Big Tuna Sashimi Bar Interview with owner Hiroki Sugimoto

OPENING HOURS

The Big Tuna Sashimi Bar is usually open from Mon - Sat from 12 - 18. Sundays are closed.

Düsseldorf is known for its Japanese and Korean district around the Oststraße stop near the Düsseldorf main station. Fans of Japanese, Korean and Chinese cuisine get their money's worth in this area and can plan their next visit from countless restaurants. From hot pot, to Korean specialties to original sushi, everything can be found here.

We ~ Ryu and Matthias ~ were in this small restaurant a few days ago at lunchtime and were able to spontaneously conduct a short interview with the owner. But first we had to fill our empty stomachs with good food.

The small Japanese restaurant "Big Tuna Sashimi Bar" has been in existence since August 2014 and is run by the friendly Hiroki Sugimoto.

Hiroki Sugimoto was born in Germany, more precisely in Saarburg, and grew up in Recklinghausen. During his school years he learned to play the piano and cello, and still pursues this passion. His second passion is cooking, which he has perfectly implemented with his small restaurant.

Hiroki took the time for a short interview with us during rush hour and answered all of our questions:

Hello Hiroki,

Thank you for taking the time for a short interview with us during your business hours.

Hey you two, no problem, I thank you too and I'm very happy that you want to interview me.

How did you get into the hospitality industry?

I have worked in the hospitality industry since I was a child. I was able to gain my first experience in the restaurant sector in a restaurant of a friend of mine in Oberkassel. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to open my own restaurant. Initially, I opened the Düsseldorf restaurant "Sumi" in a partnership and then wanted to set up something completely independent.

What exactly is the Big Tuna Sashimi Bar?

The "Big Tuna Sashimi Bar" is my small Japanese restaurant, which specializes in the Japanese dish Donburi with tuna. This tuna Donburi, short for tuna Don, refers to dishes where rice is served in a bowl with toppings (in this case tuna and sauce). In Japan, there are a wide variety of Donburi dishes. A very well-known Don dish is, for example, Katsudon.

What makes your restaurant unique?

There are many Japanese and other Asian restaurants here in Düsseldorf. Most restaurants can show a large menu, but only a few can offer real specializations. In Japan, the so-called Monokonzept in the gastronomy industry is very common, which means that a restaurant specializes in exactly one dish or one type of preparation. This allows the chef to perfect the dish and complete it with full concentration. This is exactly the kind of Monokonzept that I pursue with my restaurant. This allows me to prepare and refine my specialty, the Tuna Don, to perfection. To be able to offer the perfect Tuna Don every day, I receive fresh tuna and other ingredients almost daily.

Why did you specialize in tuna?

I have always loved tuna, unfortunately the possibilities here to eat real and delicious tuna were not given. Also, fresh fish is quite expensive in other restaurants.

Since I was already able to gain experience in the gastronomy industry, I decided to simply offer one of my favorite dishes in a restaurant and let the public participate.

What are the special features of your restaurant?

The fresh tuna is certainly the specialty that distinguishes my restaurant. I receive fresh tuna every morning, which is only enough for one day. Freshness is my top priority.

I prepare every dish fresh in front of the customer after each order.

In addition, I serve the customer a generous portion with a homemade miso soup and can offer this set for just 11 euros. Even if I had to increase the price of my dishes, 11 euros for such a portion and quality is very rare.

What are the most popular dishes?

Many customers stop by frequently during their lunch break. Many customers appreciate the very delicious Teriyaki Tuna Don, the Spicy Tuna Don or the Sesame Tuna Don. There really is something for everyone here, except if the person doesn't like tuna.

~ Ryu and Matthias:

Sounds great and we can emphasize a lot. Thank you for the nice and short-term conversation. By the way, it was really very delicious and we will definitely come back.

~ Hiroki:

Great guys and thanks again for your interest. Great, I'm looking forward to seeing you.

-End-

Postscript from the authors

The Big Tuna Sashimi Bar has already made a name for itself in Düsseldorf by offering fresh and modern tuna dishes at reasonable prices. The crowds are very large on some days and due to the few seats, it is quite possible that you will have to wait a bit until you get a seat.

The Big Tuna Sashimi Bar is a small restaurant with a few tables. What many other restaurants don't do, the Big Tuna Sahimi Bar implements perfectly. Through the specialization in one essential ingredient, tuna, the simplicity of the dishes, the flawless implementation of the dishes, friendly service and the presence in social networks, this restaurant perfectly adapts to today's modern times and delivers exactly what many people value.

In Asia, for example in South Korea, restaurants specializing in just one ingredient are widespread. This allows them to focus all their attention on that one ingredient and achieve the best results. This concept is adopted by the Big Tuna Sashimi Bar and puts similar restaurants far in the shade.

The simplicity and simultaneously grandiose implementation of the dishes, led by a very friendly owner, make the Big Tuna Sashimi Bar quickly gain popularity. The restaurant has quickly gained a large fanbase, which is certainly also due to the uniqueness of this cozy restaurant.

Be quick and don't be late

The Big Tuna Sashimi Bar has already made a name for itself in Düsseldorf by offering fresh and modern tuna dishes at reasonable prices. The crowds are very large on some days and due to the few seats, it is quite possible that you will have to wait a bit until you get a seat. It has also happened frequently that the restaurant had to close early because there was no more fresh tuna in stock. In the event of early closure, the Sashimi Bar informs you via a Facebook post. Therefore, you should stop by early and check the Sashimi Bar's Facebook status.

Our conclusion

It's worth stopping by. You won't get a comparable dish anywhere for such a low price. Every tuna lover should stop by here at least once. We will definitely be eating delicious tuna dons here more often!

Learn more about Donburi