Fast, fun, and flavourful: We try legit sushi tacos at Noriage (Nori-Age)

Tricia
Sep 25
4 min read

Hidden in Bras Basah’s Lazada One lies an unexpected find: a cheerful fast-food joint serving sushi seaweed tacos... at wallet-friendly prices. It's called Noriage!

Alex and Jack founded Noriage. Here’s a fun twist: Jack comes from an Omakase background. During their travels through Mexico, they discovered that most taco shells turned soggy, so they set out to reinvent the experience. Their answer? Light, crispy seaweed taco shells that are as delicious as they are unique. Drawing inspiration from the bold, playful spirit of Japanese fast food, Nori-Age serves up handcrafted crispy rice rolls, fresh hand rolls (temaki), and soul-warming sides.

I was definitely curious and excited to try their creations, though I kept my cool on the outside. The moment we walked in, Alex and Jack welcomed us with open arms, a big plus in my books, because who doesn’t love meeting friendly founders? (p.s. They didn't just do it to us, they welcomed everyone else with the same measure of enthusiasm!)

I love how the space feels both colourful and cosy, instantly giving off a welcome vibe. Screens play videos of their menu and customer reviews, which adds a lovely touch. The cushioned table base in bold primary colours made it extra comfortable. The whole space honestly reminded me of something straight out of a Nintendo game! Imagine Cooking Mama, but brought to life in a charming little restaurant.

Straight out of an Omakase restaurant, here comes Pitan Tofu!

The first dish to arrive was the Pitan Tofu ($3.50). Honestly, the presentation looked like it belonged in an Omakase restaurant. Paired with century egg (both in bits and in the sauce), the flavour leaned bold and distinctive. The sauce reminded me of an egg-mayo mix, but with the classic egg swapped for a century egg, giving it a unique, savoury twist. Refreshing and light, the tofu held its shape beautifully, smooth and delicate without ever crumbling.

Next up was our very first sushi taco, the Salmon Mayo ($3.90). When Jack served it, I was instantly intrigued by the presentation: a cute little stand cradling two sushi tacos side by side. As a true salmon lover, I was impressed right away! There’s no fishy smell, just fresh, beautifully cooked protein. The real surprise, though, was the mentaiko sauce. I wasn’t expecting that spicy kick, but it elevated the flavours perfectly. Honestly, I could have polished off eight of these on my own without a second thought.

Then came the Truffle Scallops (Raw; $4.90). I’ll admit, scallops aren’t usually my go-to seafood, so I was curious to see how this would turn out. To my surprise, it left a great impression on me. Each bite revealed a refreshing hint of yuzu, giving the fresh scallops a bright, citrusy lift. While the truffle oil wasn’t as pronounced in flavour, it gave the scallops a lovely sheen that made the dish feel refined and elegant.

From top to bottom: Seared Engawa, Charcoal Chicken and Spicy Salmon (Raw)

We were given a box of 6 sushi tacos to try: the perfect way to sample a little bit of everything!

Who would’ve thought you could combine teriyaki chicken, sushi, and tacos all in one bite? If you’re a fan of both chicken and sushi, the Charcoal Chicken ($3.90) is a must-try. The teriyaki sauce is perfectly balanced... not too salty, nor too sweet, and just the right amount to coat the chicken without overwhelming it. What impressed me most was how it sits neatly inside the crispy seaweed taco shell without turning it soggy over time. I’ve had plenty of teriyaki chicken before, but this one truly won me over with its tender meat and spot-on flavour.

The second pair would be Spicy Salmon (raw; $3.90). When it comes to spicy food, I’m hesitant towards it, as my tolerance level is low. Without hesitation, I ate it at one go. The first thing that hit me was the spice (took a kick literally in this case), and I could feel it in my ears. The spice itself overpowered the meat, and it also has a hint of citrusy taste, which made it refreshing. I’m totally alright with the spice, but I would eat it on a good day.

Lastly, we tried the Seared Engawa ($4.90). The meat has been briefly torched to create a buttery flavour and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The combination of crispy from the seaweed taco shell and the meat is well paired together.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoy my experience here. It’s an insightful learning experience to ask questions to the founders. I’m glad that they are the first to open a sushi restaurant, but in a fast-food concept, and it’s affordable. I would definitely come back here again someday and try out their main dishes this time; perhaps their miso soup (heard that they have a Yuzu Miso Soup too!). If you would like to purchase their sushi in a set, they do come in a small box that can fit 4, or even a bigger box that could fit 6 or 8 items. Therefore, the more the merrier!

Nori-Age also offers a wide variety of grab-and-go options neatly stocked in the fridge right by the counter. This is convenient for you if you’re in a rush but still want something tasty!