Before opening Sumo Japanese Fusion Sushi, Jessica Chen worked in Japanese restaurants for 10 years, and Calvin Lin apprenticed under a sushi chef in New York for eight. After getting married, they wanted to combine their knowledge and passion for food by opening a restaurant. “We needed to create something of our own, and we are both still young and able to do so; that is our wealth,” says Chen. The couple briefly lived in North Carolina and were looking to start a restaurant there, but family and friends encouraged them to look closer to New York. Finding the location in the Lehigh Valley was a “eureka moment” for them. “Everyone here is so friendly, it's like one big family,” says Chen. “It reminds me of a small Brooklyn.” Sumo Sushi takes pride in their customers by displaying Polaroids of their regulars on a bulletin board.
Sumo Sushi offers traditional and fusion sushi, hot Japanese entrées and neo-Asian dishes. A popular fusion roll is the Fire Dragon, made with spicy tuna and jalapeños and topped with freshwater eel, avocado, tempura crunch and spicy aioli. Sumo Sushi's atmosphere is modern, with high exposed ceilings, while still being warm, bright and inviting. They also cater and are a BYOB establishment. Kampai! (Cheers!)
3174 W. Tilghman St., Allentown | 610.351.1887 | sumoallentown.com
