When we think of modern Japanese dining, we often think of the sushi train. But the truth is, the modern sushi train is far from traditional – it was actually invented in the 1950s by Yoshiaki Shiraishi as a way to ease the burden on waiting staff.
Since then, it’s become a staple. Who doesn’t love the entertainment of the sushi train, with delicious, freshly-made sushi trundling right in front of your nose?
However, not everyone’s satisfied with current sushi train technology. Some forward-thinking sushi pros are starting to wonder if sushi trains are falling behind the times – and whether there’s room for serious sushi train innovation.
Are they right? Let’s find out!
The Traditional Sushi Train Experience
Chances are, you’re familiar with the modern sushi train. A 2014 study found that the percentage of Australians who loved eating sushi had risen to 40% – and that was over a decade ago! These days, it’s one of the most popular cuisines in the country.
For those who don’t know, the sushi train experience essentially offers a revolving offering of dishes which slide past diners on a conveyer belt-type system. Dishes are often colour-coded by price so the restaurant can come up with a fair bill at the end.
The beauty of the sushi train? It allows casual diners to choose their meal based on how delicious it looks – not just how it sounds on a menu!
Problems With the Modern Sushi Train
For most casual diners, the sushi train experience is super fun. However, for restaurateurs, they can present a few issues. For example:
- Wastage – instead of making sushi to order, you’re making lots of sushi, some of which won’t get eaten.
- Guesswork – diners can’t customise their orders the way they might be able to in a standard sit-down restaurant.
- Health risks – it’s harder to ensure diners are aware of allergy information when “everything’s on the table”.
This is where sushi train innovation comes in. Let’s see how innovative companies are changing the way we think about the sushi train experience:
Innovative Sushi Train Technology to Get Excited About
Okay, we haven’t seen a total sushi train revolution just yet. But behind the scenes, several innovators and sushi restaurateurs are rethinking the way sushi train technology works. Their aim? To bring modern solutions to modern diners.
Let’s see what they’re cooking up:
- RFID & plate tracking – some smart sushi train restaurants are implementing sensors into their trains. Why? These sensors can do two things: firstly, monitor freshness, making sure every dish on offer is perfectly delicious. Secondly, they can actually track what customers are taking. This means they might be able to adjust their offerings to sell more of what customers really want.
- Tablet ordering systems – instead of sending out a huge variety of dishes, some sushi restaurants are offering tablets, where diners can order exactly what they want, how they want it. This approach combines the customisability of traditional dining with the fun and excitement of the sushi train experience!
- Express lanes – a few companies are considering ways to implement more individualised sushi trains, such as bullet train-style belts that bring special orders directly to their destination in less time.
Culinary Innovations on the Belt
As well as spicing up sushi train technology itself, many sushi providers are thinking up new ways to energise the whole sushi experience. One way is by expanding beyond traditional sushi:
- Beyond sushi – sushi trains are increasingly bringing customers other Japanese meals, like ramen bowls, desserts, fusion rolls, even plant-based sushi.
- Premium offerings – some tech-savvy owners are offering highly polished sushi dishes designed specially for display and Instagram appeal.
- Health-conscious sushi – every day, we’re seeing more and more alternatives, like gluten-free soy sauce and low-carb rice, to meet modern diners’ needs.
How Sustainability is Driving Change
It’s not just customer tastes that are pushing sushi train innovation. It’s sustainability, too. Studies show that consumers are increasingly seeking out sustainable alternatives – and are willing to pay more for them.
Many sushi companies and restaurants are taking sustainability seriously and much of the technological innovations in the industry are designed to combat unsustainable practices.
For example, smart sushi train tech, like RFID sensors, are designed to track uneaten items and remove expired dishes. This makes sushi dining both safer and more economical for the restaurant (as they’re not wasting money on wasted dishes).
Likewise, there’s a big push to use sustainable seafood and eco-friendly packaging and plates.
All of these efforts help to bring sushi dining into the new age.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Sushi Trains
All the innovations we’ve discussed today are currently taking place. However, where might sushi dining go in the future? What might sushi dining look like in five or ten years? Let’s explore:
- Full automation – could there come a day when sushi trains are operated entirely by automated systems, perhaps even with robots making the food?
- AI – as AI becomes more advanced, we can imagine that restaurants might implement it to predict what customers want in advance.
- VR experiences – is it possible diners will soon be able to enjoy VR-enhanced sushi dining experiences, perhaps with friends from across the world?
- Efficiency & artistry – whatever happens on the technological side to increase sushi dining efficiency, we’re certain pro sushi chefs will continue to wow us with human-driven skill and artistry, perhaps in new and unexpected ways!
Experience Modern Sushi Train Dining at Its Best
Sushi trains continue to endure as a go-to dining experience in Australia and around the world. But nothing remains the same forever. Top sushi chefs and caterers are always thinking of new ways to improve sushi-lovers’ experiences, be it through waste-reducing tech or health-conscious culinary expansion.
The good news is, you don’t need to settle for below-par sushi! With innovative sushi caterers like Sushi Jiro now in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, mouthwatering sushi is just around the corner. Discover our locations and order online today!