adminMokuzai Sushi & Ramen is like a bit of Japan with an open kitchen in Warsaw’s Targówek district – that was the owner’s idea for this place. Artur Sobieraj and Mateusz Sokólski are the two owners who are the heart of Mokuzai and we went to speak to them about what it’s like to own one of our favorite Asian restaurants in town!
What does Mokuazi mean?
It means wood or timber in English. It sort of fits with our place since we have plenty of it at our entrance and our interior!
Do you speak Japanese?
Just a few words mostly connected with gastronomy. We are planning to go to Japan in the near future so we hope we will pick up some new words 🙂
Apart from your sushi, you are also known for your amazing ramen. Apart from yours, where is the best ramen you have tried?
Berlin. It’s a place called Cocola Ramen. Amazing! Remember though that in Germany the Ramen has a different flavor profile for the locals.
Does slurping ramen make a difference or are the Japanese exaggerating?
In Japanese culture slurping your noodles shows how MUCH you are enjoying your meal. The slurping process also cools down the noodles and enhances flavors, so don’t feel uncomfortable and just slurp it!
Do you guys eat sushi and ramen every day seeing as you are around it all the time?
Almost! Is hard to resist our food hahaha
Japanese girls or Polish girls?
Polish. Although, a mix of Polish and Japanese sounds amazing hahaha
Mokuzai must be one of the smallest Asian restaurants in Warsaw!
Yeah. It’s deceptive though because we have the stools at the bar also so we can fit about 10 people. It makes the atmosphere even better we think! In the summer we have another 14 seats outside.
Are you thinking of a second place?
Not right now.
Who comes up with the recipes?
It’s a joint effort. We have our regular ramen and sushi on the menu but we meet up at least once a month to create monthly specials.
Yeah, I see you only have a few options for ramen and sushi. Why is that?
Firstly it’s easier to keep everything super fresh and secondly, our kitchen is tiny.
What were you guys doing before?
We were both in gastronomy. Mat was focusing on sushi for the last 9 years and I worked in a few well-known ramen restaurants in Warsaw.
Did you steal any recipes?
hahaha, no way. We started from scratch. It was a great experience though. They are really good at what they do. Let’s say I was inspired 🙂
What’s the hardest thing about owning your own restaurant?
Stress! But I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Which ramen is your most popular?
Its definitely the TANTANMEN paitan which is a thick, slurry-like broth with Pork bouillon, Lightly spicy pork, Spicy Rayu oil, bokchoy cabbage, Chives, Marinated egg, Naruto, and Nori. It’s actually what we are eating right now!
And sushi?
The 42-piece Sushi Zestaw 6 for sure!
Do you have lunch offers?
Sure! Until 15:00 we have special offers. Check our Fb page to see what’s new.
Is the inflation hurting your bottom line?
Of course. Our costs have generally gone up about 30% on average. Fish is up 50% for example!
So you put the prices up 30%?
Hahaha, we wish. It would be too expensive.
Well, it was a pleasure to meet you guys. Keep up the good work. If our readers cant make it to your place, can they order online?
Sure. We are on Bolt, Glovo, and Wolt so take your pick 🙂
Last question. Where is the best Ramen and sushi in Warsaw?
Hahaha. Mokuzai without a doubt 🙂
Hahaha. To be honest this Tantanmen I just tried is really really really good! I live across town but I will come back with my kids, especially for this. I recommend it highly!
Thanks.
