Blossoming in Texas

Sakura (cherry blossoms) flower each year in Japan, and draw many tourists from around the globe who are looking to see this beautiful sight for themselves. The establishment of Hayashi Japanese Restaurant in 2009 was an event in and of itself. Like sakura blossoms, the restaurant has been embraced by the residents of Lubbock, Texas. The tasty Japanese dishes and exquisite sushi offered at Hayashi have become a must-try for both residents and those visiting alike.

Hayashi is a place where innovation counts for a lot. Owner, Andy Liu often quotes “Globalization” inventor Ted Levitt when describing why innovation is such an important concept at the restaurant. “Mr. Levitt referred to innovation as a spark that promoted change and I feel the same way too,” Andy explains. The West Texas Roll, named after the location of the restaurant, is quite a novelty for many customers, and even hardcore fans of Japanese cuisine and sushi. The wrap is specially made from soybean, instead of the normal purple seaweed wrap. Comparing with the latter one, the former is more nutritious and will bring you a different dining experience.

Apart from the ever popular sushi, the hibachi and teriyaki are also well-received. One of the dishes called Sea & Land is where the chefs’ experience is condensed into one dish. They draw on the experience of other restaurants and make some improvements, which results in the distinctive flavor of this particular dish. It is made of shrimp, chicken, and filet, which together are a perfect combo.

In the shape of a dragon, a rabbit, or even a flower: the elegant presentation of the rolls and sushi will always be another reason why the customers keep on coming back time and time again. The various presentations remind customers of Oriental scenery, which to them is a feast for the eyes. You may order a combination of several kinds of sushi, which are served on a wooden boat. As you dine you will be taking the boat on a wonderful culinary journey through Japanese cuisine.

If you are seeking healthy food, look no further than Hayashi Japanese Restaurant. They offer gluten-free food, which caters to current dining trends. But even then, the prices on the menu are quite reasonable. Everything offered is fresh and clean.

How can a meal be satisfactory without a good drink? You don’t have to worry about this at Hayashi. There is a big bar inside that dwarfs the bars at other Japanese restaurants. You may take a seat at the bar table and watch the chefs prepare sushi. Of course, you can not help ordering some drinks. At the bar, a large variety of drinks are available, such as saké cocktails, white wines, red wines, beer, etc. Besides drinks and other beverages, ice cream is also offered.

If you patronize this restaurant, you will also find that new items pop up periodically. The great selection is one of the highlights of the menu. If you have trouble deciding what to order, go ahead and ask the friendly staff to recommend some dishes to you.

The wait staff is more than willing to recommend some delicious treats to you that will be just what you are looking for. If you just looking to try something they like eating you can ask them too and they will quickly tell you what their favorites are and why they like that particular menu item. This results in excellent service and patrons will often turn to their “exclusive” waiter or waitress when they make their order.

The staff does their jobs based on a strict standard. Only those who pass the menu-testing can get the job. They must memorize the menu and the characteristics of every dish. This explains why the staff can always give you the best recommendations possible.

If you have kids, you’ll also want to go to Hayashi. Children will enjoy the atmosphere, as the chefs do tricks to entertain them at the hibachi stove. Looking at the flames on the stove is already a great experience that gets you ready to feast on the delicious offerings that are prepared on it. Some customers have mentioned that they are glued to this sight even before anything hits the grill.

Of course, the décor of the restaurant is another bonus for the customers. On the walls hang many paintings of Japanese beauties in kimonos. In the middle of the restaurant there is a small pond, where you’ll see a school of fish swimming around in bliss. Customers sometimes stand up and watch the fishes while they are waiting for the dishes. Thus, customers find the restaurant is able to cater to both the palate and the eyes. Private rooms are available for business meetings or parties. Customers can enjoy the quiet ambience as they sit on the comfortable tatamis.

Andy, the owner of the restaurant, has been in the restaurant business for more than a decade. Moving to the US years ago, he found work at restaurants which allowed him to build on his culinary knowledge. Before opening Hayashi, he had attempted to open a Chinese buffet. And so, it was a challenge for him to change direction and run a Japanese restaurant. So far he has done quite well.

“As a restaurant which has only been open for two years, we may have some disadvantages in certain aspects, but we will improve ourselves and continue to make progress as time goes on. I feel indebted to all the customers who have supported me and will focus on keeping them happy. I will always stick to the original intention of opening the restaurant which is to serve great food to customers,” says Andy.

Unlike the transience of the blossoms, which stun many with their extreme beauty and relatively short lifespan, Hayashi Japanese Restaurant is capable of enjoying ever-lasting popularity.

Hayashi Japanese Restaurant

Location: 4220 82nd Street, Lubbock, Texas 79423 
Phone: 806-792-6868
Offers: Dine-in & Take-out
Cuisine: Japanese cuisine, Sushi
Signature Dishes: Sushi, West Texas Roll, Sea & Land, Teriyaki Chicken
Capacity: 220
Year of Establishment: 2009