Susiko’s Secret: Where a Fictional Japanese Master Makes Real Sushi Magic in Budapest

Where a Fictional Japanese Master Makes Very Real Sushi Magic

Újlipótváros has everything: artisan coffee spots, wine bars with personality, breakfast joints where eggs benedict dreams come true. But until recently, it was missing one crucial piece of the neighborhood puzzle—a proper sushi spot that doesn’t treat you like a walking wallet. Enter Susi by Cork, a tiny establishment that opened in fall 2025 and immediately became the answer to a question locals didn’t even know they were asking.

The masterminds behind this operation aren’t Japanese sushi veterans with decades of knife-wielding experience in Tokyo fish markets. They’re the same Ukrainian trio—Myroslav, Artem, and Nataliia—who brought you Cork Breakfast & Wine, a neighborhood favorite for brunch and evening drinks. They saw the sushi-shaped hole in District XIII’s dining scene and decided to fill it with something playful, affordable, and genuinely delicious.

Meet Susiko: Budapest’s Most Charming Fictional Chef

Every great restaurant needs a story, and Susi by Cork has one that’s equal parts adorable and absurd. Browse their Instagram account and you’ll meet Susiko, a whimsical illustrated character they’ve created as their fictional Japanese sushi master. According to the legend, Susiko journeyed from Osaka to Budapest, bringing his passion for ocean flavors and fish artistry to the Danube’s shores.

In reality, Myroslav leads the kitchen, but the Susiko character adds a layer of charm that makes this place feel like more than just another sushi spot. The walls are decorated with illustrations of Susiko’s “fish friends”—playful drawings that give the bright, compact space an instant personality. It’s the kind of detail that makes you smile before you’ve even ordered, and in a city where new restaurants sometimes take themselves way too seriously, that lightness is refreshing.

The team is predominantly Ukrainian, though several members speak Hungarian fluently. The menu is in Hungarian too, making ordering straightforward even if your Japanese vocabulary starts and ends with “arigato.”

The Art of Becoming a Sushi Master

Here’s something most casual sushi eaters don’t realize: becoming a true sushi chef isn’t a weekend course. Myroslav explained that traditional training takes years. You start by washing rice—and doing nothing but washing rice—until your technique is perfect. Then you graduate to cooking it. Then you spend months learning to massage octopus so the meat achieves optimal tenderness. Only after these foundational skills are mastered do you get to actually roll anything.

The Susi team went through this process, which explains why their makis have that perfect balance: structurally sound enough to hold together when you pick them up with chopsticks (or fingers—no judgment), but loose enough to be tender rather than compressed. The rice has the right amount of vinegar without being overwhelming. These are details you might not consciously notice, but your taste buds will thank you.

The Menu: Creative But Never Gimmicky

Susi by Cork strikes a balance that many creative sushi places fumble: they’re inventive without losing sight of what makes good sushi actually good. The fish is fresh, sourced seasonally from Europe and beyond. The combinations are surprising but logical.

The **gunkan** (2,280 HUF / ~$6) is a must-try. This “battleship” style sushi features oval rice balls wrapped in nori with a raised edge that holds loose toppings. Susi’s version comes with spicy tuna and mango salsa—a flavor combination that sounds risky but works beautifully. The fruit’s sweetness cuts through the spice, and the nori adds that essential savory crunch.

**Susiko’s Favorite Roll** (6,180 HUF / ~$17) is the showstopper: grilled shrimp tartare, sesame sauce, creamy surimi, cucumber, passion fruit sauce, sesame seeds, and salmon tartare. It’s a lot going on, but somehow every element earns its place on the plate. This is the one you photograph before eating.

The **Philadelphia Roll** (5,580 HUF / ~$15) offers a more familiar template—salmon, cream cheese, avocado, cucumber—elevated by salmon caviar that pops with each bite. Classic comfort sushi, executed exceptionally.

For something lighter, the **Salmon Onigiri** (2,980 HUF / ~$8) provides a handheld option: rice triangles wrapped in nori with a salmon-cream cheese filling, drizzled with sesame sauce. No chopsticks required—grab and go.

The **Hamachi Tiradito** (5,280 HUF / ~$14) showcases their range beyond traditional sushi. This Japanese-Peruvian fusion dish features thinly sliced yellowtail with citrusy, slightly sweet sauce and avocado cubes. It’s essentially a marriage between sashimi and ceviche, and it’s brilliant—the acid slightly “cooks” the fish while maintaining that silky raw texture.

Hot Items and Sweet Endings

Sushi isn’t the only game here. The warm menu includes an **Octopus Sushi Dog** and **Coconut-Crusted Shrimp** that regulars swear by. If you’ve filled up on rolls (understandable), file these away for your return visit.

Dessert at a sushi place might seem like an afterthought, but the **Matcha Panna Kitty** (2,680 HUF / ~$7) proves otherwise. This pudding-like matcha dessert with strawberry sauce walks the line between rich and light. It’s not cloyingly sweet—the matcha’s earthiness keeps things balanced—and it disappears embarrassingly fast. If green tea’s your thing, they also do an excellent **Matcha Latte** to round out your meal.

The Space: Cozy is an Understatement

Let’s be real: Susi by Cork is tiny. This isn’t a place for large group dinners or first dates where you want to linger for four hours making meaningful eye contact. The space holds maybe 15-20 people comfortably, with a bright, modern aesthetic that photographs well but doesn’t offer much privacy.

What it lacks in square meters, it compensates for in warmth. The staff genuinely seems happy you’re there, the service is efficient without feeling rushed, and the overall vibe is neighborhood-friendly rather than pretentious. It’s the kind of place where you might pop in for a quick lunch, end up chatting with the staff about their favorite rolls, and leave already planning your next visit.

The Loyalty Program That Actually Makes Sense

Here’s a clever touch: every takeaway order comes with a small fish token. Collect enough of these, and you can redeem them for rewards. It’s a simple, tangible loyalty system that doesn’t require downloading yet another app or remembering another password. Old school in the best way.

The team has plans to expand across Budapest, so if you fall in love with Susiko’s creations, there may be a location closer to you in the future.

How Susi by Cork Compares

Budapest’s sushi scene ranges from all-you-can-eat conveyor belt spots (quantity over quality) to high-end omakase experiences (quality over your rent money). Susi by Cork sits in the increasingly popular middle ground: creative, quality-focused sushi at prices that won’t require a bank loan.

For comparison, premium sushi spots in Budapest charge 8,000-15,000 HUF for comparable signature rolls. At Susi, you can easily have a satisfying meal with 2-3 items and a drink for under 15,000 HUF. It’s not rock-bottom cheap, but for the creativity and quality on offer, it represents genuine value.

The Ukrainian team brings a slightly different perspective to Japanese cuisine—they’re not constrained by strict traditionalism, which allows for unexpected combinations like mango salsa and passion fruit sauce. Whether that appeals to you depends on your sushi philosophy. Purists might scoff; everyone else will be too busy enjoying their food to care.

FAQ

Do I need a reservation at Susi by Cork?

Given the small space, reservations are recommended for dinner service, especially on weekends. Lunch is typically more relaxed, and walk-ins are usually accommodated.

Is Susi by Cork good for vegetarians?

The menu is heavily fish-focused, but vegetarian options like cucumber rolls and avocado-based items are available. It’s not the strongest vegetarian selection, so manage expectations accordingly.

Can I order takeaway from Susi by Cork?

Absolutely, and they’ve designed for it well. Takeaway packaging maintains the quality of the rolls, and you get those collectible fish tokens for your loyalty efforts.

How does Susi by Cork compare to traditional Japanese sushi?

It’s creative fusion rather than strict traditional preparation. If you want authentic Edomae-style sushi, this isn’t it. If you want imaginative rolls with quality ingredients and unexpected flavor combinations, you’ll love it.

Is the restaurant child-friendly?

The space is quite compact, which can make managing strollers or energetic kids challenging. Older children who enjoy sushi would do fine; toddlers might find the tight quarters frustrating.

Prices verified: February 2026