Fort Bend County, renowned for its diverse cultural palate, has recently become home to a new culinary hotspot, Bonsai Hibachi and Sushi, which opened its doors in Sugar Land. The establishment, which prides itself on serving halal meat to accommodate the sizeable Muslim community in the area, has been met with positive responses since its launch. According to a Houston Chronicle interview, co-owner Vitcha 'Noom' Janthrakat acknowledged the patronage, stating, "The business was steady until the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020. To adapt, we introduced special to-go options, making our food more affordable and ensuring customers could enjoy the same restaurant-quality experience at home."
The Sugar Land venue, a spacious 3,764-square-foot dine-in area with the capacity to comfortably seat 120 guests, is the second establishment in Fort Bend County for Janthrakat and his partner. They initially began offering halal meat in 2009 at their first restaurant, Bonsai Fusion Japanese Steakhouse in Copperfield. Janthrakat, who has 20 years of experience as a chef, taps into his Thai roots to bring a broad spectrum of flavors and techniques to the table. He revealed to the Houston Chronicle that his culinary journey began at a sushi bar in Ohio and has since been a continuous exploration of Japanese cuisine.
Amidst the array of hibachi rib-eye steak, chicken, grilled salmon, sushi rolls, and yaki udon noodles that populate the menu, Bonsai doesn't fall short of delivering a sensational gastronomic experience. The Sugar Land outpost, as the Facebook post highlights, has a distinct atmosphere compared to its predecessor. It boasts a larger and brighter dining room, and exclusively serves halal food, with a clear note that no alcohol is available on the premises. Patrons can look forward to a meaty experience with Crescent chicken, while partaking in the same extensive menu as the original location, including items like the Beef Carpaccio appetizer.
Located at 4849 Sweetwater Boulevard, Bonsale Hibachi, and Sushi invites the community of Sugar Land to explore its Japanese offerings, ensuring those in the neighborhood have a chance to indulge in a dining experience that’s both affordable and halal. This initiative echoes the growing trend of inclusive culinary practices in the bustling Houston metroplex.
