In the world of conveyor belt sushi, two names reign highest, in fierce competition with one another: Sushiro and Kura Sushi. Originating from Japan, both chains have stores all over Taiwan specializing in small plates of sushi delivered on conveyor belts that make their way around the restaurant, providing customers with a consistent variety of sushi to choose from. The restaurants also provide tablets with menu options that allow customers to make specific orders to be delivered directly to their tables. Though the two chains have a similar concept, it’s safe to say they have their differences, which are put to the test as we put the two head-to-head and decide which is better.

Quality: Sushiro 

The fish in both restaurants taste relatively fresh, less so when you take from the conveyor belt, though. Considering the fish stays on the conveyor belt for longer periods, it’s almost always better to order directly from the tablet. The prices are also pretty similar between the two, with Kura Sushi’s sushi priced at 40nt each, with some more expensive cuts priced at 80NT. Likewise, Sushiro’s options are mostly 40nt as well, though their more expensive options are mostly priced at 60NT instead of 80NT.

Cleanliness: Kura 

Because meals at these restaurants are designed to be convenient and efficient, cleanliness may not necessarily be a priority for workers as they switch between ushering guests in and attending to the needs of customers. However, Kura definitely takes the win on sanitation this round. The tables were fully wiped down and sanitized before I was sat at the table. At Sushiro, on the other hand, we found soy sauce that hadn’t been wiped up on some parts of the table and patches of mysterious sticky residue on others, which extended to the tablet screens as well.

Menu Options: Equally good 

In terms of selection, both restaurants offer a variety of sushi, from classic nigiri to more unique options such as Truffle Cream Beef sushi and Fried Chicken sushi. With over 10 pages of menu items, there almost certainly is something for everyone. For those who dislike raw fish, there is a range of grilled and cooked sushi options to choose from. For those who dislike sushi in general, there are soups, fried dishes and noodle dishes. The menus of both restaurants are also often updated with new and seasonal items. However, Kura is still slightly better, considering how often they introduce new items to their menus.

P.S. One thing to add that makes the Kura Sushi experience slightly more fun than Sushiro is the element of prizes. Stationed on top of each table is a gachapon, a vending machine-dispensed capsule toys with different prizes inside. Each time five plates are pushed into the chute, a game plays determining whether or not you win a prize. Though it’s by chance, customers are almost always guaranteed to win at least one prize during their meal. Kura Sushi even collaborates with companies such as Sanrio and other anime companies for events that provide newly designed prizes, making eating a plate of sushi that much more enjoyable.

Final Verdict:

Ultimately, though it was a close call, Kura Sushi takes the win as the better conveyor belt sushi mainly due to their cleanliness and gachapon element. However, both restaurants serve up equally delicious food, and I’d recommend both for a casual meal.