SBY culinary delights in Jogja choose mentai sushi, this is the complete recipe to make yourself at home

illustration photo: Gemini AI

Brilio.net – The visit of the 6th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) to Yogyakarta always attracts public attention. Not only official agenda matters, SBY also took the time to taste local culinary delights. Interestingly, when they stopped by a coffee shop in the Kotabaru area, Monday (9/2/2026), SBY and his entourage chose mentai sushi as their meal menu.

Sby Culinary Jogja
photo: Instagram/sushikotabaru.dijogja

This Japanese dish with a savory sauce and smoky aroma is very popular in Indonesia. The good news is, you don’t need to bother going to an expensive restaurant to enjoy it. Check out the complete guide below.

Material

A. Sushi Rice Ingredients

Mentai sushi recipe
© 2026 brilio.net illustration/Gemini AI

– 300 grams of warm white rice (choose fluffier rice)
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or lime juice)
– 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
– 1/4 tsp salt

B. Mentai Sauce Ingredients

Mentai sushi recipe
© 2026 brilio.net illustration/Gemini AI

– 5 tablespoons Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie brand recommended)
– 1 tablespoon chili sauce
– 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
– 1 tbsp tobiko (flying fish roe)
– 1 tsp lemon juice

C. Filling & Topping Ingredients (Choose according to taste)

Mentai sushi recipe
© 2026 brilio.net illustration/Gemini AI

– Nori (dried seaweed) large sheets
– Fresh salmon, kani stick (crab sticks), or thinly sliced ​​beef
– Japanese cucumber (Kyuri), remove seeds and cut lengthwise
– Roasted sesame seeds for final sprinkling

How to make

1. Processing Rice: Transfer the hot rice to a container, then pour in the vinegar, sugar and salt mixture. Stir with a chopping motion using a rice ladle so it doesn’t crumble. Fan the rice until it is lukewarm until it looks shiny.

2. Mixing the Sauce: Mix all the mentai sauce ingredients in one container. Stir until smooth and the color changes to reddish. Put it in a sauce bottle or plastic triangle.

3. Preparing the Filling: Slice salmon or beef lengthwise. If you like the cooked version, sauté it briefly. For kani sticks, simply boil them briefly in boiling water.

4. Sushi Rolls: Prepare a bamboo rolling pin (makisu). Place the nori, spread the rice on top (leave 2 cm of empty space at the top of the nori). Arrange the cucumber and protein at the bottom of the rice, then roll it gently while pressing firmly to make it compact.

5. Cutting Sushi: Use a very sharp knife. Lightly dampen the blade with water to prevent the rice from sticking, then cut the roll into pieces.

6. Completion (Steam): Arrange the sushi on a heatproof plate. Drizzle mentai sauce over each piece. Use a gas torch to burn the sauce until it is brown and smells smoky. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

Tips for Shopping for Sushi Ingredients in Indonesia

Many people think that sushi ingredients are only available in specialty stores, but now they are very affordable:

– Shopping Locations: Supermarkets such as Superindo, Alfamidi, Hypermart, and Indomaret now provide Nori and Japanese mayonnaise on international shelves. For Tobiko and Kani Stick, check the frozen food section.

– Price: One pack of Nori containing 10 sheets usually ranges from IDR 25,000 – IDR 45,000. A small 150 gr bottle of Japanese mayonnaise is around IDR 35,000. The cost of making your own sushi is much more economical than eating at a restaurant, especially since 1 roll can be cut into several pieces.

FAQ How to Make Mentai Sushi

1. What is the most appropriate and halal substitute for rice vinegar?

Use a mixture of lime/lemon juice with a little sugar to balance the sour taste.

2. How do you cut sushi so it doesn’t fall apart?

Use a very sharp knife and wipe with a damp cloth after each cut to prevent any remaining rice from sticking to it.

3. Can you create a burn effect (Aburi) without a gas torch?

You can use the oven at high temperature (top heat) for 1-2 minutes, but the results are not as smoky as using a torch.

4. Where to buy Tobiko in small areas?

You can look for it at a cake ingredients shop or order via an online marketplace that provides sameday/frozen food delivery.

5. Can sushi rice be stored in the refrigerator for tomorrow?

Not recommended because the rice will harden. Sushi should be made and eaten immediately when fresh.

(brl/tin)