A Lithuanian couple’s love of sushi has earned them praise from loyal West End diners. Sushi Den is owned and operated by Alicija Naus, 45, and Jerry Osipovic, 46, who moved to Aberdeen 10 years ago. Residing in , learning how to make sushi began as a hobby for the couple back in 2016 before eventually taking delivery orders from their home.
Once they had mastered the craft, they moved into their own premises – then named Ninja Sushi – on Albyn Grove in the West End of Aberdeen in 2021. Alicija prepares the meals while Jerry attends to customers and is also the resident bartender. Having rebranded in 2023 and now known as Sushi Den, the duo have built up a loyal customer base who enjoy the intimate atmosphere and their unique take on sushi.
Alicija said: “In Lithuania, we have plenty of good sushi restaurants, but when we came here there weren’t any good places so we ended up making it ourselves.” Sushi Den caters to West End sushi lovers Most of the dishes Alicija creates are based on what she likes. “I always wants to make good food for people to enjoy,” she told The Press and Journal.
She loves to put a local twist on traditional Japanese cuisine, which includes adding ready-salted crisps to sushi rolls. It adds to the texture, she says, and is “loved by kids” as more local families discover the appeal of eating sushi. Sushi Den uses locally sourced ingredients such as Loch Duart salmon, but also offers traditional Saki, which he incorporates into cockt.