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sambusas, sandwiches, sushi
Photo courtesy Hoyo’s Sambusas & Juices Meghan Ralston | Columbus Alive
Sambusas
Suddenly, it seems like sambusas are everywhere. If you’ve had Indian samosas, fried pastries filled with meats, veggies and spices, you’ll recognize a Somali sambusa. To find these triangle starters and other Somali dishes like chicken suqaar, head to Hoyo’s Kitchen, which now has locations on the North Side and in the North Market on Spruce Street. [After publication, Hoyo’s announced that a third location is coming to North Market Bridge Park, with a focus on sambusas.] Afra Grill, located on Morse Road, is an exciting new addition to the food scene that serves fast-casual Somali fare. And The Mix Charcoal Chicken marries together two seemingly disparate food traditions—Peruvian and Somali. The Karl Road restaurant serves Peruvian rotisserie chicken as well as sambusas and Somali-style rice.
The Randy Watson at Frank & Carl’s Tim Johnson | Columbus Alive
Sandwiches
Searching for solid between-bread options? Columbus’ most famous sandwich spot is Katzinger’s Delicatessen, which now offers double the deli fun with the original location in German Village and a newish storefront in Dublin. Not far away, the fledgling sub and bagel sandwich spot Frank & Carl’s is making waves in Bridge Park. Brown Bag Delicatessen has stayed busy during the pandemic turning out fantastic sandwiches, pasta salads and more in German Village. Sí Señor Peruvian Sandwiches & More is closed Downtown, but the Grandview café remains open serving hefty roast turkey or pork sandwiches with cilantro pasta salad. Some of the best sandwiches in town are the tortas being served at hole-in-the wall La Super Torta on the West Side. And don’t forget Katalina’s, the Latin-inspired cafe in Harrison West and Clintonville. We recommend the Breakfast Chick ’Wich or the Mazatlan Slow-Roasted Pork & Egg Sandwich.
Sushi dinner for two at Jonys Sushi Tim Johnson | Columbus Monthly
Sushi
Let’s face it, excellent sushi is hard to come by in land-locked Columbus, but some local spots are filling the void. Japanese Marketplace in Northwest Columbus is home to two very different but very good sushi spots. For a more formal dinner, the Japanese restaurant Akai Hana, open since 1986, serves the best sushi in the city. The menu offers other options like bowls of udon or soba, Korean bulgogi and teriyaki. Just a few steps away is the more casual Sushi Ten, located next to Tensuke Market. Jonys Sushi, primarily a carryout operation, is a welcome addition to burger- and breakfast-heavy Thurman Avenue in German Village. The Short North sushi spot The 1126 Restaurant and Oshio in Fifth by Northwest are other standouts for getting your nigiri and sashimi fix.