A Rainbow of Options at a Local Sushi Spot

Big things come in small packages, and this is definitely the case for Germantown’s Rainbow Sushi. Located on 18076 Mateny Road, this American-Asian restaurant serves vibrant and fresh sushi as well as Japanese and Thai inspired dishes.

Rainbow opened in 2003, employing Chinese natives Chef Ken Zheng and brother Chef John Zheng. Chef Ken began his career as a sushi chef in Toronto, and trained in Tokyo. He moved to Maryland to work at the Japan House in Aberdeen. Chef John began his career as a sushi chef in Tokyo, later coming to Maryland to work with his brother at Rainbow. Eight years later, Rainbow customers say the food’s freshness keeps them coming back.

 “We come here often. At least two or three times a month. The food is delicious,” said Germantown resident Ceclilia Krause.

First-time customer Joey Piemontese of Germantown ordered the Udon noodles.

“The noodles are really good and the vegetables are fresh,” Piemontese said.  The stir-fry consists of thick handmade noodles, vegetables, and chicken.

 Most customers choose to get carry-out, but a few people enjoy the well-lit, inviting atmosphere in Rainbow’s tiny dining room. The five-seat sushi bar is set in the back of the restaurant and is great for an intimate date. Piemontese described the atmosphere as “contemporary.”

“The people here are so nice,” said Chris Daylor of Germantown. The waitress and the hostess promptly bring out food and make sure to cater to each customer’s needs.

According to rainbow’s hostess, most people come in to get sushi. Sushi does not always contain raw fish. Rolls can be ordered with smoked fish, shrimp, crab, or even just vegetables. Sashimi is slices of raw fish served with or without rice.

The fish, delivered every two days, is fresh and colorful. All rolls are reasonably priced, starting at $4.25 for a Maki roll and $10.50 for a special roll. The California, spicy tuna, and Alaskan rolls, all American favorites, are spectacular. 

Each roll is perfectly rolled and beautifully laid out on the plate. Some unusual options include the decadent teriyaki beef or chicken and asparagus roll and the kamikaze roll—avocado and crunchy bits with spicy sauce.

Experienced sushi eaters will enjoy the selection of special rolls that Rainbow has to offer. The ‘First Sight of Love’ roll is packed with fresh ingredients including crabmeat, shrimp, salmon, avocado, fish egg, finished with wasabi mayonnaise and spicy sauce.

The restaurant serves a variety of dragon rolls including the Red Dragon Maki – tuna wrapped around a shrimp tempura roll — and the Thai Dragon Maki – a shrimp tempura roll topped with mango and salmon.

Although most regulars come for the sushi, the rest of the menu should not be overlooked. For an appetizer, the homemade rainbow dumplings – stuffed with pork, shrimp, and vegetables – are a great choice. The sushi pizza, which can either be ordered with salmon or tuna, melts in your mouth. The golden fried sushi rice is the perfect complement to the sashimi delicately laid on top. The creamy crab salad with cucumber is also delicious.

For an entrée Daylor recommends the drunken noodles. The wide rice noodles are served with chicken, chili, basil and onions. Penny Creel enjoys the salmon teriyaki. The chef’s special entrees are served with miso soup and a salad.

Other entrée choices include crispy sesame beef, Thai yellow curry, and pad Thai, a traditional Thai dish made with stir-fried noodles, peanuts, egg, bean sprouts, and a choice of chicken, beef or shrimp.

None of the dinner entrees exceed $10.50.

For dessert, the restaurant serves mocha ice cream, a dumpling filled with ice cream. Choose from vanilla, green tea, red bean, mango, and strawberry.

When asked if he would be back, Piemontese said, “Yes, and I am coming with friends!”