Get to Know - Nori Table

From Ōtautahi, Christchurch we are excited to introduce you to one of our decent customers, Nori Table.

Nori Table offers a premium selection of sushi. Their beautiful range is made from the freshest ingredients making their sushi delicious, high quality, and healthy.

We sat down with Jini to chat all things sushi, sustainable packaging and more....

Can you please tell our readers a bit about yourself and how you got into the hospitality industry?

Nice to meet you, we are Jini and Ted who are the owners of the Nori Table. 

My passion for the hospitality industry started when I was young. I grew up in a family that valued food and cooking, and my parents were always experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. From an early age, I was exposed to a range of flavours and ingredients, which sparked my interest in cooking and food.

When I was old enough to start working, I got a job as a kitchen hand in a local restaurant. I enjoyed the fast-paced environment and the camaraderie of the kitchen team. It was a great opportunity for me to learn new skills and gain experience in the industry.

After several years of working in different kitchens, I decided to pursue my dream of opening my own sushi shop. I had always loved sushi and was passionate about bringing high-quality, fresh sushi to my community. I spent months researching the industry, perfecting my recipes, and finding the best ingredients to use.

Finally, I opened my own sushi shop, and it has been an incredible experience. I love being able to share my passion for sushi with my customers and create a welcoming and enjoyable experience for them. Owning a sushi shop has allowed me to combine my love of food with my passion for hospitality.

Can you tell us about the Nori Table and how it all started?

I always dreamt that Nori Table would be serving a sophisticated dining experience that is focused on delivering the highest quality sushi and Japanese fusion cuisine. So, I am trying to offer a range of traditional and innovative dishes that showcase and passion for the cuisine. Nori Table has become a beloved spot for sushi lovers in Christchurch. 

When I moved to this city, I noticed that there was a lack of sushi bars that offered the kind of high-quality, traditional sushi that I was used to experiencing back home. That's when I decided to start my own sushi bar, with the goal of providing the kind of authentic, delicious sushi that I knew people in this city would appreciate. It has been a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience, and I feel fortunate to be able to share my love of sushi with the community.

For our sushi lovers out there, what would you recommend they try first from your menu?

We highly recommend experiencing every sushi, but if I had to choose, I would choose our soy chicken yakitori. We believe that this dish will undoubtedly impress your palate with its succulent and savoury taste. This will invite you to indulge in the unique and delectable experience that offers.

Overall, there are many delicious and exciting sushi options to try at the Nori Table. Whether you're a sushi lover or new to the cuisine, there's something for everyone on the menu. 

You work in such a beautiful space, how did you design the interiors of your shops?

We set on a design to provide an eco-friendly and welcoming atmosphere that allows our customers to enjoy their meals in a relaxed and comfortable setting. We take pride in our attention to detail, from the presentation of our dishes to the exceptional service that we provide. My goal was to provide a memorable and enjoyable dining experience for each and every customer that walks through our doors.

What made you decide to use our sustainable packaging?

There are several reasons that I decided to use decents sustainable packaging.

I was thinking that sustainable packaging can help to reduce the environmental impact of the business by minimizing waste and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, consumers are getting increasingly concerned about environmental issues and are seeking out businesses that are prioritising sustainability.

What day-to-day sustainable business practices do you do at the Nori table?

The Nori Table has been prioritising sustainable sourcing practices, such as using sustainably harvested seafood, choosing organic and locally sourced ingredients, and minimizing food waste by utilizing all parts of the ingredients.

The Nori Table minimises waste by using reusable dishware and utensils, providing customers with reusable containers for takeout, and using compostable materials for packaging.

Furthermore, we implement energy-efficient practices, such as using energy-efficient lighting, turning off appliances when not in use, and optimizing the heating and cooling systems.

What is the best advice you can give to someone wanting to open their own business?

In my experience, starting a business can be a challenging and sometimes stressful process, so it's important to have a strong sense of perseverance and passion for the business. Maintaining a positive attitude, staying focused on long-term goals, and being willing to put in the hard work can help to overcome obstacles and achieve success in the long run.

Being based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, what are some of your favourite things about what the city and its community has to offer?

Firstly, Christchurch is a multicultural city, which means that there is a diverse range of people living here with different backgrounds, cultures and tastes. This diversity makes it possible for me to experiment with a range of sushi flavours and styles to cater to the tastes of my customers.

Secondly, Christchurch has a strong local food culture, which encourages the support of locally grown and produced foods. This culture has enabled me to source fresh and locally grown ingredients to make my sushi, making the Nori Table unique and fresh.

Thirdly, Christchurch is a city that values quality and sustainability, which aligns with my values as a sushi shop owner. I prioritize sustainability and quality in the sourcing of my ingredients, and I am proud to be part of a community that values these same principles.

Finally, the people of Christchurch are friendly and supportive. The community is known for coming together to support local businesses, which has been essential for my sushi shop's success. I have enjoyed getting to know my customers, and I appreciate their loyalty and support. Overall, I am grateful to be part of the Ōtautahi Christchurch community and look forward to continuing to serve delicious sushi to locals and visitors alike.