Mugendai: New Hidden Oviedo Sushi Spot
For most restaurants, I usually hear some buzz around them or come across them on social media before they even open, but Mugendai completely slipped my radar. Maybe because it is out of the way in Oviedo, away from the center of the foodie boom in Orlando. But as a sushi fanatic this place showed a lot of promise with affordable prices and good looking nigiri, so I had to make the 40 minute trek out to see for myself.
Omakase Mystery Box
I got their specialty which is the omakase mystery box. It contained 9 total items consisting of some nigiri pieces, sashimi, and a couple unique items like the chicken meatballs and the tom yum chawanmushi. The chef is Thai so it is great he managed to incorporate a Thai element to the box.
Everything was great. The fish were fresh, the nigiri were nicely balanced, and the chawanmushi was uniquely good. Even the chicken meatballs were tender and flavorful despite my initial doubts. I still think they’re a little awkward compared to the seafood focused rest of the platter, but they were good. I almost felt bad ordering this because there was one chef working, and while it was a slow night, if he was busier I can see this being a menu item that bottlenecks the speed of service.
Premium Nigiri Tasting
Maybe I am boring but this was my favorite because I just like high quality nigiri when I am craving sushi, and at $39 for a whole plate of 9 pieces that is a damn good deal in this city. You get the classic pieces like the bluefin tuna, salmon belly, and scallop among others I admittedly cannot identify, but they all tasted good.
The rice was vinegary, the fish had a nice sheen and mouthfeel, from the firm chew of the squid to the meltiness of the salmon belly to the fresh tenderness of the scallop. You won’t find anything of this quality at this price range. The closest comparison is Sushi Pop and their Tokushu boxes are more expensive.
Volcano & Aburi Toro Rolls
The volcano roll seems to be as ubiquitous at Americanized sushi places as the California roll. This one was just okay, very similar to most volcano rolls I’ve had. Yes it is a heavy American creation with the melty cream cheese, avocado, and a bunch of mayo and eel, but I cannot deny it is tasty.
My complaint is the crab salad they put on top. It must be some lower quality imitation crab meat because it seemed to be a mix of the usual stringy fake crab which I prefer and these gummy long chunks that were left way too big and tasted like a fishy Korean rice cake. The topping also wasn’t cooked long enough so the dish was a bit cold, and for the volcano roll specifically I think the topping is better closer to hot than room temperature.
The aburi toro roll was better and had a nicer balance between the rich fatty tuna and the crisp crunch of the cucumber and asparagus. The blue crab and eel sauce added just enough savory sweetness to balance out the entire thing.
The Verdict: Is Mugendai Worth It?
I would definitely recommend Mugendai. If I lived in the Oviedo area I would visit much more frequently, but for me this place is just too far out unfortunately. Their Mugendai Specials are the highlight and at a great value.
The only drawbacks are that there is usually only one chef operating the sushi bar so items can take a while, especially if they have multiple guests, and food can get cold as a result. I think service will get faster once they become more accustomed to the flow, but for now plan for a slower pace and enjoy the quality.
Tips for Visiting Mugendai
- Get the premium nigiri tasting at $39 for 9 pieces, it’s the best value sushi deal you’ll find in the Orlando area
- Expect a slower pace since there is usually only one chef working the sushi bar
- Located in Oviedo so plan for the drive if you’re coming from central Orlando
- Go on a slower night so the chef can give your order proper attention
Have you made the drive out to Mugendai in Oviedo?
