Conveyor belt sushi done right at Kulu Kulu in Soho

It’s Valentine’s Day, and instead of the usual flowers and chocolates, we’re having a family date at Kulu Kulu Sushi in Soho. Me, my husband, and our three year old (who, I might add, has a worrying addiction to salmon maki).

Kulu Kulu Sushi is a teeny conveyor belt restaurant in London that I’ve only just heard about – but instantly want to gatekeep forever. You know I’d never do that to you though.

Kulu Kulu doesn’t take reservations so everyone arrives as a walk in. The restaurant opens at 12, and is full 5 minutes later. Even so, people continue to arrive, and a queue starts to form. That’s how popular this place.

We grab the last three stools at the belt, and the dishes start sliding past like little sushi valentines. My daughter squeals. We all lean in.

Quick info on Kulu Kulu Sushi

• Restaurant: Kulu Kulu Sushi
• Location: Soho, London
• Best thing to order: Scallop nigiri, salmon everything
• Skip: Battered tofu, soft shell crab hand roll
• Price: Affordable £35-ish a head if you eat like we do (a lot).
• Atmosphere: Cosy, buzzy, counter seating
• Bookings: Walk-in only. Get there early, or be ready to queue.

Read our Kulu Kulu Sushi restaurant review to find out more.

Salmon maki for our tiny valentine

The first plate we nab is salmon maki, and it goes straight to our 3 year old. It’s her one true love. She eats it bite after bite, grinning the entire time.

Although it’s a simple thing, it’s fresh and nicely done. We’ve had far worse for more money elsewhere. Looking at you, Yo Sushi.

Read more
Before You Believe The Osteria Angelina Hype, Read This

Salmon nigiri and sashimi, no notes

The salmon nigiri is soft and glossy, flopped lazily over just-holding-together rice. The salmon sashimi is similarly fresh and clean. I dunk one in soy and it melts away as I eat it.

No surprises at Kulu Kulu Sushi – just reliable fish, done properly.

Scallop nigiri is a must-order at Kulu Kulu

You’ve got to try the scallop nigiri at Kulu Kulu Sushi. It’s impeccable, and probably the most affordable scallop sushi you’ll get in London.

The scallop nigiri is also soft as a cloud, and barely a chew is needed before it melts away. I think we down about half a dozen of these, and I’m still thinking about them now. Kulu Kulu is a genius of a restaurant for being able to pull off scallop sushi this good and affordable too.

Read more
Eel Sushi Bar Notting Hill (and how easy it is to order badly)

Squid nigiri isn’t my cup of tea

Next up, we try the squid nigiri. It looks great, glossy and perfectly white, but for me it’s just too chewy.

It could be just a personal preference, but I wouldn’t order this again at Kulu Kulu Sushi.

Soft shell crab hand roll is skippable

The soft shell crab and avocado hand roll is tasty, but leans a little greasy. The crab isn’t crisp enough and the roll needs more elements to sing. It’s not a bad pick from the Kulu Kulu Sushi conveyor belt, but I wouldn’t reach for it again.

Prawn tempura… needs a dip!

Prawn tempura comes out piping hot, but oddly, there’s no dipping sauce in sight. It’s crunchy, sure. But also crying out for something zingy or spicy to wake it up. I want to like it more than I do.

Sorry guys, I’d skip this dish from the Kulu Kulu Sushi conveyor belt.

Chuka wakame is moreish and delicious

The chuka wakame seaweed salad is a surprise hit from the Kulu Kulu conveyor belt. It’s a sweet sesame-dressed seaweed salad, with lots of freshness and briny goodness. We all keep reaching for it – even our three year old.

Chicken wings are the secret star

My husband’s favourite dish is probably chicken wings, and the ones at Kulu Kulu are perfection.

They’re sticky, tender, with just enough char. There’s also a sweet-savoury element to them and the sesame seeds add balance. He demolishes the whole plate, and then searches for another.

Battered squid is unexpectedly great

The battered squid at Kulu Kulu Sushi turns out to be excellent. We whip it off the conveyor belt, and get to work. The squid pieces are crisp on the outside, soft inside, and topped with a spicy soy dressing.

This is another unexpected winner from the Kulu Kulu menu.

Tofu – the one to skip

Battered tofu is one of those things you might poke at a little, and then ignore. It’s alright, but there’s not much to it, and it’s an entirely forgettable order at Kulu Kulu Sushi.

Do yourselves a favour and get more of the scallop nigiri instead.

The menu at Kulu Kulu Sushi

There are laminated menus dotted around the conveyor belt at Kulu Kulu sushi, and pricing is according to which patterned plate you pick up.

The plates aren’t numbered or named, but it’s mostly straightforward to identify what things are. There are plenty of staff around if you’re not sure what something is though. Having said that, half the fun is just picking plates you like the look of and trying them out.

You help yourself to whichever dishes you want on the conveyor, stack your plates as you finish them, and then pay at the end.

It’s a smart system, and the variety at Kulu Kulu Sushi is solid. You have all the usual nigiri, maki, sashimi, plus a few hot plates like chicken wings and tempura. You don’t need to think too hard. Just eat what looks good, (and trust the scallop).

Final thoughts on Kulu Kulu Sushi London

Kulu Kulu Sushi in Soho is now one of my go-to casual sushi spots in London. It’s better than chain places by miles, and it’s so fun with kids.

The restaurant is pretty small though and very popular, so get there early. But once you’re in, you’ll want to stay until you’ve eaten every last thing off the sushi conveyor belt.

Thanks for a smashing Valentines day Kulu Kulu :)

Read more
Don’t Miss the Shrimp Burger at Hanbaagaasuuteeki

Canteen Notting Hill restaurant review
Address – 76 Brewer St, London W1F 9TX
Nearest Tube – Piccadilly Circus