By Cambria Kelly and Rosie Lu
We’ve visited this place many more times than is normal. From tropical Hawaiian poke to umami-packed Korean dishes, Omeej2 surpasses our expectations with flying colors. Evidently, San Jose’s residents concur enthusiastically as customers line up inside the shop every day. After weeks and weeks of tedious (delicious) testing, our order is perfected down to the grain. Take notes, because here it is:
Base:
- Half spring mix, half purple rice
First layer:
- Grilled vegetable mix and caramelized onions
Proteins:
- Tuna and spicy tuna
Toppings:
- Cucumber, mango, edamame, and double tofu
Flakes:
- Crispy garlic and furikake katsuo
Dressing:
- Meyer lemon and ponzu
44 oz Bowl:
Upon first impression, the vibrant array of toppings invites you to dive in, and the astronomical portion size provides more than enough for two. Every ingredient is fresh: the veggies are crisp and refreshing, and the fish tastes straight out of the sea. Every ingredient blends together in an unbelievably nutritious and delicious mouthful; each mouthful is a new burst of flavors. Whether you elect to stir your bowl or craft each perfect bite by hand, the result will never fail you.
The top layer of crispy flakes adds some much-needed variety in texture and flavor. Our refreshing sauce combo combines umami with zest–the meyer lemon resembles an olive-oil vinaigrette, while the ponzu adds a savory depth to the palate.
For proteins, tuna is our ride-or-die. Both types of tuna taste smooth and rich: the spicy tuna shining through on its own, and the ahi tuna highlighting the flavor of selected sauces.
Alongside the vibrant tuna sits five scoops of complimentary toppings. Many underestimate the value of these additions. Cucumber is non-negotiable for how its watery crunch accentuates raw fish, as does mango with a tropical sweetness. We had to get not one but two scoops of tofu to bring a unique and unforgettable texture to the table. Finishing off the bowl is edamame, which added an earthy nutty flavor to the bowl.
At the core of our bowl is a split between soft, chewy purple rice, and bright, crisp spring mix. Perhaps the best we’ve had from a fast-casual restaurant, the rice is cooked to textbook perfection with a unique sweetness from the purple grains. The spring mix, in our opinion, absorbs the flavor of the ponzu and soy better than anything else, ensuring a perfect amount of tang for every fork-ful.
The base toppings might very well be our favorite component. The grilled veggies—an assortment of carrots, cabbage, and bell pepper—have a robust savoriness and subtle crunch. The caramelized onion melts in your mouth; a deep, complex sweetness, divine when paired with a spoonful of rice.
Sotteok:
A street-style combo between traditional Korean rice cakes and mini Vienna sausages, wrapped in a sweet and spicy glaze. The pillowy rice cakes are fried to crispy perfection and the sausages burst with hearty flavor. Brushed on the skewers is a gochujang sauce that brings a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. This dish pairs perfectly with the refreshing bowls, adding a spicy bite of bliss to the meal.
Chicken Karaage:
This juicy side is a delicious take on the popular Japanese fried chicken dish. Its crackly, well-seasoned exterior encased deliciously tender chicken thigh that bursts with flavor. That being said, it could use a splash of acidity or spice–lemon or a zesty dipping sauce would be nice.
Undeniably, every single bite from OmeeJ2 left us with a smile on our faces. The fast-casual successfully incorporates Japanese-Korean fusion into a convenient and customisable bowl, catering to a wide variety of customers. Sweet or savory, hearty or refreshing, smooth or crunchy… the endless combinations for bowls with the authentic sides provide an unforgettable dining experience unlike any other.