POV: The year is 2017 and you’re a senior in High School.
Everybody is freaking out over Beyonce’s twin pregnancy announcement, and of course, Zedd’s “The Middle.”
Crop tops, chokers, and dark eyeliner is the mandatory uniform, and if you aren’t drinking pink lemonade Svedka every weekend, what are you doing?
Food trends are equally as prevalent, with the rise of the ramen burger and Black tap milkshakes.
See Also: Affordable Sushi Spots In NYC That Don't Sacrifice Quality
But if a singular food could define that era, it would be spicy tuna crispy rice (specifically Nobu’s if you lived that Gossip Girl lifestyle).
We were infatuated with the idea of deep-fried rice topped with fish and spicy mayo, and almost half a decade later, the former remains true.
In honor of this, we’ve rounded up our favorite crispy rice in NYC, from spicy salmon to uni and beyond.
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6 Bond St, Manhattan/Website
While we don’t discriminate when it comes to crispy rice, the most elite form is undoubtedly uni crispy rice. Yes, that really does exist. If you’re interested in trying this culinary masterpiece yourself, head on over to BONDST, arguably the coolest Japanese spot in town. Described as having a “chic and trendy atmosphere with a well-heeled crowd,” Bondst’s menu is just as fashionable as its surroundings. Seriously, does it get any boujeer than sea urchin? Maybe if it was topped with gold leaf and caviar, but let’s be realistic people.
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Multiple Locations/Website
Momoya is the friend you can rely on in a crisis—no matter the situation, they always have your back. If you’re craving sushi, Momoya’s spicy tuna crispy rice never disappoints. The rice cakes are perfectly golden brown, and they are topped with just the right amount of tuna. Served with eel sauce and jalapeno, this dish is truly a work of art. Whether it’s a special occasion or a random Tuesday night, Momoya’s crispy rice is always a constant in the rotation.
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Multiple Locations/Website
Don’t worry, obviously Nobu made the list. Many argue that this world-renowned eatery has some of the best crispy rice in the city, and we would have to agree. While the dish tastes delicious, our favorite part is the presentation. The crispy rice is “DIY,” meaning you dip the crispy rice cubes into the tuna tartare on your own. Traditionalists may roll their eyes at this, but we applaud Nobu for the innovation.
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324 Lafayette St, Manhattan/Website
Kyu’s spicy tuna crispy rice is obviously delicious, but have you ever tried their spicy chickpea crispy rice? If you have, we’re so happy to share this dish with you, and if you haven’t, you need to run—not walk—to Noho. If you’re a fish lover, you probably would never think to order this dish, but trust us on this one. The earthy tones of the chickpeas perfectly complement the butteriness of the rice, creating an oasis of flavors we never want to end.
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398 10th Ave, Manhattan/Website
There was tons of buzz when this LA favorite finally landed in NYC, and for good reason. All of the food here is mouthwateringly delicious, but we’re obviously in it for the spicy tuna crispy rice. The crispy rice itself is grilled, not fried, yet the rich, velvety flavors are equally as intoxicating. Topped with spicy tuna tartare and serrano pepper, this dish has a kick without leaving your mouth on fire.
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10 Downing St, Manhattan/Website
If you’re well-versed in the food scene, you’ve probably heard of Holiday Bar, the West Village hotspot taking social media by storm. From the team behind St. Theos and American Bar, it’s no surprise that this celebrity-laden haunt (we saw Selena Gomez here!) is getting all the hype. Naturally, the spicy tuna crispy rice is a fan favorite, and after trying it for ourselves, we understand why!
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Multiple Locations/Website
Many come here for the affordable omakase, but we come here for the melt-in-your-mouth crispy rice. Diners can choose between bluefin tuna, king salmon, Californi Uni, or Hokkaido Uni, and from personal experience, we can attest all are delicious. We do tend to favor king salmon, but we’ve never met a piece of fish we didn’t like. The fish-to-rice ratio is on fleek (AKA they are very generous with the fish), a necessity when it comes to mastering the art of crispy rice.
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15 W 27th St, Manhattan/Website
Whether you’re into plant-based food or not, there’s no denying that Planta Queen is revolutionizing the concept of vegan dining. Their sushi is so yummy, that if you close your eyes, you may even think you’re eating the real thing. Alright, you’ll need to use a fair amount of imagination, but you get the point. It’s really really good. Their crispy rice is no exception, which is served with spicy “ahi” watermelon and avocado.
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40 W 40th St, Manhattan/Website
A personal favorite, Koi’s crispy rice is 10/10. Diners have a choice of spicy tuna, yellowtail tartare, or truffle avocado, and if you’re like us, you’re ordering all three. Eyes bigger than our stomachs? Us? Never. Although spicy tuna is the most obvious choice, we’re impartial to the yellowtail and truffle avocado by virtue of them being different. We’re constantly looking at restaurants that put their own spins on our favorite dishes, and Koi does just that.
Photography by: Courtesy Getty Images
