how spicy I wanted the ceviche and I replied medium. When it arrived, I received exactly what I asked for – the tiger’s milk had just the right amount of kick and the fish tasted super fresh. The toasted corn kernels were an authentic touch and the crisp plantain added some extra Colombian flare. The portion was a little on the big side and I worried I might not be able to finish my main course. But I need not have worried, for my gluttony has no boundaries! When the sushi finally arrived, it was practically in my stomach as soon as it hit the table – it was that tasty.
People often say you should savour the taste of good food by eating slowly, but sometimes that’s just too hard to do.
The sushi consisted of fresh salmon, eel, wacame, avocado and cream cheese crowned with deep fried shrimps and crispy crab palmetto topped with matadora and eel sauce. There were so many things to enjoy about the chef’s creation, especially the various textures. The creamy avocado and soft rice went really well against the crispy crab and fried shrimp. Mmmm. Divine.
Then, when all was done I said my thanks and stepped out knowing I would be back the following day. I simply couldn’t leave the city without trying their sushi pizza, it’s the dish they’re most well-known for.
And… it didn’t disappoint, it was a revelation with a fried rice base and a layer of delicious salmon followed by an avocado and wakame topping. Each slice combined everything I love most about food: sweet yet savoury and crispy yet creamy.
Needless to say, if this place existed in London, I’d be broke.
