“Do you think we should get potstickers?” As the couple at the register inspects the menu, which is a series of beautifully carved wooden paddles hanging on the wall that each represent a different dish, I can’t help but wonder, how is that even a question? Get 8 potstickers, hell, get 30 and find yourself in the most amazing food coma ever. Its changing weekly specials, not-so-common dishes, and casual dining atmosphere help show just how unique PinkU is. And really, whatever you end up ordering, you can’t go wrong as PinkU continues to impress. 

I think it can be difficult to find a Japanese restaurant in the Twin Cities that isn’t a sushi restaurant first and everything else Japanese cuisine second. The Twin Cities, like most of America, embraced the sushi boom and never really looked back (think about it, Fujiya, Origami, Tango Sushi, even the new/modern Masu Sushi). Then, another movement hit the streets of downtown, and we started to see more and more foodtrucks hanging out during the lunch and happy hours. With those tiny kitchens on wheels, we started to see more of a focus on affordable, amazingly delicious, street food.  So, why not PinkU? 

As you walk around Hennepin Ave in Northeast, it is pretty easy to spot PinkU. Its sign, with vibrant pink flowers, pops against a black backdrop that hangs over an entrance that’s blasted in bright yellow (as if it has been highlighted with a marker). Inside is just as unique, with black walls filled with amazing graphic art, like the giant flowered fish mural at the back of the restaurant. The space is long and narrow, seating maybe 30 people, but stylish and modern with an open kitchen layout so you can see the food prepared fresh. Everything is served to you in minutes on a simple, shiny, silver bento-box-esque cafeteria tray, which only adds to the casual “street food” feel.

With its original and creative menu, it is easy to get addicted to what PinkU has to offer. It's where authentic Japanese dishes and treats meet a creative and original way to get your food. This isn't a sushi restaurant, this isn't a teppanyaki grill: this is Japanese street food. And the best part? They make it all about you. Really!

Though their sushi is delicious, fresh, and hits the spot, this isn't a "sushi" restaurant (like I said). Don't expect to get a chef-selected sushi platter. Looking for a large order of fried tempura? I'd go somewhere else. Want to spend like $40-50 a person? This place will run you to $20 or under, each. Imagine that, an affordable Japanese restaurant where you don't have to sacrifice quality.

Instead of looking for that 20-piece sushi platter, plan on selecting 2 or 3 items off PinKU's menu (or however many items you want, you're a hungry Minnesotan after all!) like the jumbo crispy shrimp on a bed of Japanese rice (or radish noodles if you want to eat what your food eats). So tender on the inside and so crisp on the outside, you might regret only ordering one.  And the sauce those shrimp come with! Oh my goodness, you could live in it. 

I also can't not talk about the "Crispy Rice" dishes. Instead of putting spicy tuna or a seared slice of salmon on a cold ball of sticky rice, PinKU does something different and crisps up the rice base. Think a plain fried rice turned up to 11 and used as the rice pad for your fish of choice. My only complaint is you don't get more of them per order! 

What about something more "traditional" like sushi? They still have items like seared salmon on rice, spicy tuna poke (pok), and then, of course, the "fat rolls" -- traditional sushi rolls with spicy tuna or seared salmon (and by seared, I mean touched with a blowtorch). 

Whatever you decide for yourself, be absolutely sure to then share an order of the delicious, hot, fresh, and juicy potstickers. To repeat, because it is important and I am not sure you read correctly: GET ALL THE POTSTICKERS YOU CAN. Perfectly fried and crispy on one side, they are succulent all around. The best part, at least for me, is that you can really taste the time, love, and thoughtfulness put into each dish. The depth of flavors is immense, the quality of the ingredients is high, and everything is just so fresh. One bite of a potsticker travels you thousands of miles to the house of a Japanese grandmother putting love into each dish. And really, isn’t that what street food is all about? Easy to eat, simply made, not too flashy, perfectly delicious, comfort food. PinkU takes these dishes from home, combines amazing flavors and textures, and brings you to a place that’s brand new yet feels so familiar and homey. The chefs just care. Nuff said.  So, what to get? Everything... but especially the shrimp and the potstickers. But especially everything. How perfect.